Chapter 333

Chapter 333:

The afternoon passed quickly. When Alexander arrived to pick her up, Camille was surprised to see him dressed casually—jeans and a light sweater instead of his usual suit.

“You look different,” she said, smiling despite herself.

“Victoria’s orders,” he replied. “No business attire at the lake house. Apparently, we both need to ‘remember how to relax’ before we ‘turn into workaholics like her.'”

Camille laughed, the sound still unfamiliar to her ears after weeks of tension.

“Did she actually say that?”

“Word for word. Complete with dire threats if we disobey.”

Camille gathered her things, including a small overnight bag. Victoria had insisted they stay the night, watch the sunrise over the lake, and pretend for a few hours that their lives weren’t forever altered by Rose’s vendetta.

The drive north took nearly two hours. Security vehicles preceded and followed their car, a precaution that had become so routine Camille hardly noticed anymore. The city gave way to suburbs, then to rolling countryside, until finally, they turned onto the private road leading to Victoria’s lake house.

Nestled among pine trees, the house wasn’t as grand as Camille had expected. Victoria Kane, known for her luxury penthouses and corner offices, had chosen something almost modest for her retreat. The two-story structure of wood and glass faced a small private lake, its deck extending out over the water. Security personnel were visible but discreet—a team at the gate, another patrolling the perimeter, yet another stationed near the dock. Alexander had insisted on the highest level of protection despite the remote location.

Victoria waited for them on the deck, seated in a comfortable chair with a blanket across her lap despite the warm evening. She was thinner than before her illness, her cheekbones more prominent, but her eyes were clear and alert. More importantly, she was smiling—something Camille had seen too rarely in recent months.

“Finally,” Victoria called as they approached. “I was beginning to think you’d gotten lost.”

Camille climbed the steps to the deck and bent to kiss Victoria’s cheek. “Traffic was heavy leaving the city.”

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“Excuses,” Victoria dismissed with a wave of her hand. “Come, sit. Dinner will be ready soon.”

Alexander joined them, taking a seat across from Victoria. “The security teams reported all clear?”

Victoria shot him a look. “We agreed, no business talk tonight. That includes security reports.”

Alexander raised his hands in surrender. “Sorry. Old habits.”

“Break them,” Victoria instructed firmly. “For one night, we’re going to pretend we’re normal people enjoying a quiet evening at the lake. Is that understood?”

Camille exchanged a glance with Alexander, a smile tugging at her lips. This was the Victoria she remembered—commanding, brooking no opposition, determined to bend the world to her will. Cancer had weakened her body but not her spirit.

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