SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

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?"

window, mind

we received the updated assessment on Sterling Financial's exposure to

significantly overextended. If Rodriguez defaults on their existing loans, Sterling could

the Wall Street Journal's financial desk. Anonymously, of

signed off, Alexander remained at the window watching night fully claim the city. In the distance, the lights of

"Mr. Pierce,

one. He's asking about

playing at his lips. So Rose

evening." He

"What assets are we

difficulties. Strong fundamentals, excellent design team, just needs

line?" Alexander asked, though he already knew the

pause on the other end confirmed

it my business to

for this exact call.

11

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 the company's situation to deteriorate

rush in, his people had suggested, when patience would yield a much

with an alert. Rodriguez

new low

yesterday's close. Another successful day in the systematic

he'd planned, helping Camille achieve her revenge while remaining invisible, repaying his debt to the woman who'd once

Chapter 49

He'd

once. Knew the cost of revenge. The way it hollowed you out even as it satisfied

doors sliding open to admit his chief security

requested," Marcus said, placing a

"Ms. Kane's

Alexander nodded his

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

its demands, questioning what would remain when the fire of hatred finally burne Alexander moved to a hidden panel in

alongside documents worth billions and secrets that

lid to reveal the silver rose pendant.

to return

woman who'd sat beside his hospital bed. Who'd paid his medical bills when his family abandoned him. Who'd shown kindness when he had nothing

who now walked

of destruction, not knowing he followed behind, helping clear obstacles, ensuring

phone rang again, the secure line connected

audit of all shipping industry loans. Rodriguez Shipping stock is

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

Not to actually acquire

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