SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan) novel Chapter 175

Chapter 175

Camille stood at the window of her office, Victoria's office, until yesterday... watching raindrops race down the glass. Each drop chased another, sometimes merging, sometimes veering off on separate paths. Like lives, she thought. Sometimes joined, sometimes divided, all eventually reaching the same destination.

The folder on her desk contained documents that had taken her legal team all night to prepare. Papers that would reshape lives, just as Victoria's announcement yesterday had reshaped hers.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. Alexander entered, carrying two coffee cups and wearing the look of a man who hadn't slept much.

"The press is still camped in the lobby," he said, handing her a cup. "You'd think Victoria announced she was selling the company to aliens."

Camille smiled, grateful for his attempt to lighten the mood. "Are you ready for the meeting?"

"I'm not the one they'll be watching." Alexander nodded toward the folder. "Are you sure about this?"

That question again. Since she'd made her decision last night, everyone had asked it, her legal team, the board members she'd called, and now Alexander. Only Victoria hadn't questioned her, simply nodding when Camille explained her plan.

"Yes," she answered, more firmly than she felt. "I'm sure."

Alexander touched her arm. "Then I'm with you."

"Even though you think it's a mistake?"

His fingers traced a gentle path from her elbow to her hand. "I think it's generous. Too generous, maybe. But it's your decision to make."

Before she could respond, her assistant opened the door. "They're ready for you in the conference room."

Camille took a deep breath and picked up the folder. This would be her first official act as CEO. Not expanding the business or securing a new market, but giving something back.

"Let's go," she said.

The conference room hushed as they entered. Eight people sat around the long table, her legal team on one side, the Rodriguez representatives on the other.

At the far end, Stefan sat stiffly in his chair. His arm remained in a sling, his face paler than she remembered. Their eyes met briefly before he looked away.

Camille took her seat at the head of the table, Alexander settling beside her. She placed the folder before her, letting the silence stretch a moment longer.

"Thank you all for coming on such short notice," she began. "As you know, Victoria Kane stepped down as CEO yesterday, naming me as her successor. This is my first official meeting in that role."

She opened the folder, revealing the stack of papers within.

"These documents represent my first executive decision as CEO of Kane Industries. In essence, they reverse the acquisition of Rodriguez Shipping assets that occurred three months ago."

Murmurs rippled around the table. Stefan's head snapped up, his eyes widening.

"To be clear," Camille continued, "Kane Industries will return controlling interest in Rodriguez Shipping to the Rodriguez family, specifically to Stefan Rodriguez, effective immediately upon signing."

The Rodriguez attorneys exchanged startled glances. One began hurriedly flipping through his notes, as if searching for the trap.

Stefan simply stared at her, his face a battlefield of emotions, disbelief, confusion, suspicion.

"Ms. Kane," he spoke finally, his voice rougher than she remembered. "May I ask why?"

A fair question. Everyone in the room knew how Kane Industries had systematically dismantled Rodriguez Shipping during her revenge campaign. Even those who didn't know the personal history could see this reversal made little business sense.

"Because building is harder than destroying," she answered. "And I'm more interested in what can be built."

She gestured to her lead attorney, who distributed copies of the agreement to everyone present. "However, there are conditions."

Now the trap, Stefan's face seemed to say. His body tensed visibly.

"First, Rodriguez Shipping will adopt and maintain ethical labor practices across all operations, subject to independent audit."

Stefan frowned slightly, but nodded.

"Second, twenty percent of annual profits will be dedicated to environmental remediation in areas where your ships operate."

Another nod, more hesitant.

"Third, the company will create a scholarship foundation for children of maritime workers, with particular emphasis on education for girls in developing regions."

Stefan's frown deepened, not in disagreement but in confusion. He clearly couldn't understand why these conditions mattered to her.

"And finally," Camille said, meeting his gaze directly, "your family estate, the property that has been in Rodriguez hands for four generations, will be returned to you, with the provision that the groundskeeper and household staff who lost their positions be offered their jobs back at increased wages."

Stefan's mask finally cracked. Something that might have been tears brightened his eyes before he blinked them away.

"Why?" he asked again, softer this time. A question not for the CEO of Kane Industries, but for the woman he had once betrayed.

The room fell silent. Everyone sensed the undercurrents flowing beneath the business discussion. Camille felt Alexander's hand find hers beneath the table, a small gesture of support.

"Because I choose to," she answered simply.