Chapter 180
Chapter 180:
“And the financial documents? The emails?”
“Fabricated,” Alexander answered firmly. “I can prove it if given time.”
Victoria nodded. “Time is precisely what Rose and Herod are trying to deny us. A classic strategy—create a crisis, then exploit the chaos while everyone is scrambling to respond.” She opened her portfolio. “Our stock has fallen twenty-six points since the story broke. Trading was temporarily halted, but has resumed with continued decline.”
“The board wants me to step down,” Camille said quietly.
“Of course they do,” Victoria replied, unsurprised. “They’re panicking, looking for the easiest way to stop the bleeding.” She turned to Alexander. “And you? What does your board think of this… entanglement?”
Alexander met her gaze directly. “They’re concerned about the suggestions of impropriety, but they’re standing behind me.”
“Because you control your company,” Victoria observed. “I control mine.” She looked at Camille. “Or rather, we do. Together.”
Camille felt a flicker of hope. Victoria wasn’t shutting her out.
“What’s your assessment of the attack?” Victoria asked.
Camille straightened. “Two-pronged and sophisticated. The photos were meant to create scandal, distract, and embarrass. The financial allegations were the real attack, designed to undermine confidence in both Kane Industries and Pierce Enterprises simultaneously.”
“Making both companies vulnerable to acquisition,” Alexander added.
“Precisely,” Victoria agreed. “And your counter-strategy?”
Camille hesitated. “Conventionally, we would issue denials of the financial allegations, promise an investigation, and…” She paused. “And announce that Alexander and I would be maintaining a purely professional relationship going forward.”
“Conventional indeed,” Victoria said disapprovingly. “And entirely reactive. You’re letting them dictate the terms of engagement.”
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“What would you suggest?” Alexander asked.
A hint of respect showed in Victoria’s expression. “When attacked, advance. When they expect you to retreat, charge. When they expect denial, affirm.” She leaned forward slightly. “They’ve exposed your relationship, expecting shame, expecting retreat. So instead, you confirm it. Proudly. On your terms.”
Camille stared at her mentor, momentarily speechless. “You want us to publicly acknowledge our relationship? After these photos?”
“I want you to seize control of the narrative,” Victoria corrected. “The photos exist. The relationship exists. Denying either makes you appear dishonest or ashamed.” She turned to Alexander. “Your companies compete in some markets, but also collaborate in others. The Phoenix Grid uses Pierce technology. There’s no inherent conflict, just potential synergy.”
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