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?"

bringing new information to the

three pressure 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

"Leverage

timeline?" she asked

have controlling

II

Lewis resigned yesterday. The embezzlement evidence becomes public tomorrow. Moretti will be preparing contingency plans. We need

pay a premium and telegraph our intentions, but

twenty percent above

eight hours."

around the

spoke. "Fabio Moretti

Rose since childhood. Taking his company will hit her differently than other business losses. This is personal for

studied her daughter. "Does that concern

replied steadily. “Just an observation. We should prepare for a more emotional response than

the tender offer ready by market close. And ensure Ms. Lewis's stake is

out, leaving Victoria

observed. “Having

Just appreciating the precision of it

smiled slightly. “Like chess.

your opponent is

satisfaction. "Her public statement yesterday was a disaster. All that talk about "industry norms'

gazed out at the city. "After Moretti Global, what's left? What else does she have to

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

"Understands what?"

bias. That someone with patience, resources, and intimate knowledge of her weaknesses methodically took everything

smiled with genuine pleasure. "When it will hurt the most. When she has nothing left but questions about who destroyed

intercom buzzed "Ms. Kane, Mr. Moretti is on line one. He's asking about unusual trading activity in his company's

Camille exchanged

speak with

Camille

shook her head.

anxiety. Anxiety

to

"In this case, accepting our offer before

behind her desk,

business. Not personal. At least as far as Fabio Moretti

Victoria initiated the video call. Fabio Moretti appeared, a distinguished Italian man in his sixties with worried eyes. "Victoria," he began without preamble, "what are you doing

"Good afternoon,

news travels quickly."

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

smoothly. "Your company's recent expansion aligns with our interests." Moretti's eyes

not sure I understand

Moretti countered angrily. "First Rodriguez Shipping.

Lewis brand. Now

connected

in your

intensity. "You're Victoria's daughter. The one who

she confirmed. "I've been overseeing our expansion into luxury

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

beneficial arrangement," Victoria interjected. "Your company faces significant challenges after

family's interests include supporting my goddaughter during the

what do you plan to do with Rose Lewis's fifteen percent stake now that her business has

Moretti's face. "Embezzlement? What

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

position. Your goddaughter's reputation in tatters. Her stake now a liability. And Kane Industries making i She paused.