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,

tiny

the sound of her adopted daughter's voice, so filled with casual happiness, so unaware

sounds wonderful, dear. You're still extending the

Alexander surprised me with reservations in Capri. I've

face glowing with honeymoon joy. Far away from New York. Far

is

suddenly becoming interested in fifteen-year-old corporate

treatments going?" Camille asked, concern evident despite the

pleased." This, at least, wasn't a

to

the glass like an accusation

Kane Industries had always operated above board, maintained proper documentation, followed all regulations. But the targeted nature of

her forehead against the cool glass. The uncertainty was almost worse than knowing what

** ***

below Victoria's office, Jason Chen sat at his computer, fingers flying across the keyboard. The security breach had been sophisticated but not

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

at his door

assistant, stood in the doorway, his usually impeccable appearance slightly rumpled. The mysterious breach had clearly unsettled

concrete yet," Jason replied, gesturing at his screen. "The access came through multiple points, bouncing through different

theories

competitor, a financial analyst looking for historical patterns... The searches themselves were precise

the door behind him.

"No one likes having old business

when we don't know what they're looking

The searches were too targeted to be

longer until you

The digital trail keeps going cold.

digital hunting. Victoria had handpicked him for his technical skills as much as his loyalty to the company. He understood the importance of protecting Kane Industries from unknown threats, especially when

**** **

returned with an update on

"Jason says the digital trail is sophisticated, designed to

of people with possible interest