"Malicious rumors." Her voice hardened even as her smile remained fixed. "Competitors trying to damage my brand's reputation."
"Competitors can be so... ruthless." I let my gaze drift over her shoulder, dismissive. "The business world is unforgiving that way."
Rose's hand tightened on Stefan's arm, her knuckles whitening. "Ms. Kane, perhaps we could meet privately? Discuss how Kane Industries and our businesses might benefit each other?"
The sheer audacity nearly made me laugh. After everything they'd done to me, they expected me to help them? To save them?
"I'm afraid my schedule is quite full," I said, my tone cooling several degrees. "But you're welcome to submit proposals through our investment division."
"We've tried." Stefan's composure slipped, revealing the desperation beneath
