Chapter 331

Chapter 331:

“That we rebuild,” Camille said, the words feeling right as they left her mouth. “Everything. The foundation. Our lives. All of it.”

“While maintaining security precautions,” Victoria added pragmatically.

Alexander’s expression grew thoughtful. “It’s risky. Rose is still out there, still dangerous.”

“Life is risky,” Victoria countered. “Especially for people like us. That never stopped me before, and it won’t stop me now.”

Camille felt Alexander studying her face, reading her emotions as clearly as if she’d spoken them aloud. “What do you think?” he asked softly.

“I think,” Camille said slowly, “that Rose wants us afraid. Wants us hiding. Wants us to put our lives on hold while she plots and plans.” She straightened her shoulders, feeling strength returning with each word. “I think it’s time we stopped giving her what she wants.”

Alexander smiled, a slow spreading of warmth across his face. “Then we rebuild. Together.”

Victoria watched them, satisfaction evident in her expression. “Good. Now, Camille, find my phone. I need to call the board members and let them know I’m not dead yet.”

Camille couldn’t help laughing at Victoria’s typical directness. She retrieved the phone from the bedside drawer, marveling at how different she felt compared to just an hour ago. The fear wasn’t gone—Rose was still out there, still threatening everyone she loved. But now, that fear shared space with something else. Something brighter and stronger.

Hope. Not just for Victoria’s recovery, but for all of them. Hope that they could rebuild what Rose had destroyed. Hope that they could live their lives on their own terms, not dictated by Rose’s hatred.

As Victoria made her calls, asserting her authority despite being in her hospital bed, Camille moved to the window again. The sun was breaking through clouds that had hung over the city for days, bathing the hospital grounds in golden light.

“You’re smiling,” Alexander said, joining her. “I’ve missed that.”

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“I didn’t realize how much I needed good news until we got it,” Camille admitted. “It feels like… I don’t know. Like breathing after being underwater too long.”

Alexander nodded, understanding without needing further explanation. “Victoria recovering changes everything, doesn’t it?”

“Not everything. Rose is still out there.” Camille leaned slightly against him, drawing strength from his presence. “But yes, it changes the most important thing. It gives us back our future.”

Behind them, Victoria was speaking forcefully into her phone, already planning board meetings and project reviews from her hospital bed. The sound made Camille smile wider. This was the Victoria she knew—unstoppable, indomitable, refusing to be sidelined even by cancer.

“We still need to be careful,” Alexander warned, ever practical. “Rose won’t give up just because Victoria is recovering.”

“I know,” Camille agreed. “But now we’re fighting for something, not just against someone. That makes us stronger, not weaker.”

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