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."

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

it would surely come to her

and Margaret Lewis, I leave my collection of family photographs

glancing at my parents. Dad nodded stiffly.

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

The ones I'd already taken and

with the hope that next time he gives it, it will be with honesty and true devotion." Stefan flinched visibly.

family heirloom that supposedly

assets, investment accounts, personal property not specifically mentioned, the Cedar Hill estate, and the entire balance

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

sorry," I said, my voice unnaturally high, "but could

up. "The entirety of Camille's estate, after specific bequests, is to be donated

not possible." The words burst from me. "There must

no mistake, Ms. Lewis. The will is quite clear and

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

photographs and... and

withdrew an envelope. "She also left a letter to be read at

permission,

the envelope

hearing this, then I am gone, and you are now learning

such an unexpected blessing, but mostly because I needed to understand its power without influence from others."" I dug my fingernails into my

"The money gave me

manipulations. Freedom to make choices based on my own values rather than seeking approv My gaze flicked to Stefan, who looked physically

have. The Lighthouse Foundation specifically assists young women transitioning from foster c my parents, thank you for the security and opportunities

Mom resumed her quiet

your grandmother's ring not out

but because family legacies should continue with

"And

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 to understand you, to love

me to be

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

harbor no illusions that my modest

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

charged with my unspoken rage. Thirty

To foster girls who would never appreciate

finally said. "She clearly

Martin raised

will was properly

mental competence. The charitable intent is quite clear and

her family," I insisted, looking to my parents for support.

had every legal right to dispose of

"We could

suggested, turning to Dad. "Argue undue

voice tired. "Rose, enough. Camille made her choice.

But Dad..."

My daughter is dead. I won't dishonor her memory by fighting over money none of us need."