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

move, brutal, effective, and perfectly timed. Camille had no intention of giving Stefan a chance

to crush him

slowly, the pieces falling into place. He had no personal interest in Stefan Rodriguez, but

attention.

something in her eyes that Victoria had missed Revenge could destroy

Chapter 40

their next market move," Alexander said at last. "Quietly.

working for him, she had never

Industries.

hesitated. "We've never involved ourselves in

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- shaped pendant. As the morning

items over the years, but this, this was different. There was something personal about it. "Keep this between us," Alexander said, his voice quieter now. "No paper trail.

records."

asked cautiously, "May I ask why we're helping

answer immediately. Instead, he lifted the necklace, letting the pendant spin slightly

His gaze remained

She put the pieces together quickly. "Ms. Kane's daughter?"

in the past, in a hospital room filled with the scent of antiseptic and the low

Pain. Darkness, Isolation.

on the edge of

his family, left

his bandages,

never told him her real

for his medical bills

And then, she disappeared.

she had once saved was watching over her from the shado "Send our best analysts to support Kane Industries' next move," Alexander instructed. He carefully returned the necklace to its box.

"That's all."

nodded and turned to leave, but before she stepped out Alexander added,