The morning after the fire, Emily became the center of attention.
News of her rescue had spread through the hotel overnight.
Staff who once whispered behind her back now looked at her differently.
With respect.
Some even admiration.
But peace in the Moretti Grand Hotel never lasted long.
At 10:00 a.m., a black luxury car arrived at the front entrance.
Out stepped a woman in a cream designer coat and dark sunglasses.
Tall.
Elegant.
Effortlessly beautiful.
The moment Sophia saw her, her expression changed.
Emily noticed immediately.
"Who is she?"
Sophia answered quietly:
"Camille Laurent."
Emily frowned.
"The name sounds familiar."
Sophia gave her a careful look.
"It should."
She lowered her voice.
"She was engaged to Alexander."
Emily froze.
Camille entered the lobby like she already owned it.
Guests turned to stare.
Staff straightened instantly.
When Alexander came down from the executive elevator and saw her—
For the first time since Emily had met him,
He looked genuinely surprised.
Camille removed her sunglasses and smiled.
"Alexander."
Her voice was smooth silk.
Alexander's expression hardened.
"What are you doing here?"
Camille glanced toward Emily.
Then said calmly:
"I came back for what belongs to me."
Emily felt ice move through her chest.
That evening, Alexander said very little at dinner.
Emily could not stop replaying Camille's words in her mind.
Finally she asked:
"Were you in love with her?"
Alexander set down his glass.
"That is none of your concern."
Emily looked away quickly.
"Of course."
But Alexander kept watching her.
And quietly added:
"The engagement ended years ago."
Emily said nothing.
Yet for reasons she refused to admit—
That answer mattered.