SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 189

Chapter 189

Victoria Kane stood at her office window, watching rain stream down the glass in crooked rivers. The sky hung heavy and dark over Manhattan, matching her mood. While Camille and Alexander continued their extended honeymoon in Italy, basking in Mediterranean sun and newlywed joy, Victoria faced a concerning situation alone.

Behind her, Jason Chen, head of Kane Industries security, waited silently. His reflection in the window looked as grim as she felt. On her desk lay an open folder, the reason for this unscheduled meeting, the reason for the sudden tightness in her chest.

"When did this start?" Victoria asked, not turning from the window.

"First breach was detected nine days ago," Jason replied. "Initially appeared random. Pattern only became clear yesterday when we ran a full system audit."

Victoria traced a raindrop's path down the glass with her finger. "And you're certain about the focus?"

"Yes. The searches were methodical. Starting with general corporate records from fifteen years ago, then narrowing to specific archived files, then to particular board members and executive decisions from that period."

Victoria closed her eyes briefly. Fifteen years. Ancient history in the business world. But someone was digging through old corporate records with deliberate precision.

"Any indication who's behind it?" she asked, voice sharp with concern.

"Not yet. The access came through multiple points using legitimate employee credentials. Whoever it is knows our security protocols extremely well."

Victoria turned from the window, crossing to her desk with measured steps that betrayed none of her inner turmoil. Cancer had weakened her body but not her mind. Never her mind.

"Increase monitoring on all archived records," she instructed, closing the folder with a decisive snap. "Set alerts for any access to materials from that period. And compile a list of anyone who might have interest in those old files."

"That could be a long list," Jason pointed out. "Competitors, business historians, financial analysts, former employees..."

"Start with the most obvious. We need to understand the intent behind these searches."

Jason nodded, gathering the folder. "And if we identify the source of the breach?"

Victoria met his gaze directly. "Then we approach them respectfully to understand their interest."

After Jason left, Victoria sank into her chair, allowing herself a rare moment of reflection. Her hand trembled slightly as she opened her desk drawer and removed a small silver pill case. The medication inside wasn't for cancer-it was for moments like this, when stress threatened to overwhelm her carefully maintained composure.

Fifteen years was a long time in business. Kane Industries had grown exponentially since then, expanding into new markets, acquiring companies, establishing itself as a major player. What could someone possibly want with records from that era?

on the screen,

Amalfi Coast is incredible. Alexander found this tiny restaurant in Ravello that sits right on the cliff

filled with casual happiness, so

sounds wonderful, dear. You're still extending the trip another

that's okay? Alexander surprised me with reservations in Capri. I've never seen him

face glowing with honeymoon joy. Far

course it's okay. The company is running

in fifteen-year-old corporate records for reasons she couldn't

Camille asked, concern evident despite

well. The doctors are very pleased." This, at least, wasn't a lie. "Don't worry about me. Enjoy

moved to the window again. The rain had

glass like

operated above board,

was almost worse than knowing what they wanted. At least then she could prepare an appropriate

** ***

security breach had been sophisticated but not untraceable. Each digital footprint led to another, forming a

Timestamps. IP addresses. Duration of system connection. Seemingly random

knock at his door broke his

doorway, his usually

screen. "The access came through multiple points, bouncing through different servers.

frowned. "Any theories

a financial analyst looking for

the door

Jason replied. "No one likes having old

don't know what

this concerning. The searches were too targeted to be random, but we

longer until you can

cold. Whoever is behind this knows what they're

for his technical skills as much as his loyalty to the company.

**** **

returned with an update on

before Victoria's desk. "Jason says the digital trail is sophisticated, designed to mask the

list of people with