Chapter 123
Chapter 123:
“The shadow engineering team discovered a secondary layer of sabotage in the Grid system. More sophisticated than the first.” Victoria’s voice was tight. “And some of the components were installed by someone with high-level security clearance. Not Walsh.”
Alexander straightened. “Someone else on the inside.”
“Yes. Martin Greene most likely. My head of special projects.” Victoria’s hand clenched around her phone. “He’s worked for me for fifteen years.”
“Since Sophia died,” Alexander said quietly.
Victoria nodded, the betrayal cutting deeper than she would admit. “I have followed him discreetly. But don’t move against him yet. If Greene is working with Herod, he may lead us to him.”
Alexander nodded. “And Camille?”
“Double her security detail immediately. Don’t tell her why.” Victoria moved toward the door, her mind shifting to crisis mode. “I want the entire shadow engineering team moved to the secure facility in White Plains. Today. No contact with anyone outside the team until the Grid corrections are complete.”
“And the stock purchases?” Alexander asked, following her.
Victoria paused at the door, her face hardening into the expression that had made titans of industry quake for decades. “Let Herod buy whatever he wants. It won’t matter when this is over.”
“Victoria,” Alexander said, his voice low. “Don’t let this become personal.”
She turned, fixing him with a gaze that could have frozen fire. “This has been personal since the moment Charles Preston arranged my daughter’s death. Herod chose to continue his brother’s war.”
“And Rose?”
“A useful pawn. Nothing more.” Victoria’s voice was cold. “We deal with Herod first. Rose is an afterthought.”
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Alexander didn’t look convinced. “Don’t underestimate her. That kind of hatred…”
“I know exactly how dangerous hatred can be, Alexander.” Victoria cut him off. “I’ve spent a decade perfecting mine.”
She squared her shoulders, the momentary vulnerability gone, replaced by the steely determination that had built her empire.
“Alert the board members. I want an emergency meeting at noon. Prepare the press release about our supposed ‘partnership announcement.’ And get Camille additional protection without alarming her.” Victoria’s tone made it clear these weren’t requests. “Herod Preston thinks he’s hunting me. He’s about to discover he’s the prey, not the predator.”
As she strode from the office, Alexander remained behind for a moment, troubled by what he’d seen. The composed, calculating Victoria Kane he knew had briefly vanished, replaced by something rawer, more dangerous. A woman consumed by a decade-old vendetta.
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