Chapter 382
Chapter 382:
Camille didn’t answer immediately. When she did, her voice held the quiet certainty Victoria had come to respect. “I’ve been preparing for it. Thanks to you.”
Victoria allowed herself another small smile. “Then it’s decided.”
She stood and walked once more to the windows, gazing out at the city that had demanded so much and given so much in return. Behind her, she heard Camille set down her teacup.
“Will you tell me something honestly?” Camille asked.
Victoria turned, curious. “If I can.”
“Are you afraid? Of letting go?”
The question struck deeper than Victoria had expected. Was she afraid? This company had been her identity, her purpose, her reason for waking each morning. Without it, who was Victoria Kane?
“Yes,” she admitted, surprising herself with the truth. “But I’m more afraid of wasting this gift I’ve been given.”
Camille nodded, understanding. “You once asked me what comes after revenge. After you’ve won all your battles and secured your position.”
“I remember,” Victoria said. “I didn’t have an answer then.”
“And now?” Camille asked.
Victoria looked out at the city one more time, then back to the woman who would inherit her legacy. “Now, I intend to find out.”
Camille stood at the window of her office—Victoria’s office, until yesterday—watching raindrops race down the glass. Each drop chased another, sometimes merging, sometimes veering off on separate paths. Like lives, she thought. Sometimes joined, sometimes divided, all eventually reaching the same destination.
The folder on her desk contained documents that had taken her legal team all night to prepare. Papers that would reshape lives, just as Victoria’s announcement yesterday had reshaped hers.
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. Alexander entered, carrying two coffee cups and wearing the look of a man who hadn’t slept much.
“The press is still camped in the lobby,” he said, handing her a cup. “You’d think Victoria announced she was selling the company to aliens.”
Camille smiled, grateful for his attempt to lighten the mood. “Are you ready for the meeting?”
“I’m not the one they’ll be watching.” Alexander nodded toward the folder. “Are you sure about this?”
That question again. Since she’d made her decision last night, everyone had asked it—her legal team, the board members she’d called, and now Alexander. Only Victoria hadn’t questioned her, simply nodding when Camille explained her plan.
“Yes,” she answered, more firmly than she felt. “I’m sure.”
Alexander touched her arm. “Then I’m with you.”
“Even though you think it’s a mistake?”
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