SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 49

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?"

back to the window, mind already calculating next

assessment on Sterling

defaults on their existing loans,

Wall Street Journal's financial

city. In the distance, the lights

"Mr. Pierce,

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

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

good evening."

tone pleasant, interested. "What assets

design team, just needs a

asked, though he already knew the

confirmed it. "Yes. You've heard

my business to stay informed." Alexander opened

contingency plan he'd prepared for this exact

11

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, His team had quietly reached out to each one, suggesting they wait for

suggested, when patience would

alert. Rodriguez

low in

trading. Eight percent down from yesterday's close. Another successful day in

planned, helping Camille achieve her revenge while remaining invisible, repaying his debt to the woman who'd once saved him when he had noth Instead, something uncomfortable stirred beneath his calculated exterior. Doubt. Concern. Questions about what all this destruction

Chapter 49

He'd

once. Knew the cost of revenge. The way

elevator pinged, doors sliding open to admit his

surveillance report you requested," Marcus said, placing a

"Ms. Kane's movements

Alexander nodded his

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.

hollowed out by its demands, questioning what would remain when the fire of hatred finally burne Alexander moved to

and secrets that could topple

it carefully, opening the lid to reveal the silver rose pendant. Four

to return

his hospital bed. Who'd paid his medical bills when his family

who now

knowing he followed behind, helping clear obstacles,

the secure line connected to

of all shipping industry loans. Rodriguez Shipping stock is dropping in Asian

the situation," Alexander instructed. "And prepare the acquisition documents we discussed. When they hit rock bottom, I want to be

Not to actually acquire

to create the appearance of interest keeping other potential buyers away until Kane Industries could

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