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?"

to protect the family name. Including disowning his 'unstable' daughter If he thinks it will limit the "Ruthless."

“Victoria Kane is still standing. That

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

his hand

We just need to

how do

her initial test 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

you have

didn't reach his eyes. "My contact is gathering the final pieces. When they release the evidence,

the fall," Rose whispered, the image so sweet she could almost taste it. "The unstable heiress

She moved to

just as

the Phoenix Grid 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

what they expect to see," Herod agreed. "Create the right framework, and they fill

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

office while Rose remained transfixed

The caption read: "Kane Heiress Remains Secluded as Mental Health Questions Mount." Rose felt a rush

or triumph, but something deeper

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

said, unconcerned.

"We have, but

is essential." Herod checked his watch. "The interview with your parents is scheduled for 9AM tomorrow. Have

nodded, her expression turning calculating. "My

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

"A threat?"

warning." Rose smiled thinly. "My father understands

say exactly what the interviewer expects

"And if he doesn't?"

his offshore accounts. Rose shrugged. "He doesn't know we know about those. But we do, thanks

softly. "You really would destroy your

stopped being my father the moment

ice. Family is just another

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

said, reopening her eyes. "The great business titan, watching her empire

reminded her. "When

The burn of alcohol down her throat matched the fire