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?"

the window,

updated assessment on Sterling Financial's exposure to

overextended. If Rodriguez defaults on their existing loans, Sterling could face a liquidity

the Wall Street Journal's

fully claim the city. In the distance, the lights of Kane Tower glowed

"Mr. Pierce,

Gray from Morgan Stanley on line one. He's asking about your interest

his lips. So Rose had reached out to Morgan Stanley as well. Desperate times

good evening." He

tone pleasant, interested. "What assets

excellent design team, just needs a capital infusion to weather current PR

though he already

on the other end confirmed it. "Yes.

to stay informed."

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

11

where a different battle was being monitored. Three major shipping companies were circling Rodriguez

when patience would yield a much

alert. Rodriguez Shipping stock had

new low in

yesterday's close. Another successful day in the systematic dismantling of

while remaining invisible, repaying his debt to the woman who'd once saved him when he had noth Instead,

Chapter 49

He'd

cost of revenge. The way it hollowed you out even as it satisfied your darkest

open to

surveillance report you requested," Marcus said, placing a

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

Alexander nodded his

In each image, she appeared compo Only someone who knew what to look for would notice the slight tension around her eyes. The carefully

out by its demands, questioning what would remain when the fire of hatred

secrets that could

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

to return

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

woman who now walked

helping clear obstacles, ensuring her success.

rang again, the secure line connected

just announced an emergency audit of all shipping industry loans.

acquisition documents we discussed. When

Not to actually acquire

other potential buyers away until Kane Industries could make their move. Another invisible thread pulled to

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

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