SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 119

The

Kane Industries executive suite had transformed into a war room. Phones rang without pause. Screens displayed financial tickers bleeding red. In the center of the chaos stood Camille, her face a mask of calm.

"They're calling from everywhere," Hannah said, covering her phone. "Forbes, CNN, MSNBC. They all want a statement about the photos."

Camille stared at the

largest screen showing the New York Spectator's website with her

and Alexander's private moment splashed across it. Their embrace

on his yacht, now public property.

"Who leaked these?" she asked, her voice controlled despite the violation she felt.

"We're working on it," said Michael Chen, head

of security. "The metadata suggests they were taken three days ago on Mr. Pierce's yacht."

Camille's fingers tightened around her coffee cup. Three days ago. The afternoon she had allowed herself a few hours of peace. The first time she had felt truly alive since Victoria's collapse. Her phone buzzed. Alexander.

*I'm downstairs. Security won't let me up.*

She texted back: *Coming down.*

“I'll be back in five minutes,” she told Hannah. “Keep monitoring the stock situation."

"It's still falling," Hannah warned. "Down twenty-three points since the photos

hit, and the financial allegations aren't helping."

The fabricated

documents suggesting Alexander had pursued her for insider information had emerged just as the photo scandal peaked. A perfect one- two punch designed to destroy her reputation and their relationship.

Camille rode the private elevator down. When the doors opened, she spotted Alexander immediately.

"This way," she said, leading him to another elevator requiring her thumbprint. Once inside, away from prying eyes, her guard dropped slightly.

"I'm sorry," Alexander said immediately. "I should have been more

careful. My security team is trying to determine..."

"It wasn't your fault," Camille interrupted. "It was a targeted attack. The timing, the financial 'revelations' emerging right after the photos, this was planned."

Alexander's face darkened. "Rose and Herod."

Camille nodded. "Who else would benefit from discrediting us both simultaneously?"

The elevator opened directly into Victoria's office, now temporarily Camille's.

"The board is meeting in an hour," Camille said. "Several members have already called for my resignation."

"Based on what? That you have a personal life?"

"Based on the suggestion that my personal life creates a

conflict of interest." She gestured to a tablet. "These documents they're circulating, they're fake, but convincing. Emails showing you

pursued me for information about Kane Industries. Records suggesting you've been buying our stock through proxies."

Alexander scanned the article with growing anger. "These emails

never existed. I can prove it."

"By the time

trying to force a

let that

"We need to be strategic. The board will want to separate us publicly to stabilize

stepped closer. "And what do

hung between them. What did she want? For months, her focus had been on revenge, then on Victoria's recovery, then on proving herself worthy. Her own desires had

that afternoon

omething beyond victory.

Successfully unlocked!

she began, then stopped as the

stood

still be at home

doctors had recommended another week

1/3

Chapter 119

she said, moving forward.

only the slightest stiffness. Despite

I'm needed," she said simply. "And clearly,

her desk, setting down a small leather portfolio. Her gaze traveled from Camille

said finally.

the New York Spectator website

Camille acknowledged, bracing for

"Sit down, both of you. We don't have much time

taking chairs across

real," Victoria stated. Not

Camille confirmed. "Taken without our knowledge

financial documents?

can

"Time is precisely

us. A classic strategy, create a crisis, then exploit the chaos

"Our

Trading was temporarily halted, but has resumed with continued

to

Victoria replied,

way to stop the bleeding." She

does your board think

Alexander met her gaze

concerned about the suggestions of impropriety, but they're standing behind me." "Because you control your company," Victoria observed. "I

your assessment of the attack?" Victoria

Camille straightened. "Two-

sophisticated. The photos were meant to create

stract, and embarrass.

designed to undermine confidence in both

vulnerable to acquisition," Alexander

agreed. "And your

"Conventionally, we would

allegations, promise an investigation, and..."

and I would be maintaining a purely professional relationship going forward." "Conventional indeed," Victoria said, disapprovingly. "And entirely reactive. You're

of respect showed in Victoria's expression. "When attacked, advance. When

charge. When they

forward slightly. "They've exposed your relationship, expecting shame, expecting retreat. So instead, you confirm it. Proudly.

stared at her mentor, momentarily speechless. "You want us to publicly acknowledge

seize control

photos exist. The relationship exists. Denying either

collaborate in others. The Phoenix Grid uses Pierce technology. There's no inherent conflict,

board won't see it that way," Camille

see it," Victoria replied with steel in

isn't what the board thinks. It's what you two think. Is this relationship real? Or is

Chapter 119

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