SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 87

Rose lifted her champagne flute, the bubbles catching the afternoon sunlight that streamed through the penthouse windows. Across the table, Herod mirrored her movement, his eyes glinting with satisfaction. C "To bringing down giants," Herod said.

They clinked glasses. Rose savored the expensive champagne, allowing herself this moment of triumph.

"I must admit," Herod said, settling back in his chair, "your media contacts exceeded my expectations. The coverage is... spectacular."

Rose smiled, running her finger along the rim of her glass. "Money talks. But so do old favors." She nodded Toward the television where her tearful interview was replaying. "Eliza Jenkins has hated Victoria Kan "And the medical records? A particularly inspired touch."

"There are no medical records," Rose laughed, the sound sharp with triumph. "Just enough specific details to sound convincing, provided by a therapist who never treated Camille but is happy to consult anonyn the right price."

Herod raised an eyebrow. "Creative."

"It's how the game is played." Rose stood and walked to the window, looking out over Manhattan with fresh eyes. For weeks, the city had felt like a prison, places she couldn't go, people who wouldn't speak to h people want to believe it."

"Especially when it comes from the tearful sister." Herod joined

her at the window, champagne in hand. "Your performance was quite moving.

"I learned from the best actors in the business, the ultra-

rich." Rose's voice hardened. "Watching my so-

called family pretend to be perfect while judging me for every mistake."

On the coffee table, Herod's phone buzzed. He glanced at it, his smile widening

"Kane Industries has called an emergency board meeting, he said, raising his glass again. "Your sister is in full crisis mode."

Rose closed her eyes briefly, picturing Camille's face as she woke to find herself braided unstable and dangerous. The thought sent warmth through her chest.

"They've pulled her from the Phoenix Grid launch event," Herod continued, reading from his phone. "Claiming she's 'focusing on technical aspects rather than public- facing duties.""

"They're hiding her," Rose said, satisfaction flooding her voice. "Exactly what I wanted. 'The mighty Camille Kane, driven back into the shadows."

Herod poured more champagne for them both. "Phase one accomplished. But remember, this is just the beginning."

"The beginning of the end for Camille." Rose took the refilled glass. "Tomorrow my parents give their interview. My poor, concerned parents, heartbroken over their daughter's mental decline." "They agreed to participate?"

Rose said with a harsh laugh. "But they will. My father will do anything to protect the family name.

“Victoria Kane is still standing. That woman has weathered worse

out. "My sources inside their engineering department provide w "Explain it again." Rose

laying his hand

to sabotage anything physically. We just need to prove it was built on flawed

do we

results." Herod tapped a document. "The system works in controlled settings but fails under the load conditions of a full city grid. Zhao knew this six months ago but buried the findings to keep

have proof

pieces. When they release the evidence, Kane Industries will face more than bad publicity. They'll be looking

Rose whispered, the image so sweet she could almost taste it. "The unstable heiress who pushed forward a dangerous project

She moved to

up the volume just as

as the cornerstone of their future growth strategy. If the leadership of that project is compromised, a "Listen to them," Rose said, gesturing at the screen. "They've already connected Camille's supposed Instability to doubts about the project. We barely had to

Herod agreed. "Create the right framework, and they fill

the screen as it cut to footage of Victoria Kane entering Kane Industries headquarters, surrounded by security and ignoring shouted questions from reporters. The older woman's face was a stone "I wish I could see inside that building right now," Rose murmured. "Victoria realizing her perfect revenge plan is unraveling. Camille hiding away as the world

office while Rose remained transfixed

crowded at the gates while security kept them back. The caption read: "Kane Heiress Remains Secluded as Mental Health Questions Mount." Rose felt

not just satisfaction or

face alight with fresh news. "Alexander Pierce has been making calls to his investigative team. They're trying to trace the source

try," Rose said, unconcerned.

"We have, but

his watch. "The interview with your parents is scheduled

turning calculating. "My father

mental state going back years. Along with reminder about what happened to the

"A threat?"

Rose smiled thinly. "My father understands

He'll say exactly what the interviewer

"And if he doesn't?"

of his offshore accounts. Rose shrugged. "He doesn't know

really

my father

voice turned to ice. Family is just another word for

to delight. "Kane Industries stock has triggered circuit breakers. Trading temporarily halted after falling twenty Rose closed her eyes, letting the news

must be beside herself," she said, reopening her eyes. "The great business titan, watching

the beginning of her pain," Herod reminded her. "When we reveal the Phoenix Grid flaws next week,

bar cart, pouring herself a measure of whiskey. The burn of alcohol down her throat matched the