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.

he said firmly. "What I can share is that our connection grew

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Chapter 120

share similar values, similar visions for the future. The rest is between

There was something refreshing about a public figure who refused to trade privacy

question," Camille said, pointing to a

the New York

a very public betrayal before, with your former husband and sister. Has that experience affected how you're

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

had dared mention, Camille's painful past, exposed all over again with

felt Alexander's presence beside her, steady and supportive,

me the difference between shame and

Alexander Pierce. But I did deserve the right to reveal it on my own terms,

happened with my former husband and sister taught me that some connections destroy you. Others help you rebuild. I've been fo Her words

though he quickly masked

"We

they turned to leave the stage, a spontaneous applause

the back and spreading

in. It

a recognition of grace

PR team

reactions. Headlines were appearing on news sites

Confirm Relationship:

Public: Kane and Pierce Address Photos

Personal Attack Into Professional

erupting

privacy invasion! No denials,

brilliant business minds together? The definition

an attack into a

she admitted, scrolling

Hannah entered

hand, excitement visible despite her professional demeanor. "The stock is recovering already,"

since you started speaking. The transparency approach

with a message from

asked, looking

initial response is positive, but we need to track how the

Another

tablet displaying financial news. "Look at this, analysts are praising the potential business synergies between Kane

commented dryly, "but certainly better than accusations of

smiled for the first time since

online that morning.

to strategy. Victoria would

handed them each a folder. "These are the latest media requests coming in. Everyone wants exclusive interviews,

with the press conference statement for now. Give it time

continue monitoring the situation, Camille

momentarily alone in Victoria's office. Through the glass walls, they could see the activity continuing, phones

okay?" Alexander asked quietly, searching her face. "That question about your

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Chapter 120

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