Chapter 191

New York’s skyline welcomed Camille and Alexander home after six weeks of Italian sun. Their penthouse apartment filled with gifts and flowers as news of their return spread through social circles. Among the bouquets sat an arrangement of white lilies. The card read simply: “Welcome home. -V.”

Alexander stared at those lilies longer than the others, something cold settling in his stomach as he touched a single white petal with his fingertip.

“She called twice while we were unpacking,” Camille said, coming up behind him and slipping her arms around his waist. “Victoria can barely wait to see us. She’s arranged dinner tomorrow night.”

Alexander turned in her embrace, burying his face in her hair to hide his

expression. “I’ve missed her too,” he lied, his voice steady despite the acid taste of the words.

** **