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?"

touched her tablet, bringing new information

father's cash infusions. Second, Moretti Global's expansion into South America

said. "Leverage without

timeline?" she asked

have controlling

II

shook her head. "Too slow. Rose Lewis resigned yesterday. The embezzlement evidence becomes public tomorrow. Moretti will be preparing contingency plans. We need to move faster." She turned to Chen. "Legal

and telegraph our intentions, but there's no

nodded. "Prepare the offer at twenty percent above current

eight hours."

the table. "Any

"Fabio Moretti has

will hit her differently than other business losses. This is personal for

daughter. "Does that concern

“Just an observation. We should prepare for a more emotional response than her previous

"I want the tender offer ready by market close. And ensure Ms. Lewis's stake is completely isolated in

out, leaving Victoria and Camille

quiet,” Victoria observed. “Having

"No. Just appreciating the precision of it all. How each piece

slightly. “Like chess. The key is thinking

opponent is still reacting

talk about "industry norms' made her sound completely unrepentant." "As expected," Victoria replied. "Rose Lewis

at the city. "After Moretti Global, what's

investments. The remaining shreds of her social standing. But those are merely material losses. The real victory come when

"Understands what?"

someone deliberately orchestrated her 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 we reveal that someone

smiled with genuine pleasure. "When it will hurt the most. When she has

one. He's asking about unusual trading

Camille exchanged glances, showing slight

I'll speak with him shortly,"

suspects already," Camille

shook her

Suspicion creates anxiety. Anxiety leads to

want him to panic," Camille realized

more attractive, Victoria confirmed. "In this case, accepting our offer before he fully understands our intentions."

settled behind her desk, Camille took the chair beside

business. Not personal. At least as far as

man in his sixties with

neutral. "Good afternoon, Fablo. I

news travels quickly."

replied, accent thickening with emotion. "Three banks have called about

sectors," Victoria replied smoothly. "Your company's recent expansion

eyebrow. "I'm not sure I understand the

Moretti countered angrily. "First Rodriguez Shipping.

brand. Now my company.

everyone connected to

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

sudden intensity. "You're Victoria's daughter. The

overseeing our

Moretti's eyes, a flash of recognition quickly masked. "And now

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

"My family's interests include supporting my goddaughter

our intentions," Victoria replied cooling. "But since you've raised the subject, what do you plan

Moretti's face. "Embezzlement? What

hasn't hit the 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. "I don't believe it. Not

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