SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 47

Camille's point of view

The

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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?"

my expression neutral. “Research

entirely a lie. But not the whole truth either. I didn't mention the nights I'd spent listening to Stefan talk about his company's operations. The dinners where he'd explained supply chain dynamics to

approval, rare from

photos 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

her professional reputation from damaged to

I pressed enter.

also something darker. Something that felt uncomfortably like

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

too quickly. "Just

for another beat before accepting my answer with a slight nod. "I'll

me

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

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

It took exactly twenty-

the waiting car, phone extended

her features. Then, like the performer she'd always been,

I'd seen it. That flash of

life was truly falling

have

buzzed with a text from Alexander: "The queen takes

Rose and Stefan, every carefully orchestrated attack, somehow Alexander Pierce tracked them all, commenting with his odd

Rodriguez Shipping's continued decline. The stock had opened another six percent down. News alerts showed shipping custome My phone buzzed with a text

all day. Board members threatening resignation.

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

experts speculating about who might acc "Should

would respond well to hints we might acquire

I replied, strategic even in

Value drop further before

screen, financial news channels were now covering

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

excitement barely contained beneath

performing beyond expectations. Three major fashion houses have publicly severed ties with her brand. Her main manufacturing partner

"And the Russian connection?"

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