Chapter 49

Third-Person POV

The Metropolitan Museum glowed with old-world grandeur, transformed for the annual Children’s Heart Foundation gala. Crystal chandeliers cast golden light over Manhattan’s elite as they paraded in designer gowns and bespoke tuxedos, diamonds glittering like stars brought down to earth. Waiters moved silently through the crowd with champagne flutes balanced on silver trays, while a string quartet played Mozart in the background.

Camille Kane stood near a display of ancient Greek sculptures, outwardly calm though her mind raced with calculations. This was her first major event without Victoria’s watchful presence, a test of her ability to navigate the shark-infested waters of high society alone. She wore a midnight blue gown that whispered over marble floors as she moved, her surgical alterations and months of training giving her the confidence to meet curious stares with cool indifference.

“Ms. Kane,” a silver-haired museum trustee approached