Chapter 140

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 left. She pushed the papers away and stood to look out her office window.

Her own reflection stared back at her, thinner now, her face pale and drawn from the treatments that weren’t working. The doctor had suggested stopping them, focusing instead on comfort measures. “Quality of life over quantity,” he’d said gently.

Victoria had walked out without answering. Quality wasn’t enough. She 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