SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 193

Chapter 193

The morning sun cast sharp shadows across the Kane Industries boardroom as Camille paced behind her chair, her phone pressed against her ear. Alexander watched from the doorway, studying the tension in her shoulders, the way her free hand clenched and unclenched at her side. Three percent. Such a small number to cause such devastation.

"No, that's not acceptable," Camille snapped into the phone. "We need that press release out within the hour, not by end of day."

Victoria sat at the head of the massive conference table, her face pale but composed. Charts and graphs covered the polished surface before her, all showing the same ugly truth, Kane Industries stock had plummeted overnight, wiping out millions in market value.

Alexander stepped into the room, his expression carefully crafted to show concern and support. Inside, satisfaction burned like a flame he couldn't extinguish.

"How bad is it?" he asked, knowing the answer already.

"Bad." Camille ended her call and turned to face him, dark circles under her eyes telling the story of a sleepless night. "Three percent drop in twelve hours. The trading floor is calling it a bloodbath."

Victoria's voice cut through the morning air like ice. "Someone is spreading lies about our acquisition history. Targeting our credibility at the worst possible time."

Alexander moved to Camille's side, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. Her body was rigid with stress, muscles tight beneath his palm. "What kind of lies?"

"Anonymous sources claiming we used 'questionable tactics' during hostile takeovers fifteen years ago," Camille said, her voice shaking with anger. "Investors are spooked. They're questioning whether the Phoenix Grid expansion is built on the same foundation."

The irony cut through Alexander like a knife. If only she knew how right those anonymous sources were. If only she understood that her husband was the architect of her company's destruction.

"That's ridiculous," Alexander said, his tone perfectly pitched between outrage and support. "Your acquisition record is spotless. Anyone can see that."

Victoria's eyes met his across the table. For a moment, Alexander saw something flicker in her gaze, suspicion, calculation, fear. Did she suspect him? Or was she simply a woman watching her life's work crumble and grasping for explanations? "The timing is too convenient," Victoria said slowly. "Right after the Phoenix Grid announcement. Right when we're most vulnerable to market manipulation."

"You think this is intentional?" Alexander asked, keeping his voice neutral even as his pulse quickened.

"I know it is," Victoria replied, her fingers drumming against the table. "The question is who benefits from our stock dropping."

Camille sank into her chair, running both hands through her hair. "Does it matter? The damage is done. Investors are pulling out, questioning our leadership, demanding answers we can't give."

Alexander sat beside his wife, reaching for her hand. Her fingers were cold,

should have brought him joy, Victoria's empire falling meant justice for his uncle. But watching Camille suffer sent unexpected

her hand. "Both of us. Pierce Enterprises stands

own company's reputation?" Victoria asked, her voice sharp with

is my wife. Her success is my success. Pierce

deepen their trust in him, to position himself

tears she refused to let fall. "Thank you," she

without reservation, believed in their partnership both personal and professional. And he was betraying that

a tablet clutched in her hands. "The financial networks are picking up the story," she announced, her voice tight with worry. "CNBC is running a

Camille breathed, burying her face

get ahead of this? Call

was bitter. "That anonymous accusations are false? That looks

continued, his tone growing more confident. "We don't just deny the rumors, we provide complete transparency. Open your books. Invite independent auditors to review every acquisition from the

up at him with something approaching awe. "That's brilliant. Complete transparency would eliminate any credibility

skeptical. "Opening our books to that level of scrutiny is dangerous. Even legitimate business decisions can

have something to hide," Alexander said, his voice carefully neutral.

trap was elegant in

couldn't refuse without appearing guilty. But agreeing would expose fifteen

scrutiny, including

cover-up that had driven his uncle to

voice growing stronger. "We call their bluff. Complete financial transparency, independent audits, everything. Let the

quiet for a long moment, her fingers still drumming against the

she said finally. "We'll prepare for full disclosure. But this had better work,

and grasped Victoria's hand. "It won't backfire. The truth

through his veins like poison. The truth was indeed on their side, his side.

have my team prepare a comprehensive communications strategy," Alexander offered. "Pierce

be incredibly helpful," Camille said, squeezing his arm. "I knew marrying you was the

Alexander's gut like a blade. He forced

forehead. "We're partners in everything,

provided resources, made calls to influential contacts in the financial media. To everyone watching, he was the perfect supportive husband

created. Every resource he provided would ultimately serve his purpose. Every contact he reached out to

herself into damage control with the same intensity she brought to everything,