Chapter 102

Chapter 102:

“Or two different people made changes,” Camille murmured, thinking of Rose and Herod.

“Maybe.” Hannah looked uneasy. “What I can’t figure out is how anyone got access. Our system requires multiple authorizations, biometric verification…”

“Someone on the inside,” Camille said, standing abruptly. “Keep this between us for now. I’m calling Mr. Pierce, and then we’re going through every blueprint. Every specification.”

“That could take all night,” Hannah said.

Camille nodded grimly. “Then we’d better get started.”

By one in the morning, Camille’s office had transformed. Blueprints covered every surface—her desk, the conference table, even sections of the floor. Hannah had sketched diagrams on the glass wall with erasable markers.

Alexander had arrived within thirty minutes of Camille’s call, bringing coffee and a focused intensity. He now sat cross-legged on the floor, comparing circuit diagrams.

“Seventeen distinct modifications,” Hannah announced, adding another mark to her tally. “All made within the last three weeks.”

“All targeting safety systems,” Alexander added. “Nothing that would affect performance during testing or initial operation.”

“They wanted it to fail spectacularly. After we’d declared it safe,” Camille rubbed her eyes. “After people started relying on it.”

Hannah picked up another blueprint. “They focus on the intersection points, where our system connects to the city’s existing power grid. That’s where feedback loops could create the most damage.”

“Maximum chaos,” Alexander said. “Maximum blame on Kane Industries.”

Camille moved to the window. “We need to identify who made these changes. Every modification should have a digital signature.”

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Hannah nodded, pulling out her laptop. “I can run a trace. But if they were smart enough to access the system…”

“They were smart enough to cover their tracks,” Alexander finished.

While Hannah worked, Camille joined Alexander, examining the circuit diagrams. Their shoulders touched as they leaned over the same document. She found comfort in his steady presence.

“Do you think Rose understands any of this technical material?” she asked quietly.

Alexander shook his head. “Not likely. But Herod might. Or they’ve hired someone.”

“The electrician,” Camille realized. “Someone on the construction crew. Someone with access and technical knowledge.”

“Found something!” Hannah interrupted. “The system logs show blueprint access from authorized terminals, but at odd hours. When the primary users weren’t in the building according to security logs.”

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