Chapter 110

Chapter 110:

“Exactly.” He took the tablet back, setting it aside before pulling her close again. “See? This is why we make such good partners. You anticipate. You prepare for all contingencies.”

Rose smiled, settling against him. For the first time in longer than she could remember, she felt truly understood. Truly valued.

“Partners,” she repeated, liking how the word felt on her tongue.

Outside, the storm had passed. The city lights twinkled through the clearing sky, millions of people going about their lives, unaware of the destruction being planned in this high-rise sanctuary.

Rose closed her eyes, contentment washing over her. Soon Camille would lose everything. Victoria would watch her empire crumble. And Rose, Rose would finally win.

But now, she realized, victory would taste even sweeter. Because she wouldn’t be celebrating alone.

“Where are we going?” Camille asked, watching unfamiliar scenery pass by the car window. Trees replaced skyscrapers, suburban neighborhoods gave way to scattered houses with actual yards—nothing like the Manhattan world she’d grown accustomed to.

Alexander kept his eyes on the road, his hands steady on the wheel of the vintage Jaguar he’d insisted on driving himself. No drivers today, no details, just the two of them, heading somewhere he wouldn’t name.

“You’ll see,” he replied, the hint of mystery in his voice matched by the tension in his jaw.

For three straight days, they had worked alongside Hannah and Victoria, checking and rechecking every aspect of the Phoenix Grid for further sabotage. They had found nothing beyond the initial blueprint modifications, but the strain had worn on them all. This morning, Alexander had appeared at Camille’s door, asking her to trust him for a few hours.

The car slowed as they turned onto a narrow road lined with maple trees. The houses here sat far apart, imposing estates hidden behind wrought iron gates and manicured hedges. Wealth on display, generations of it.

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“Did you grow up around here?” she asked, noticing how his knuckles whitened slightly on the steering wheel.

“Yes.” Just one word, but loaded with emotion.

They rounded a final curve, and Alexander pulled to a stop in front of massive iron gates. Beyond them, Camille could see a long driveway leading to what appeared to be a mansion.

“Pierce Estate,” Alexander said, his voice flat. “Where I grew up. Or, more accurately, where I survived until I could escape.”

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