SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 68

The executive boardroom of Kane Industries buzzed with restrained energy as financial analysts and legal experts gathered around the massive oak table. All eyes focused on the presentation screen where Fa Victoria Kane sat at the head of the table, silver hair swept

into her signature severe bun. To her right, Camille Kane studied the financial projections, occasionally making notes on her tablet.

"Mr. Howard, please begin," Victoria said, nodding to the bead of acquisitions.

Daniel Howard cleared his throat. “Moretti Global Logistics is the primary shipping partner for Rose Lewis Designs, or what remains of it. They handle eighty-

seven percent of the brand's global transportation needs, plus warehousing and fulfillment."

He clicked to the next slide showing a world map dotted with distribution centers. "Moretti has built impressive infrastructure across twenty-

three countries, specializing in high-end fashion logistics. Their client list includes

Chanel, Versace, and numerous luxury brands."

"And their financial situation?" Victoria prompted.

"Overleveraged," Howard replied, advancing to a declining profit graph. "They expanded aggressively last year, taking on significant debt. With Lewis Designs' collapse, they've lost thirty percent of expected rev

Victoria turned to legal. "Ms. Chen, the ownership structure?"

Eleanor Chen opened her folder. "Fifty-

one percent owned by Fabio Moretti himself. Twenty-

two percent public shareholders. The remaining twenty-

seven percent held by various private investors, including a fifteen percent stake belonging to Rose Lewis, who joined their board last year."

A murmur ran

through the room. Victoria silenced it with a glance before turning to her daughter.

"Camille, your assessment?"

All eyes shifted to the younger Kane, who set down her tablet with deliberate care.

"Moretti Global represents a strategic opportunity on multiple levels," Camille began coolly. "First, their infrastructure complements our existing holdings. Second, their client relationships give us immediate entry their vulnerability makes this the optimal moment to acquire them below market-

value."

She passed, meeting her mother's gaze. "And fourth, Fabio Moretti is Rose Lewis's godfather and most loyal business ally. The last person still standing beside her."

The significance settled over the room. Everyone understood this wasn't purely business. This was personal, another calculated move in the systematic dismantling of Rose Lewis's world.

"Thank you, Camille," Victoria said. "Mr. Howard, the takeover strategy?"

Howard clicked to a flowchart. "We've prepared a two-

pronged approach. First, quietly acquire available public shares through subsidiaries. Simultaneously, approach private investors, excluding Ms. Lewis, with offers fifteen percent above current value."

"And Moretti himself?" Victoria asked.

"That's where

we'll face resistance," Howard admitted. "He's known for loyalty. His connection to the Lewis

family goes back decades. He's unlikely to sell willingly."

Victoria turned to research. "Dr. Patel, what vulnerabilities have you identified?"

tablet, bringing new information to

points. First, his son Marco's struggling startup has been kept afloat through his father's cash infusions. Second, Moretti Global's expansion into South America encountered re

Victoria said. "Leverage without anything

timeline?" she asked

controlling interest within

II

The embezzlement evidence becomes public tomorrow. Moretti will be preparing contingency plans. We need to move faster." She turned to Chen. "Legal implications of an

and telegraph our intentions, but there's no

at twenty percent above current value, contingent on acceptance within

eight hours."

around the table. "Any other

spoke. "Fabio Moretti has been

father figure to Rose since childhood. Taking his company will hit her differently than other business losses.

her daughter. "Does that concern

an observation. We should prepare for a more emotional response than

Ms. Lewis's stake is completely isolated

filed out, leaving Victoria and

Victoria observed. “Having second

precision of it

slightly. “Like chess. The key is

opponent is still reacting

disaster. All that talk about "industry norms'

Moretti Global, what's left? What

penthouse. Her investments. The remaining shreds of her social standing. But those are

"Understands what?"

destruction. That it wasn't bad luck or media bias. That someone with patience, resources, and intimate knowledge of her weaknesses methodically took everything "And when will

hurt the most. When she has nothing left but questions about who destroyed her and

one. He's asking

and Camille exchanged glances, showing

I'll speak with him

Camille

shook her head.

creates anxiety. Anxiety

to

our offer before he fully understands our intentions." They moved

her desk, Camille took the chair beside

"this is business. Not personal. At least as

Italian man in his sixties with worried eyes. "Victoria," he began without preamble, "what are you doing with

neutral. "Good afternoon, Fablo. I

news travels quickly."

replied, accent thickening with emotion. "Three banks have called about unusual trading patterns. Are you

sectors," Victoria replied smoothly. "Your company's recent expansion aligns with our interests." Moretti's eyes narrowed. "This isn't about strategic interests. This is about Rose

raised an eyebrow. "I'm not sure I understand

understand perfectly," Moretti countered angrily. "First Rodriguez Shipping.

brand. Now my company.

everyone connected

leaned forward. "Mr. Moretti, business isn't personal. Our interest in your company is based on infrastructure and client

studied her with sudden intensity. "You're Victoria's daughter. The

been overseeing our expansion into luxury retail

flickered in Moretti's eyes, a flash of recognition quickly

discuss a mutually beneficial arrangement," Victoria interjected. "Your company faces significant challenges after the Lewis brand collapse. We're prepared to

include supporting my goddaughter during the worst crisis

what do you plan to do with Rose Lewis's fifteen percent

shock crossed Moretti's face. "Embezzlement?

news yet," Camille said, almost sympathetically. "But financial irregularities at Lewis Designs. have been discovered. Significant funds diverted to personal use. The board will announce tomorro Moretti seemed to age before their eyes.

said with false compassion. "I understand this puts you in a difficult position. Your goddaughter's reputation in tatters. Her stake now a liability. And Kane Industries making i She paused.