SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 11

CAMILLE'S POINT OF VIEW

"Stanford University, class of 2016. Summa cum laude. Double major in Economics and Computer Science."

I stared at the diploma in my hands, the heavy paper embossed with gold seals and signatures. My name, Camille Kane written in elegant calligraphy across the center. A degree I never earned from a university I'd never attended. "How is this possible?" I asked, running my finger over the raised seal. It felt real. Everything felt real. Victoria sat across from me in her priva to-

ceiling bookshelves. A massive desk separated us, covered with documents spread out like puzzle pieces forming my new life. "Money opens many doors," she said, sliding another folder toward me. "People a at graduation. The woman in the pictures looked like me, but with subtle differences, straightened hair, confident posture, designer clothes I'd never owned.

"That's not me," I whispered, touching the smiling graduate's face.

“Digital manipulation. Quite good, isn't it? We had an expert blend your features with photos of a real Stanford graduate. Just enough to pass as you if no one looks too closely."

1 moved to the next document. Harvard Business School acceptance letter, followed by more transcripts, more doctored photos.

"MBA with focus on venture capital and

emerging markets, Victoria continued, watching me closely. "You were quiet but brilliant. Professors remember you as intensely private but insightful."

"And these professors will confirm this if asked?"

Victoria's smile was thin. "They already have. Three different background checks from various business publications have contacted them. All received the same carefully constructed memories of the remarkabl My head spun. The depth of the deception was staggering. An entire life constructed from nothing, solid enough to withstand scrutiny.

"What about before college? High school? Childhood?"

me another folder, thicker than the others.

boarding schools to shield you from media attention after I adopted you at age ten. Your biological parents, distant relations of mine died in a yacht accident off the coast of The folder

girl who resembled me but wasn't quite right

were my closely guarded secret, educated abroad to protect you from those who might exploit our connection.

of this new identity pressed down, both gift and burden. Freedom and

remaining files. "Medical records. Tax filings. Property deeds for

a driving record with a

"The speeding ticket?"

life too clean

to the window overlooking Manhattan. Sixty floors below, people scurried like ants, unaware of the fiction being written in this room. A

private heiress. Our team has been building them slov I turned back to her. "And what about the real me? Camille

graduated. Your employment history reflects a series of administrative jobs with

unapologetic. "The more your disappearance aligns with expectations, the less anyone

pressed a button on her desk phone. "Send in James with the

man

carrying a sleek laptop and several files. He

the social media monitoring as requested." "Thank you, James. That

the heavy door behind

its contents before looking up at me. "Are you ready for this?"

your

been doing