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 refrigerator. I'll return

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

caused Victoria to change the conversation.

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 door

security and access points. Not a keypad

key lock, the kind barely seen in homes of this

fashioned. Deliberately personal.

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

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

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

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

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

hidden behind leather -

it seemed out of place among the business books and

my palm. It looked exactly like what would fit the lock

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,

would have illuminated it naturally. 1 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 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

hallway opened into a small

a museum exhibit. Magazines from ten