Chapter 127

Chapter 127:

“Victoria’s releasing false information tomorrow,” Alexander said. “A press release about a major partnership between Kane Industries and Pierce Enterprises. Designed to make Herod react.”

“And expose himself.” Camille nodded. “Smart. But I’m not sure it’s enough.” She moved to the refrigerator, pulling out milk to reheat their cooling hot chocolate. As she stirred the milk in a pan, her mind raced through possibilities. “The stock purchases,” she said suddenly. “When did they begin?”

Alexander leaned against the counter beside her. “Six months ago, according to Victoria’s investigators.”

“Before Rose connected with Herod,” Camille noted. “Before the Grid sabotage plans.”

“Yes. Which suggests…”

“That Rose didn’t find Herod,” Camille finished. “Herod found Rose. He sought her out specifically because of her connection to me.”

Alexander’s eyes narrowed as he followed her logic. “So Rose isn’t the mastermind here. She’s a tool.”

“A weapon aimed at me.” Camille poured the warmed milk into their mugs. “But I’m not the true target. I never was.”

“Victoria,” Alexander said softly.

Camille nodded, the pieces falling into place. “Herod wanted revenge against Victoria for destroying his family. He researched her, found her connection to me, and then found the perfect person to help him strike at Victoria through me.”

“Rose.”

“Exactly.” Camille felt a chill despite the warmth of the kitchen. “Which means we’ve been looking at this all wrong. We’ve been treating Rose as the primary threat, with Herod as her powerful ally. But it’s the reverse.”

They returned to the table with their refreshed drinks. Outside, the sky had begun to lighten imperceptibly, the deep black softening toward dark blue.

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“If you’re right,” Alexander said, “then Rose might not even understand the full scope of Herod’s plans.”

“No. She thinks this is about destroying me. About taking back what she believes I stole from her.” Camille wrapped her hands around her mug. “But for Herod, it’s about Victoria. About making her suffer the way he suffered when she destroyed his family.”

Alexander’s expression grew grave. “And the most effective way to hurt Victoria now…”

“Is through me,” Camille finished. “Her heir. Her adoptive daughter. The one thing she truly cares about.”

The realization hung between them in the quiet kitchen. Dawn was approaching, but the shadows seemed deeper than before.

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