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."

the refrigerator.

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

Perfect

been mapping the mansion in my head

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

its carved banister cool beneath my palm. Second floor, then third. The hallway branched in four directions, cach leading to a different

and access points. Not a keypad or electronic

key lock, the kind barely seen in homes of this caliber anymore. Deliberately

fashioned. Deliberately personal.

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

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

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 desk, immediately drawn to the framed photo. It showed a younger Victoria with her

The desk drawers yielded nothing

only spirits and crystal glasses. The paintings, all originals by renowned I was about to give up when I noticed a

hidden behind leather -

of carved jade with silver fittings, it seemed out of place among the business

antique and heavy in my palm. It looked

boundary that might change my relationship with Victoria forever.

revealed a hallway lined 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 each image, her resemblance to me was undeniable, despite t No wonder

hallway opened into a small

preserved like a museum exhibit. Magazines from ten