Chapter 120:

Lights flashed like lightning as Camille and Alexander stepped onto the small stage set up in the Kane Industries media room. The wall behind them displayed both company logos side by side, a visual stateme Camille wore a deep blue dress that matched Alexander's tie, another deliberate choice. Her heart hammered against her ribs, but her face remained calm, poised. Only Alexander could feel the slight tremor in "Thank you all for coming on such short notice," she began, her voice steady despite the storm inside her. "I know there has been considerable speculation today regarding my relationship with Alexander Pierce The cameras clicked furiously. In the front row, she

spotted Malcolm Reed from the New York Spectator, the man who had published those intimate photos from the yacht. He watched her with calculating eyes, no doubt hoping for signs

of distress he could feature in tomorrow's edition.

"I'm here to address that

speculation directly," Camille continued. "Yes, Alexander Pierce and I are in a relationship. It began recently, but it is genuine and important to both of us."

A murmur rippled through the room. They had expected denial, damage control, perhaps even resignation, not

this straightforward confirmation.

"We recognize that as leaders of major companies that occasionally compete in the same markets, our personal connection raises questions about potential conflicts of interest," Alexander added, stepping forw He looked at Camille, their eyes meeting

briefly. In that moment, something passed

between them, strength, certainty, a shared resolve that steadied them both.

"Both Kane Industries and Pierce Enterprises have strict protocols regarding information sharing and competitive practices," Camille said. "Those protocols remain in place and will be enhanced with additional

A reporter from the Wall Street Journal stood. "What about the documents suggesting Mr. Pierce pursued this relationship specifically to gain insider information about Kane Industries?"

Camille nodded, having anticipated this question. "Those documents are fabricated. Both our companion have initiated forensic analyses that will prove this conclusively within twenty- four hours. We believe they were creat and distributed as part of a deliberate attempt to damage both our companies and drive down our stock prices."

"For what purpose?" someone called out.

"That's

a question we're actively investigating," Alexander replied. "We have reason to believe certain parties are attempting to acquire controlling interests in our companies during the artificial stock downturn they created."

A reporter from Bloomberg raised her

hand. "Ms. Kane, what does Victoria Kane think about your relationship with a business rival?"

The question hung in the air, loaded with implications. Everyone knew Victoria's reputation

for keeping business and personal matters strictly separated.

"Ms. Kane values integrity and transparency," Camille

answered carefully. “She supports our decision to address this matter openly rather than allow speculation to damage our companies."

More hands shot up, voices calling over each other.

"Mr. Pierce, how long has this relationship been going on?"

"Ms. Kane, will you be stepping down from your position?"

"Are there concerns about insider trading?"

Alexander raised his hand, quieting the clamor. "Our relationship began after we had already established professional connections through the Phoenix Grid project. Neither of us sought this connection for busi "As for my position at Kane Industries," Camille added, "I remain fully committed to leading the company during Victoria Kane's recovery. The board has been briefed on our relationship and appropriate safegua A reporter from Entertainment Tonight stood, shifting the tone. "Can you tell us about your relationship? How did it begin?" Camille felt a momentary hesitation. This was the line between professional transparen and stepped in.

remain private," he said firmly. "What I can

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Chapter 120

similar visions for the future. The rest is

appreciative nods from some reporters. There was something refreshing about a public

question," Camille said, pointing

the New York

through a very public betrayal before, with your former

hush fell over the room. The question touched directly on what everyone

Camille's painful past, exposed all over

her, steady and supportive, as she considered her

me the difference between shame and

the right to reveal it on my

husband and sister taught me that some connections destroy you.

somewhat chastened, though he

your time," Camille concluded. "We appreciate

to leave the stage, a spontaneous applause

back and

joined in.

but it was significant, a recognition of grace under pressure, of

team was already monitoring

Headlines were appearing on

Confirm Relationship: 'Genuine and

Couple Goes Public: Kane and Pierce Address Photos

Personal

media was erupting

you handle a privacy invasion! No

brilliant business minds together? The definition of power

turn an attack into a victory is

Victoria's office, Camille finally allowed her shoulders to relax slightly. "It's going bethan we expected," she admitted, scrolling through the reports. Alexander nodded, loosening his tie. "People respect directness. No denials, no excuses, just the

Hannah entered

visible despite her professional demeanor. "The stock is

points since you started speaking. The transparency

with a message from Victoria: *Well done. First hurdle

happens now?" Alexander asked, looking around at

but we need to track how the narrative develops over the next few

Another

this, analysts are praising the potential business synergies between Kane Industries and Pierce Enterprises. They're framing your relationship as

"but

for the first time

had appeared online that morning.

strategy.

a folder. "These are the latest media requests

glance. "Let's stick with

to continue monitoring the

the glass walls, they could see the activity continuing, phones ringing,

quietly, searching her face. "That question about

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Chapter 120

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