Chapter 58

Camille’s POV

“They rejected our offer.”

Rebecca’s words hung in the air between us, impossible, unthinkable. The folder in her hands contained the formal response from Rodriguez Shipping, a single page declining our “generous proposal” with diplomatic language that barely masked the defiance beneath.

“That’s not possible,” I said, my voice too quiet even to my own ears. “They’re broke. Desperate. Days from complete collapse.”

“Mr. Rodriguez was quite firm.” Rebecca set the folder on my desk, her expression professionally neutral despite delivering news she knew would infuriate me. “Their lead negotiator said the family would rather see the company fail entirely than sell its legacy routes to Kane Industries at thirty cents on the dollar.”

Heat rose from my chest to my throat, a burning tide of rage I hadn’t felt since the night Stefan had handed me divorce papers on our anniversary. Since the night Rose had smirked at my pain while pretending co