SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Camille's point of view

The

-

morning sun cast long shadows across my desk as I reviewed the latest reports on Rodriguez Shipping's supply chain. Five of their key suppliers had abruptly terminated contracts in the past twenty- four hours. Two more were scheduled to announce their withdrawal by noon Each one citing "business concerns" or "strategic realignment” corporate speak for abandoning a sinking ship.

What none of them mentioned was the quiet pressure from Kane Industries. The subtle threats about future business relationships. The anonymous tips about Rodriguez financial instability. The carefully orches "Ms. Kane." My assistant Rebecca knocked before entering, tablet in hand. "Marunouchi Trading just announced their withdrawal. Their statement hit the financial press five minutes ago."

I nodded, satisfaction warming my blood. Marunouchi was Stefan's largest Asian supplier, accounting for nearly thirty percent of his Pacific shipping materials.

"How did the market react?"

Rodriguez stock dropped another eight points in pre-

market trading" Rebecca couldn't hide her admiration. "At this rate, they'll be below their IPO price by next

week."

"And Stefan?"

"Scheduled an emergency board

meeting for tomorrow morning. His father is flying back from Europe tonight." Rebecca's efficiency reflected the months of training Victoria had invested in all staff who worked directly with me.

Good. Let him feel the walls closing in. Let him experience the helpless

panic I'd felt when my own life crumbled beneath me.

Victoria entered as Rebecca was leaving, impeccable as always in a tailored

navy suit that conveyed power without effort. Her eyes took in the market data on my screens with evident satisfaction.

"I see Marunouchi made their announcement," she said, moving to stand beside my desk. "Your strategy is working even better than projected."

She studied me, head tilted slightly. "You've done exceptional work targeting his supply chain. Where did you. obtain such detailed knowledge of their dependencies?"

expression neutral.

truth either. I didn't mention the nights I'd spent listening to Stefan talk about his company's operations. The dinners

approval, rare from a woman

is scheduled to release at noon. Entertainment sites first, then fashion blogs, then mainstre My finger hovered over my keyboard, the final command queued and ready. These photos would hurt Rose far more than the first batch. Not just affairs and indiscretions, but evidence of

professional reputation

I pressed enter.

I said, a strange mix of emotions washing through me. Victory, yes. But also something darker. Something that felt uncomfortably like becoming what I hated most

me with that penetrating, gaze that always seemed to see beneath my carefully maintained facade. "You

perhaps too quickly. "Just savoring

before accepting my answer with a slight nod. "I'll be in strategic planning

me on the public reaction as it

"I'll have the media team monitor reaction and amplify key narratives,

up the live feed from the security camera outside Rose's boutique.

It took exactly twenty-

waiting car, phone extended

Then, like the performer she'd always been, she recovered. Forced a smile. Waved off questions

seen it. That flash of

was truly falling

have felt

a text from Alexander: "The queen takes another piece from the

Rose and Stefan, every carefully orchestrated attack, somehow Alexander Pierce tracked them all,

on the financial terminals tracking Rodriguez Shipping's continued decline. The stock had opened another six

emergency meetings all day. Board

feel the walls closing in. Let him experience the

as breaking news. Market analysts questioning the company's survival. Industry experts speculating about who might acc "Should we prepare a statement about Kane Inchistries' interest

would respond well to hints we might acquire their Pacific

I replied, strategic

Value drop further before showing our

screen, financial news channels were now covering Rodriguez

news. Market analysts questioning the company's survival. Industry experts speculating about who might acquire

returned, excitement barely contained beneath

expectations. Three major fashion houses have publicly severed ties with her brand. Her main manufacturing partner just announced they're 'reevaluating

"And the Russian connection?"