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."

prepared in the

down the hallway. Minutes later, the distant sound of the service entrance closing left me truly alone in the massive house for the first time since my arrival. Completely alone. No Victoria. No staff.

Perfect

been mapping the mansion in my

that remained locked, topics that caused Victoria to change the

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 hallway branched in four directions, cach leading to a different wing. The corridor to the east wing ended in a heavy wooden door

security and access points. Not a keypad or

in homes

fashioned. Deliberately personal.

would be needed. But where 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 paneled room where

was unlocked, a surprise given her usual caution, but then, she likely never expected me to

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 desk, immediately drawn to the framed photo. It showed a younger Victoria with her arm around a smiling young woman who could only be Sophia, tall, confident, with

I'd found it, and began my search. The desk drawers yielded nothing of interest, business papers, correspondence, a spare pair of reading glasses.

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 decorative box

hidden behind leather -

jade with silver fittings, it seemed out of place among

palm. It looked exactly like what

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.

dress. Sophia in a cap and gown, proudly holding a diploma. Sophia laughing on a sailboat, wind catching her hair. In each image, her resemblance to me was undeniable, despite t

into

exhibit. Magazines from ten years ago lay on coffee tables.