SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 141

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

You gave her eighteen good years before

Margaret's eyes. "And

wrong. Repeatedly. But now you have a chance to choose differently." "Is that why I'm

of forgiveness. I'm here to make sure

straightened in her chair. "Protected from

will see her

in people who don't deserve it." Victoria coughed, a harsh sound that left her breathless for a moment. When she continued, her voice was rougher. "I need to

sounded offended by the question.

Chapter 141

when Rose manipulated her. When Stefan betrayed

her." Victoria's eyes were cold. "Being your daughter wasn't enough to

but didn't look away.

Rose appeared tomorrow with tears and a convincing story, would you welcome her back? Would you urge Camille

Margaret's

them in her lap.

she said finally, her voice firm.

Rose tried to have my daughtered.

studied her face, looking for deception.

do. And when she does, Camille will need people who

Margaret promised. "Neither will

know who Rose

wave of pain wash through her body. She closed her eyes briefly, waiting for it to pass. When she opened

voice was sharp. "I've

"Which is why this conversation is so important. I've made

provisions. But money and

She'll need family. Real

be there for her," Margaret said softly. "We've been

cut her off. "I need your promise now. That you'll support Camille unconditionally. That you'll stand with

promise. I should have made that choice

Victoria nodded, some of

her body. "And Pierce?

"And she loves

are." Victoria

He's been good for her." She paused. "I've made

"Others?"

Victoria smiled

building a fortress of grudges and vendettas. Now I find

like your style," Margaret

corrected. "Reconciliation where possible. Resolution where necessary." She looked down at her

"Like who?"

you. I took

shook her head. "No. We

blindness. You

pain. "But I also wanted to punish you.

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