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

the first time since my arrival. Completely alone. No Victoria. No staff.

Perfect

mapping the mansion in my head

subtly discouraged from entering, doors that remained locked, topics that caused Victoria to change the conversation. One

way through the mansion's main floor, 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 hallway branched in four directions, cach leading to a different wing. The corridor to the east wing ended in a heavy wooden

security and access points. Not a keypad or electronic lock, but

seen in homes of this

fashioned. Deliberately personal.

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

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

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,

The desk drawers yielded nothing of interest, business papers, correspondence, a spare

glasses. The paintings, all originals by renowned I

hidden behind leather -

it seemed out

brass key, antique and heavy in my palm. It looked exactly like what would

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

fumbled for a light switch, finding one just inside the doorway. Soft lighting revealed a hallway lined w Sophia as a toddler in a frilly dress. Sophia in a cap and gown, proudly holding a

hallway opened into a small

museum exhibit. Magazines from ten years