The Ex-Wife’s Billion Dollar Comeback Novel

---- Chapter 142: Calum's Fault ~ Calum ~ "The recent truck accident involving Montclair Group has caused great concern, and | want to address the public directly. Our priority remains with those injured in the crash, and we are working with authorities to ensure they receive every form of support they need." Jacob stood before the crowd of reporters and employees, tall and steady. His suit was sharp, his gaze firm, and his presence alone drew attention.

When he spoke, his voice was clear and strong, showing both authority and determination "What happened was not the result of poor oversight alone," Jacob added. "It was the result of a deliberate scheme. Individuals used Montclair's name and resources for their own gain. Illegal substances were inserted into the cargo without the company's knowledge or approval, and the evidence we have gathered confirms this was intentional misconduct." "We are cooperating fully with investigators.

Those responsible, including anyone inside this company, will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. An embezzlement case tied to this matter is already under review, and we will not hesitate to take further legal action." "Montclair Group has stood for decades as a symbol of industry and growth. That reputation has been tarnished, but not irreparably damaged.

We will take this as an opportunity to strengthen our systems, rebuild your trust, and prove that Montclair remains committed to integrity and responsibility." Then, finally, with conviction, Jacob declared, "This company ---- will not be defined by those who tried to exploit it. It will be defined by how we rise above this challenge. And | promise you, the Montclair Group will rise from this endeavor." Calum watched the entire press conference from the side. He couldn't even sit in front of the crowd. He didn't have the heart. He had let his company down, and he knew it.

Of course, he remembered signing that procurement proposal. Rose had reminded him of the purchase request, and the information had originally come from Claire. Somehow, every disaster in the company always traced back to his uncle, Marvin Rowan. But why had he signed that document without taking into consideration his assistants words? It was because of Soraya. He remembered how that was the day he saw Silas' post about Soraya, comments on his social media that suggested his ex-wife had moved on with another man. 'Why did that affect me in the first place?' he wondered.

He had the same question earlier during the meeting, when he stared into Soraya's eyes. A small part of him blamed her. Then, he caught something. During their discussion on how to rebuild the company's image, he noted how Jacob willingly listened to Soraya. 'Didn't he dislike her?' Although there was a possibility that his uncle might have been responsible for his drugging seven years ago, Calum and his family had not shared this suspicion with anyone yet. So, perhaps Jacob's actions were merely because he genuinely wanted to help the Montclair Group.

---- Calum's phone had been flooded with messages and missed calls. Most of them were from Rose and Melvin, but he didn't answer. Even Claire and Roger called. They both sent him texts, denying their father was ever involved in the illegal substance found in the trailer truck. In the middle of the press conference, Rose and Melvin turned up, showing their support for Calum. He met them, but no longer walked them inside. "Why is Soraya there?" Rose asked sharply, her eyes narrowing. "She knows the company inside out. Jacob needs her to bridge the gaps,' Calum answered.

"Why not you?" Rose pressed. "My trust rating is not in its best state right now. It's best that | step aside for now," Calum said. "Well, thank God for Jacob, helping you in this crisis. With his name attached to the Montclair Group, I'm sure the stock prices will go back up in no time," Melvin remarked. Calum agreed with Melvin's words. Jacob was far wealthier and more successful. His influence stretched across the country, and many would surely believe that, aside from covering the losses, he could steer the Montclair Group effectively now that he had stepped in as stand-in CEO.

What many would never know was that Calum had already covered the losses from the accident, and that didn't matter, because the scandal was tied to his leadership, to his name. Later that night, Calum had a talk with Rose in her apartment's living room. She said, "It was my fault for listening to Claire." ---- "It's not your fault," Calum said. "It was mine. Claire is someone | trust. She is my cousin. | grew up with her and Roger since we were kids. No one would know, not even my father, that their entire family had been plotting against us." Rose frowned.

She asked, "But don't Marvin and Camila have shares with the Montclair Group too? Why can't their dividends be used to pay for the crash?" "They only have a total of 3% shares left. They had sold shares in the past. Moreover, the funds needed to pay for the damages and the injuries were urgent," Calum replied dryly. "They've sold their shares?" Rose asked in shock, her eyes rounding. "What-what about their properties?" "My uncle had also been selling their properties over the years. | don't know if there is anything left," Calum revealed. "What?" Rose said, her nose flaring.

"You-you are joking, right? Calum, please tell me you are joking!" Rose's face paled. Her lips quivered as she revealed, "No- nothing. Nothing. I'm just shocked." toe ~ Rose ~ Rose couldn't tell Calum how much money she had lent to Claire, because sadly, his cousin knew too much. If she pulled Claire down, she would go down with her. And that... was Rose's greatest fear. All she could do now was absorb the total loss, from ten million to ninety million, and as of last week, a total of a hundred million. ---- '| will succeed in my fashion brand, she convinced herself.

' And none of that hundred million dollars will matter.' But just as Rose said that, Calum asked her, "Do you still have money left from the ten billion dollars | gave you? | think | need to start my own business. | could use some of those funds." "|-I-" Rose's lips quivered, unsure how to respond to Calum's question.