SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

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 statCamille 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 | 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 smarkets, 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?"

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"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.

"Sdetails remain private," he said firmly. "What | can share is that our connection grew from mutual respect.

We

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Chapter 120

discovered we share similar values, similar visions for the future. The rest is between us."

His answer drew appreciative nods from sreporters. There was something refreshing about a public figure

who refused to trade privacy for sympathy.

"One final question," Camille said, pointing to a young reporter

from the New York Times,

"Ms. Kane, you've been through a very public betrayal before, with your former husband and sister. Has that

experience affected how you're handling this situation?"

A hush fell over the room. The question touched directly on what everyone knew but

few had dared mention, Camille's painful past, exposed all over again with these new photos.

Camille felt Alexander's presence beside her, steady and supportive, as she considered her answer.

"Yes," she said finally. "That experience taughtthe difference between shand privacy. I'm not ashamed

of my relationship

with Alexander Pierce. But | did deserve the right to reveal it on my own terms, not through stolen photographs."

She paused, making eye contact with several reporters around the room. "What happened with my former

husband and sister taughtthat sconnections destroy you. Others help you rebuild. I've been fo Her

words resonated through the quiet room. Even Malcolm Reed

looked somewhat chastened, though he quickly masked the expression.

"Thank you for your time," Camille concluded. "We appreciate your understanding as we navigate this situation."

As they turned to leave the stage, a spontaneous applause broke out, starting

with a few journalists in the back and spreading until most of the room

had joined in. It wasn't

universal, but it was significant, a recognition of grace under pressure, of dignity maintained despite invasion.

Backstage, the PR team was already monitoring the

immediate reactions. Headlines were appearing on news sites with surprising speed:

*"Kane and Pierce Confirm Relationship: ‘Genuine and Important"

*"Power Couple Goes Public: Kane and Pierce Address Photos Head-On"*

*Business Leaders Turn Personal Attack Into Professional Statement"*

Social media was erupting with comments, many supportive:

*'That's how you handle a privacy invasion! No denials, no shame, just facts. #KaneAndPierce"*

*Two brilliant business minds together? The definition of power couple!"*

*"Watching Camille Kane turn an attack into a victory is honestly inspiring."*

In the privacy 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 the truth."

Hannah entered

with tablet in hand, excitement visible despite her professional demeanor. "The stock is recovering already," she

reported. "Up

four points since you started speaking. The transparency approach is working."

Camille's phone buzzed with a message from Victoria: *Well done. First hurdle cleared.*

"What happens now?" Alexander asked, looking around at the team.

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

develops over the next few hours."

Another

staff member approached with a tablet displaying financial news. "Look at this, analysts are praising the

potential business synergies between Kane Industries and Pierce Enterprises. They're framing your relationship

as a potential strategic alliance."

"Not exactly romantic," Alexander commented dryly, "but certainly better than accusations of impropriety."

Camille smiled for the first tsince the

photos had appeared online that morning. "We've changed the story

from scandal to strategy. Victoria would approve."

The PR director handed them each a folder. "These are the latest media requests coming in. Everyone wants

exclusive interviews, magazine features, in— depth profiles of you both."

"No exclusives yet," Camille decided after a quick glance. "Let's stick with the press conference statement for

now. Give it tto settle."

As the team dispersed to continue monitoring the situation, Camille and Alexander

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

continuing, phones ringing, screens displaying news coverage, staff moving with purpose.

"Are you okay?" Alexander asked quietly, searching her face. "That question about your past...”

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Chapter 120

"Was inevitable," Camille finished. "And answering it honestly was the right choice." She moved to the window,

looking out at the city below. "Rose wanted to use our relationship

to destroy me. To remind everyone of how foolish | was the first taround."

"Instead, you showed them how much you've grown," Alexander said, coming to stand beside her. "How much

stronger you've become."

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Camille nodded. "Rose never understood that the difference between then and now isn't just about who I'm with.

It's about who | am."

Outside the office, Hannah approached with fresh news. "The phones won't stop ringing. Every major outlet is

praising your handling of the situation. Sare even suggesting the leaked photos were designed "Keep that

narrative going," Camille instructed. "The focus should be on our companies’ innovations, not our personal lives."

"Already happening," Hannah confirmed, showing them a new headline from CNBC: *"Kane-

Pierce Relationship Announcement Coincides with Phoenix Grid Expansion, Coincidence or Strategic Timing?"*

Alexander read it and laughed. "They think we leaked the photos ourselves as a publicity stunt for the Grid."

"Better than the alternative," Camille observed.

Her phone buzzed again with more messages, board members expressing support, business associates offering

encouragement. The tide was turning visibly with each passing minute.

One message, from a number she didn't recognize, simply read: *This isn't over.*

Camille showed it to Alexander, who frowned. "Rose?"

"Probably," she agreed, handing the phone to Hannah. "Trace this if possible."

As the afternoon progressed, the positive response continued to

build. Financial analysts began speculating about potential collaborations between Kane Industries and

Pierce Enterprises. Social media users created supportive hashtags that quickly trended. Entertainment sites ran

glowing pieces about "New York's Most Powerful Couple."

By evening, Kane Industries stock had not only recovered its losses but gained additional points. Pierce

Enterprises was similarly thriving. What had been intended as a destructive scandal had transformed into

"We should head to the gala soon," Alexander reminded her as the work day cto a close. The Hamilton

Foundation Gala, their

first public appearance as an acknowledged couple, awaited them. n. A new article

Before leaving, Camille paused at her desk, looking at a notification

that had just appeared on

her s from the New York Spectator, Malcolm Reed's publication that had broken the

yacht photos that morning. The headline read: *"Kane and Pierce: A Modern Business Romance That Defies

Convention."*

The soutlet that had sought to humiliate them hours earlier was now framing their relationship as

aspirational, forward-

thinking, revolutionary. The article quoted relationship experts, business analysts, and social commentators, all

praising the couple's approach to the situation.

Camille felt a surge of satisfaction that went beyond professional

victory. This was personal vindication, proof that she had truly transformed from the woman who had once been

destroyed by betrayal into someone who could face humiliation with dignity and emerge stronger. "Ready?"

Alexander asked, offering his hand.

She took it, feeling the warmth of his fingers around hers. "Ready."

Together, they walked toward the elevator, preparing to step out again into the public eye, not as victims of an

invasion, but as a united front, stronger for having weathered their first storm together. Behind them, screens

continued to light up with supportive messages

and rising stock prices.

The story was no longer about leaked photos or fabricated documents. It was about two people who had chosen

to stand together, openly and without shame, turning vulnerability into strength.