Chapter 136
Chapter 136:
“That matches our observations,” Alexander admitted grudgingly.
“There’s more. Rose surrounds herself with people she can manipulate, people like…” He swallowed. “People like me. But Herod Preston isn’t someone she can control. He has his own agenda, his own resources. That partnership is unstable.”
Victoria’s expression remained skeptical. “And why are you suddenly so eager to betray Rose’s confidences? To help Camille, whom you betrayed so thoroughly?”
The question hung in the air, heavy with accusation.
“Because I have to live with what I did,” Stefan said, his voice dropping. “Every day. Because I watched Rose celebrate when everyone thought Camille was dead. Because I finally understand what kind of person she really is.”
Alexander studied Stefan, his initial jealousy visibly giving way to assessment. Camille recognized the shift—the businessman evaluating an asset, weighing risk against potential value.
“What specifically do you think they’re planning?” Alexander asked, his tone slightly less hostile.
“I don’t know the details,” Stefan admitted. “But after meeting Rose yesterday, I’m certain they’re planning something for the Grid launch itself. Something beyond the technical sabotage.”
“The launch ceremony?” Camille asked. “Three hundred people will be there. City officials. The press…”
“Perfect audience for Rose’s theater of destruction,” Stefan agreed. “And perfect timing for Preston’s revenge against Victoria.”
Victoria’s face remained impassive, but Camille noticed the slight whitening of her knuckles—the only sign that Stefan’s words had affected her.
“What else can you tell us about Rose’s vulnerabilities?” Alexander pressed.
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Stefan took a deep breath. “She has three main weak points. First, she needs to witness suffering. Second, unexpected developments throw her off balance. And third…” He hesitated, looking directly at Camille. “She isn’t motivated by what most people think.”
“Explain,” Camille said.
“Everyone assumes Rose wants what you have: your husband, your family’s love, your success,” Stefan’s voice softened. “But that’s not it. What Rose really wants is to be you.”
The words landed like stones in still water. All those years of sabotage, undermining, and stealing what mattered to her—it hadn’t been simple jealousy. It had been something deeper. Rose hadn’t wanted Camille’s things; she had wanted Camille’s identity.
“That’s why nothing is ever enough for her,” Stefan continued. “No matter what she takes from you, she still wakes up as Rose, not Camille. And now that her true nature has been exposed…”
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