Chapter 122
Chapter 122:
“Let’s leak information about a major announcement coming from Kane Industries. Something vague but significant-sounding.” A slight smile touched Alexander’s mouth. “Make Herod think we’re planning a move he hasn’t anticipated.”
Victoria considered the suggestion. “A false flag operation. Force him to react rather than continue his current strategy.”
“Exactly. And when he reacts, we may learn more about his true objectives.” For the first time that morning, Victoria felt the tight knot in her chest loosen slightly. This was familiar territory, strategic maneuvering, creating traps for her enemies.
“Have Sarah draft a press release,” she decided. “Something about a significant upcoming partnership announcement. No specifics, just enough to make the business blogs speculate.”
Alexander nodded. “I’ll have my publicist do the same. Hint at cooperation between Pierce Enterprises and Kane Industries on a ‘revolutionary new venture.'”
“Stock prices will rise,” Victoria noted. “Costing Herod more if he continues buying shares.”
“And possibly forcing him to accelerate his plans, whatever they might be.” Victoria set down her coffee cup and moved back to her computer, closing the financial files with decisive clicks. “Let him come. Whatever Herod Preston is planning, he’ll find I’m not the easy target his brother thought Sophia was.”
The room fell silent. Victoria rarely mentioned Sophia directly, even now.
Alexander watched her, his expression carefully neutral.
“There’s one more thing we should consider,” he said finally.
Victoria raised an eyebrow. “Yes?”
“The timing.” Alexander leaned against her desk. “Herod’s stock purchases began six months ago, long before the Grid sabotage. Before Rose found him.” Victoria went still, the implications racing through her mind. “You think Rose didn’t find Herod. Herod found Rose.”
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“It’s worth considering,” Alexander said. “What if Rose wasn’t the architect of this plan, but merely a useful tool Herod discovered? Someone with personal motivation to hurt Camille, who could be pointed in the right direction and set loose?”
Victoria’s chest tightened. If Alexander was right, they had potentially misunderstood the entire situation. Rose wasn’t the snake they needed to worry about; she was merely the venom delivery system for a much more dangerous predator.
“We need to—” Victoria began, but was interrupted by her phone’s sharp ring. She answered, listening intently as her security chief spoke. When the call ended, her face had gone pale.
“What is it?” Alexander asked, instantly alert.
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