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

service entrance closing left me truly alone in the massive house for the first time since my

Perfect

the mansion in

discouraged from entering, doors that remained locked, topics that caused Victoria to change the conversation. One section in particular had drawn

swept upward in a graceful curve, its carved banister cool beneath my

and access points. Not a keypad or electronic lock,

the kind barely seen in homes

fashioned. Deliberately personal.

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 Victoria handled matters too private for her

The door was unlocked, a surprise given her usual caution, but

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

I'd found it, and began my search. The desk drawers

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

hidden behind leather -

seemed out of place among the

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

faster, I returned to the third floor, key clutched tightly in my 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,

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 No wonder Victoria had been drawn to me after seeing my photo. The resemblance was unsettling even to

hallway opened into

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