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."

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

it would surely come to

collection of family

paused, glancing at my parents. Dad nodded stiffly.

sister, Rose Lewis, I leave my journal collection, in hopes she may come to understand me better in death than

I'd already taken and altered. A

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

pride, a family heirloom that

to the remainder of my estate, including all financial assets, investment accounts, personal property not specifically mentioned, the Cedar Hill estate, and the entire balance of the trust established by my

the Camille Lewis Memorial Fund for the education and support of girls in th

I said, my voice unnaturally high,

after specific bequests, is

burst from

will is quite clear

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

photographs

left a letter to be read at this time,

his permission, his

the envelope and unfolded the

I am gone, and you are now learning something I kept from

partly 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

"The money gave me

on my own values rather than seeking approv My gaze

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,

Mom resumed

your grandmother's ring not out

legacies should

"And

my sister by choice if not by blood, I leave my journals with hope rather than malice. In them, you'll find the unfiltered thoughts of someone who spent years trying

me to be

*Sister by choice if not by blood.* A pointed

no illusions that my modest fortune

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

felt charged with my unspoken rage. Thirty

To strangers. To foster girls who would never

can't be legal," I finally said.

Martin raised

will was properly executed

charitable intent is quite clear and legally

insisted, looking to my parents for

dispose of

"We could

it," I suggested, turning to Dad. "Argue undue influence

voice tired. "Rose, enough. Camille made her choice. We will respect

But Dad..."

of us need." Mom reached for his