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?"

neutral. “Research Planning,

mention the nights I'd spent listening to Stefan talk about his company's operations.

rare from a woman who

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

send her professional reputation from damaged to

I pressed enter.

also something darker.

that penetrating, gaze that always seemed to see beneath my carefully maintained facade.

replied, perhaps too quickly. "Just

answer with a

update me on the public reaction

"I'll have the media

she left, I pulled up the live feed from the security camera outside Rose's boutique. We'd installed it weeks ago,

It took exactly twenty-

car, phone extended urgently. Saw Rose's perfect posture crumple

performer she'd always been, she recovered. Forced a smile. Waved

of genuine fear. That instant recognition that

was truly falling

have

Alexander: "The queen takes another piece from the board. Impressive moves,

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

decline. The stock had opened another six percent

*Complete chaos here. Stefan locked in emergency meetings all day. Board members threatening resignation.

closing in. Let him experience the helpless panic I'd felt when my own life

my screens, financial news channels were now covering Rodriguez Shipping's crisis as breaking news. Market analysts questioning the company's survival. Industry experts speculating about who might acc "Should we prepare

to hints we might acquire their Pacific

yet," I replied, strategic even in

the Value drop further before

screen, financial news channels

experts speculating about who

returned, excitement barely contained beneath her

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

"And the Russian connection?"

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