SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 141

Victoria Kane stared at the medical report on her desk, the words blurring as her eyes filled with unwanted tears. The cancer had spread faster than expected. Six months, maybe less, was all the time she had

Her own reflection stared back at her, thinner now, her face pale and drawn from thetreatments that weren't working. The doctor had suggested stopping them, focusing instead on comfort measures. "Quality of needed time. Time to secure Camille's future. Time to make sure her daughter by choice would be protected when Victoria was gone.

Her assistant's voice came through the intercom. "Mrs. Lewis has arrived."

Victoria straightened her jacket, checked her reflection once more, and squared her shoulders. No one, not even Margaret Lewis, would see her weakness today.

"Send her in."

Margaret Lewis stepped into the office, hesitating just inside the doorway. The mother of the daughter Victoria had claimed as her own. Once, Victoria had hated this woman for her blindness, for choosing Rose "Thank you for coming," Victoria said, gesturing to the chair across from her desk.

Margaret sat, her hands fidgeting with her purse.

"Your message said it was about Camille."

"Yes." Victoria lowered herself into her chair, fighting not to show how much the simple movement pained her. "I need to speak with you about Camille's future."

“Her future?” Margaret's eyebrows rose. "I thought that was firmly in your hands."

"For now." Victoria pushed a small button on

her desk, and the office windows darkened, giving them complete privacy." But my time is limited."

"What do you mean?"

Victoria rarely showed her cards to anyone, but death had

a way of changing the rules. "I'm dying, Mrs. Lewis. Cancer. It's spread to my liver and bones."

Margaret's shock showed plainly on her face. "Does Camille know?"

"No." Victoria shook her head. "She thinks the surgery was successful. That I'm recovering."

"Why lie to her?"

"To protect her. She has enough to deal with right now. Rose is still out there, still dangerous." Victoria leaned forward. ". And Camille would put everything aside

to care for me if she knew the truth. Her work. Her relationship with Pierce. Her own healing. I can't allow that."

Margaret studied Victoria's face. "So why tell me? We've hardly been allies."

"Because I'm running out of time to secure what matters." Victoria's voice hardened. "And despite everything, you're still Camille's mother. She may need you when I'm gone."

The words seemed to hit Margaret like a physical blow. "You've been more of a mother to her this past year than I was for decades."

"That's not entirely true." Victoria's voice softened. "You raised her to be kind. To be strong in ways I never understood until

gave her eighteen

filled Margaret's eyes. "And then

But now you have a chance to

"I'm not in the business of forgiveness. I'm here to

in her chair. "Protected from Rose, you

From opportunists who will

it." Victoria coughed, a harsh sound that left her breathless

course I will." Margaret sounded offended by

Chapter 141

when Rose manipulated her.

the truth and you chose not to believe her." Victoria's eyes were cold. "Being your

look away.

story, would you welcome

between them. Margaret's hands trembled

them in her lap.

she said finally,

my daughtered. No mother could

face, looking for deception.

will return. People like her always do. And when she does, Camille will need people who see clearly. Who won't be fooled by whatever mask Rose wears

be fooled," Margaret promised. "Neither will Richard. We've read

know who Rose really is

eyes briefly, waiting for it to pass. When she opened them, Margaret was watching her with concern. "You need

Victoria's voice was sharp. "I've seen every

be done." She took a shaky breath. "Which

provisions. But money

She'll need family. Real

to be there for her," Margaret said softly. "We've been trying to rebuild our relationship.

for slow," Victoria cut her off. "I need your promise now. That you'll support Camille unconditionally. That you'll stand with her against Rose, against anyone who

lifted slightly. "I promise. I should have made that choice

Victoria nodded, some of

her body. "And Pierce? What do you

Margaret said. "And

Victoria

paused. "I've made my peace with him. With others

"Others?"

Victoria smiled

wonderfully, Mrs. Lewis. I've spent decades building a fortress of grudges and vendettas.

seem like your

possible. Resolution where necessary." She looked down at her desk,

"Like who?"

the question. "Like you. I took Camille

her head. "No. We

blindness. You

I also wanted to punish you. To show you