The view from the seventy-

eighth floor of Pierce Tower turned Manhattan into a miniature city, tiny lights flickering like stars below. Alexander stood at the floor-

to-

ceiling window, phone pressed to his ear, watching darkness spread across the skyline. His reflection stared back at him, perfectly tailored suit, carefully neutral expression, eyes that revealed nothing of the gar

"I understand your interest in Rose Lewis's fashion line, M. Hiroshi," he said, voice smooth as aged whiskey." But my analysis suggests it would be an unwise investment at this time. The brand carries significar The Japanese investor on the other end sounded disappointed. "Our research indicated solid growth potential despite recent... difficulties."

"Your research is incomplete," Alexander replied, moving to his desk where three monitors displayed financial data on Rose's collapsing business. "I've taken the liberty of sending you some additional informatic He'd spent hours compiling this dossier -

rumors of design theft, details of canceled retail contracts, hints of connections to Bessonov's questionable finances. All

true, all damaging, all impossible to ignore for a cautious investor like Hiroshi."

"This is... most concerning," Hiroshi said after a lengthy pause. "You've saved me from a significant mistake, Mr. Pierce. I owe you a debt of gratitude."

"Not at all. That's what friends do." Alexander kept his voice warm, collegial. "There will be better opportunities. Perhaps we could discuss

the tech portfolio I mentioned last month?"

After finalizing plans to redirect Hiroshi's investment toward one of his own companies, Alexander ended the call and checked his list. Rose Lewis had approached nine potential investors since her business began collapsing. He'd now intercepted and turned away seven of them.

The phone rang again, his private line. Only three people had this number.

"Sarah. Updates?"

His secretary's efficient voice filled the room. "Rodriguez Shipping approached Eastern Capital Partners this morning. They're seeking hundred million in emergency financing."

Alexander frowned slightly. Eastern Capital was one of the few major investment firms he didn't have direct influence over.

"Who's handling their case?"

"David Chen."

Alexander smiled. David owed him a favor from last year's Hong Kong deal. "Connect me to him. And have the team prepare a detailed risk assessment on Rodriguez Shipping. Make sure it emphasizes their A "Already done, sir. The assessment is being delivered to Mr. Chen's office as we speak."

"Excellent." Alexander paused. "Any news from Kane Industries?"

"Ms. Kane is scheduled

to appear at the Metropolitan Museum fundraiser tonight. Our sources indicate she'll be alone, Victoria is in Chicago for a separate engagement."

Chapter 49

Interesting. Camille attending a major event without Victoria's watchful presence. An opportunity, perhaps.

"Send flowers to her office. White roses. No card."

"Yes, sir. Anything else?"

to the window, mind already calculating

on Sterling

If Rodriguez defaults on their existing loans, Sterling could

information to the Wall

remained at the window watching night fully claim the city. In the distance, the lights of Kane

"Mr. Pierce,

on line one. He's asking about your interest in acquiring distressed

desk, a small smile playing at his lips. So Rose had reached out to

evening."

interested. "What assets

fashion brand facing some temporary difficulties. Strong fundamentals, excellent design team, just

asked, though he

on the other end confirmed it. "Yes.

make it my business to stay informed." Alexander opened

pulling up the contingency plan he'd prepared for this exact call. "Send me the prospectus.

11

investing a penny in Rose's failing business. But expressing interest would keep other potential rescuers waiting, watching, wasting precious time while her brand sank further into crisis. After ending the call, Alexander checked his other screen, where a different battle was being monitored. Three major shipping companies were circling Rodriguez Shipping, vultures sensing a dying animal,

people had suggested, when patience would yield a much lower purchase

buzzed with an alert. Rodriguez Shipping stock had

new low in

Eight percent down from yesterday's close. Another successful

his debt to the woman who'd once saved him

Chapter 49

He'd

the cost of revenge. The way it hollowed

private elevator pinged, doors sliding open to admit his

you requested," Marcus

on Alexander's desk. "Ms. Kane's movements for the

Alexander nodded his

Marcus departed before opening the folder. Inside, photos showed Camille at various business meetings, charity functions, private dinners with Victoria. In each image, she appeared compo Only someone who knew what to look for would notice the slight tension around her eyes. The carefully controlled movements. The practiced smiles that never

out by its demands, questioning what would remain when the fire of hatred finally burne Alexander moved to a hidden panel in his office wall, pressing his palm against the biometric scanner. The wall slid open,

worth billions and secrets that could topple governments, lay

to reveal the silver rose pendant. Four years he'd carried it,

to return

his medical bills when his family abandoned him.

who now

followed behind, helping clear obstacles, ensuring her success. Watching her transform from

rang again, the secure line connected to his

an emergency audit of all shipping industry loans. Rodriguez Shipping stock is dropping

discussed. When they

Not to actually acquire

the appearance of interest keeping other potential buyers away until Kane Industries could make their

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255