Chapter 286

Chapter 286:

“Everyone knew but me,” Camille said bitterly. “My parents. You. Probably half the board members too.”

“Only Alexander and your mother knew,” Victoria corrected. “And only because I needed their help with certain arrangements.”

“Arrangements.” Camille spat the word. “You mean your will. Your funeral plans. All the details of your death that you kept from me.”

Alexander reached for her, but Camille stepped away. “Don’t. Just… don’t.”

Victoria swayed slightly, gripping the edge of the desk. Alexander moved quickly to her side, helping her back into her chair. “You should rest,” he told her. “The doctor said—”

“I know what the doctor said,” Victoria interrupted. “But we have a gala in a few hours, and my daughter just received difficult news. Resting can wait.”

Daughter. The word hung in the air between them. Victoria had never called her that before—not directly. Just as Camille had never called her “Mommy” until today.

“There won’t be a gala,” Camille said suddenly. “Not tonight. Not with you like this.”

“Especially tonight. Especially with me like this.” Victoria’s voice regained its familiar steel. “We don’t show weakness, Camille. Not to the world. Not to our enemies. And certainly not to Rose.”

“I don’t care about Rose right now,” Camille snapped. “I care about you.”

“Then honor my wishes,” Victoria said. “Stand beside me at the gala. Show everyone that Kane Industries remains strong, regardless of what happens to me personally.”

Camille looked to Alexander for support, but his expression told her he agreed with Victoria. Of course, he did. He always saw the strategic angle, just like Victoria herself.

“Fine,” Camille relented, wiping tears from her cheeks. “The gala goes on. But afterwards, we talk about treatment options. Real options, not just palliative care.”

Victoria nodded, though something in her eyes suggested she was merely humoring Camille. “Of course.”

“I need some air,” Camille said, moving toward the door. “I’ll be on the roof.” She left without looking back, unable to bear another moment in that office with its medical files, pill bottles, and unspoken goodbyes.

The elevator ride to the roof passed in a blur. Once outside, the cold air hit her face, a shock that somehow failed to clear her mind. Camille walked to the edge, gripping the railing as she looked out over the city.

Victoria was dying. The woman who had saved her, transformed her, given her a second chance at life—was slipping away. And Camille hadn’t even noticed. She heard the roof door open behind her but didn’t turn. Alexander’s footsteps approached, stopping just behind her.

“Go away,” Camille said. “I don’t want to talk right now.”

Instead of leaving, Alexander moved beside her at the railing. “Then we won’t talk.”

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