SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

The morning sun painted golden streaks across Alexander office atop Pierce International. Sixty stories

above Manhattan, the city stretched beneath him, a vast, glittering chessboard where every plece moved according to unseen plans. From this height, everything seemed distant, almost insignificant, except for

fates.

Alexander sat back in his leather chair, adjusting his posture as he waited for his secretary's daily briefing. The chair creaked softly under his weight, the only sound in the vast office aside from the faint hum of t precise knock on the door announced Sarah's arrival. She was never late. She stepped in, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor, holding her tablet in one hand.

"Good morning, sir," she greeted professionally, stopping few feet from his desk.

Alexander nodded, wordlessly gesturing for her to begin.

Sarah had worked for him long enough to understand his moods. Some days, he wanted every detail; other days, he only wanted the highlights. Today, she could tell from his quiet, watchful expression that som She cleared her throat and glanced at her notes. "Rodriguez Shipping's board meeting just ended." Her voice was calm, but there was a slight pause before she continued. "Stefan received an unexpected repri

Alexander's fingers tapped a slow rhythm against his armrest. His gaze didn't waver, but his mind was already calculating the consequences. "Details."

Sarah swiped on her tablet. "Eduardo Rodriguez used the family's controlling shares to force a compromise. The board wanted Stefan out, but Eduardo

gave him a final chance. He has one month to fix the company's problems, or he will be removed permanently.”

Alexander let out a soft, knowing hum. "And the board agreed?"

"They weren't happy, but no one argues with Eduardo Rodriguez," Sarah replied. "Stefan's position is weak. If he fails

in the next thirty days, even his father won't be able to protect him."

Alexander leaned back slightly, contemplating the situation Stefan was drowning, barely holding on, and the vultures were circling. Victoria Kane wouldn't let this opportunity go to waste.

"And Camille Kane's next move?"

Sarah's lips curved slightly, almost in admiration. "Our sources say she's planning another attack on their stock. Analysts predict she will target their Asian shipping routes, if she succeeds, Rodriguez Shipping w

Camille had no intention of giving Stefan a chance to recover. She

crush him

slowly, the pieces falling into place. He had no personal interest in Stefan Rodriguez, but Camille, Victoria Kane's so- called adopted daughter, was different.

attention.

eyes that Victoria had missed Revenge could destroy a

Chapter 40

said at last. "Quietly. Make sure no connection can be traced back to

working for him,

Industries.

never involved ourselves in their operations

he said

his desk drawer and pulled out a small velvet box. It was old but well cared for, the edges slightly wom from years of handling. Inside lay a delicate silver necklace with a rose-

this, this was different. There was something personal about it. "Keep this between us," Alexander said, his voice quieter now.

records."

cautiously, "May I ask why we're helping Victoria Kane? She has

necklace, letting the pendant spin slightly between his fingers,

His gaze remained fixed on the pendant. "We're helping

was sharp, one of the reasons he trusted her. She put the pieces together quickly. "Ms.

mind was already elsewhere, six years in the past, in a hospital room

Pain. Darkness, Isolation.

on the edge of

family, left to

carefully changing his bandages, reading to him when

had never told him her

had paid for his medical bills

And then, she disappeared.

watching over her from the shado "Send our best analysts to support Kane Industries' next move,"

"That's all."

and turned to leave, but before she