SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 24

ROSE'S POINT OF VIEW

The law office of Berkman, Wade, and Associates smelled of leather, money, and superiority. I adjusted my black dress and studied the others in the conference room. Mom dabbed at her eyes with a monogran All of us performing our assigned roles. The grieving family. The heartbroken ex-

husband. A perfect tableau of loss.

And why wouldn't we? Camille was dead. I knew that for certain. The men I'd hired hadn't just scared her as originally planned, they'd gone further, forcing her car off that bridge, watching it sink into the dark wa Martin Greene entered, carrying a leather portfolio. Dad's longtime lawyer looked appropriately grave as he took a Scal

"Thank you all for coming." he said. "With the court having legally declared Camille deceased in absentia, we can now proceed with her last will and testament."

"Is this really necessary?" Mom asked, voice wavering. "It's only been six months.”

"In cases of drowning where no body is

recovered, the court can grant a death certificate after reasonable search efforts have concluded," Martin explained.

"As Camille had significant independent assets that require disposition, the judge approved the declaration last week."

I kept my expression neutral, though my mind raced. Independent assets? What independent assets?

“།

wasn't aware my sister had estate planning," I said, injecting just the right note of confusion.

twenty-fifths

Martin opened his portfolio. "Camille updated her will last year, shortly after her As you may recall, that was when she received her inheritance from her grandfather."

My blood froze. Grandfather Lewis. Dad's father. The crusty old man who had doted on Camille, his only biological grandchild, while largely ignoring me.

"What inheritance?" I asked

sharply, then immediately softened my tone. "I mean, she never mentioned receiving anything substantial,"

Dad finally looked up. "My father left Camille a portion of his estate when she

turned twenty-five. It was private, between them."

"How large a portion?" The question escaped before I could temper it.

Martin cleared his throat. “Mr. Lewis Senior established a trust for Camille valued at approximately thirty million dollars, along with the Cedar Hill estate."

The room spun around me. Thirty million dollars. Plus a mansion on twenty acres of prime land. And she had never said a word.

"That's impossible," I whispered "I would have known."

"Camille wanted it kept quiet," Dad said. "She said money changes

how people see you."

document from his portfolio. "This is the last will and testament of Camille Elizabeth Lewis, revised and signed six months

forward. Whatever secret fortune she'd hidden, it would surely come to her family now. To me, her only

Lewis, I leave my collection of family photographs and my

paused, glancing at my parents. Dad nodded stiffly.

Rose Lewis, I leave my journal collection, in hopes she

journals. The ones I'd already taken and

ring that belonged to his grandmother, with the hope that next time he gives it, it will be with honesty and true devotion." Stefan

family heirloom that supposedly symbolized his

specifically mentioned, the Cedar Hill estate, and the entire balance of the trust established by my gra Here it was. The thirty million dollars and luxury estate that

Foundation for Abused and Abandoned Children, to establish the Camille Lewis Memorial Fund for the education and support of

voice unnaturally high,

Camille's estate, after specific bequests, is to be donated to

The words burst from me. "There must be

The will is quite clear and legally

composure. "That's thirty million dollars and a prime piece of real estate. Going to complete strangers.

photographs

a letter to be read at this time, explaining her

his permission,

seal on the envelope and unfolded the letter

read. "If you're hearing this, then I am gone, and you are now learning something I

because I was still deciding how best to use such an unexpected blessing, but mostly because I needed to understand its power without influence from others."" I dug my fingernails into my palmus. Even in presumed death,

"The money gave me

people's expectations and manipulations. Freedom to make choices based on my own values rather than seeking approv My gaze flicked to

to direct my inheritance to help girls who lack the family support structure I was fortunate enough to have. The Lighthouse Foundation specifically assists young women transitioning from foster c my parents, thank you for the security and opportunities you provided. This decision isn't a rejection of you, but rather an attempt to

jaw tightened. Mom resumed her quiet

I've returned your grandmother's

legacies should

"And

journals with hope rather than malice. In them, you'll find the unfiltered thoughts of

me to be

from my face. *Sister by choice if not by blood.* A pointed reminder of my adopted

that my modest fortune

the lives of my already privileged family, but I believe it can transform the futures of dozens of young women who start with nothing. In this way, perhaps my departure might create meaning bey Martin folded the

felt charged with my

To foster girls who would never

be legal," I finally said. "She clearly wasn't in her

Martin raised

eyebrow. "The will was properly executed with

intent is quite

I insisted, looking to my parents

dispose of her property as she wished," Martin

"We could

suggested, turning to

finally spoke, his voice tired. "Rose, enough.

But Dad..."

dead. I won't dishonor her memory by fighting over money none of us need." Mom reached for his hand. "Richard is right. This is what Camille wanted. Perhaps it