SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 19

CAMILLE'S

'S POINT OF VIEW

Four months into my new life as Camille Kane, I finally had a day to myself. No combat training with Jason. No business lessons. No public appearances or meetings with Victoria's corporate associates. Just tw four hours of unscheduled time stretching before me like an unexpected gift.

I'd almost forgotten what freedom felt like.

The morning sun streamed through my bedroom windows as I lingered over breakfast on my private balcony. Below, gardeners tended the immaculate grounds of Victoria's estate, a sprawling property that occ But not today.

I dressed casually in jeans and a sweater, clothes I rarely wore now that my wardrobe consisted primarily of designer business attire and

formal wear. My reflection in the mirror still startled me sometimes, the sharper cheekbones, the more refined nose, the elegant bob that had replaced my once-

long hair. A woman designed for power rather than pleasing others.

Victoria had left at dawn for a business trip to Tokyo, taking James and her usual security detail with her. The mansion felt different without her commanding presence, quieter, less intense, almost peaceful. "Ms. Kane?" A soft knock accompanied the housekeeper's voice. "Will you be needing anything before I leave for my sister's wedding?"

Mrs. Chen, the only staff member who lived off-

premises, had mentioned the family event weeks ago. "No, thank you, Mrs. Chen. Enjoy the wedding."

food prepared in the refrigerator. I'll

for the first time since my arrival. Completely alone.

Perfect

mansion in my

remained locked, topics that caused Victoria to change the conversation. One section in particular had drawn my curiosity, the cast

footsteps echoing on marble and hardwood. How strange to walk these grand hallways without Victoria's watchful eyes tracking my movements, evaluating my The main staircase swept upward in a graceful curve, its carved banister cool beneath my palm. Second floor, then third. The

remembering, Jason's lessons about security and access points. Not a keypad or electronic lock,

key lock, the kind barely seen in homes of this

fashioned. Deliberately personal.

would Victoria keep a key to a door she clearly wanted to remain closed? Her office seemed the logical place to start. I made my way back down to the main floor, to the wood

a surprise given her usual caution, but then, she likely never expected me to explore while she

tall windows, illuminating the space that perfectly reflected its owner: elegant, Intimidating, deliberately impressive. A massive desk dominated the center, its surface bare except for a la I hesitated at the threshold. This felt different from my curiosity about the locked wing. This was a deliberate invasion of Victoria's private space, a breach of the trust she'd placed in me. But wasn't she invading Decision made, I crossed to the

The desk drawers yielded nothing of interest, business papers, correspondence, a spare pair of reading glasses.

the bookshelves lining the walls, looking for hidden compartments or safes. Nothing. The elegant cabinet bar contained only spirits and crystal glasses. The paintings, all originals by renowned I was about to give up when I noticed a small

hidden behind leather -

it seemed out of place among the

single brass key, antique and heavy in my palm. It looked exactly like what would fit the lock to the east

hand. At the locked door, I hesitated again, knowing I was crossing a boundary that might change my relationship with Victoria forever. But I'd come too far to turn back. I inserted the key, feeling the mechanism shift as I turned it. A soft click,

w Sophia as a toddler in a frilly dress. Sophia in a cap and gown, proudly holding a diploma. Sophia laughing on a sailboat, wind catching her hair. In

hallway opened into a

preserved like a museum exhibit. Magazines from ten years