SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Camille's point of view

Victoria's gaze sharpened. "Yes. Every lesson, every challenge, every seemingly excessive demand, they all serve that purpose. To make you stronger than Sophia was. More prepared for the dangers wealth a "That too," she acknowledged. "The people who hurt you must pay for what they've done. But beyond revenge lies something more important, your future. What you'll build after justice is served."

I considered her words, understanding for the first time that Victoria's vision extended beyond my usefulness as an instrument of revenge. She was investing in me for reasons beyond my resemblance to Sophi "I still shouldn't have come in here without permission," said after a moment. "This space is sacred to you. I violated that."

Victoria sighed, tension visibly leaving her shoulders. "Perhaps it was inevitable. Perhaps it was even

necessary." She turned fully toward me. "You cannot become who you need to be while seeing me as merely a mentor or benefactor. You need to

understand who I am beneath the power and wealth."

her

woman who built an empire, then watched it become meaningless in

was deliberate, conscious. She moved to the closet, sliding open the door to reveal clothing still hanging neatly, designer dresses

Victoria observed. "More athletic build. Preferred blues and greens to

high shelf, she removed a

jewelry. Things she

rather than monetary value."

but also quirky

something from the box, a delicate silver bracelet with a single charm,

said knights were the most interesting because they move differently than everything else on the board. Unconventional. Less direct but sometimes more effective." She held out the bracelet to me.