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

Her phone buzzed. Camille's name flashed on the screen, the timing almost uncanny.

"Victoria? Just checking in! The Amalfi Coast is incredible. Alexander found this tiny restaurant in Ravello that sits right on the cliff edge. You'd love it."

Victoria's throat tightened at the sound of her adopted daughter's voice, so filled with casual happiness, so unaware of the matters requiring attention back home.

"It sounds wonderful, dear. You're still extending the trip another week?"

"Yes, if that's okay? Alexander surprised me with reservations in Capri. I've never seen him so relaxed."

Victoria closed her eyes, picturing Camille's face glowing with honeymoon joy. Far away from New York. Far away from corporate concerns.

"Of course it's okay. The company is running smoothly. Nothing here requires your attention."

Nothing except someone suddenly becoming interested in fifteen-year-old corporate records for reasons she couldn't fathom.

"How are the treatments going?" Camille asked, concern evident despite the poor connection.

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

After ending the call, Victoria moved to the window again. The rain had intensified, beating against the glass like an accusation she couldn't identify.

What had happened fifteen years ago that someone would find worth investigating now? Kane Industries had always operated above board, maintained proper documentation, followed all regulations. But the targeted nature of this breach suggested someone was looking for something specific.

Victoria pressed her forehead against the cool glass. The uncertainty was almost worse than knowing what they wanted. At least then she could prepare an appropriate response.

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