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.

can share is that our connection

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Chapter 120

we share similar values, similar visions for the future. The

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

final question," Camille said, pointing to

the New York

you've been through a very public betrayal before, with your former

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

exposed

presence beside her, steady and supportive, as she

said finally. "That experience taught me the difference between

I did deserve the right to reveal it on

reporters around the room. "What happened with my former husband and sister taught me that some connections destroy you. Others help you

somewhat chastened, though he

concluded. "We appreciate your understanding as

leave the stage, a spontaneous

journalists in the back and spreading

in. It

a recognition of grace under pressure, of dignity maintained

PR team was already monitoring

appearing on news sites with surprising

Pierce Confirm Relationship: 'Genuine

Kane and Pierce Address Photos

Turn Personal Attack Into Professional

erupting with comments, many

handle a privacy invasion! No denials, no shame, just facts.

together?

attack into a

of 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

Hannah entered

visible despite her professional demeanor.

since you started speaking. The transparency approach

phone buzzed with a message from Victoria: *Well

now?" Alexander asked, looking around at the

explained. "The initial response is positive, but we need to track how the narrative develops

Another

news. "Look at this, analysts are praising the potential business synergies between Kane Industries and Pierce Enterprises.

exactly romantic," Alexander commented dryly, "but certainly

for the first time since

appeared online that morning. "We've

scandal to strategy. Victoria would

director handed them each a folder. "These are the latest media requests coming

with the press conference statement for now. Give it time

dispersed to continue monitoring the situation, Camille and

the glass walls, they could see

Alexander asked quietly, searching her face.

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Chapter 120

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