Chapter 153
Chapter 153:
To stay and become something new. She had chosen revenge then, but somewhere along the way, that choice had led to something unexpected—a bond between her and Victoria that transcended mentor and student.
“There are a few additional provisions,” Frederick continued when Camille remained silent. “A personal letter to be delivered to you in the event of Ms. Kane’s death. Instructions for the continuation of the Phoenix Grid project. And specific directives regarding certain individuals Ms. Kane considers… adversaries.”
Victoria’s lips curved into a cold smile. “Insurance policies, you might say.”
Camille knew she meant Rose and Herod. Even facing surgery, Victoria was thinking ten moves ahead, planning counters to attacks that hadn’t yet materialized.
“I don’t want to have this conversation,” Camille said suddenly. “You’re going to survive the surgery. You’re going to recover. We can discuss succession plans after you’re back at the office.”
Victoria reached out, taking Camille’s hand in a rare gesture of physical affection. Her skin felt cool and paper-thin, the blue veins visible beneath the surface.
“Camille,” she said softly. “Look at me.” Camille raised her eyes reluctantly.
“I have lived my life preparing for every possibility,” Victoria continued. “It’s why I’ve survived this long in a world eager to see women like me fail. Tomorrow may go perfectly according to plan—I certainly intend it to—but I will not leave anything to chance. Not my company. Not my legacy. And especially not your future.”
She squeezed Camille’s hand once before releasing it. “Now, shall we proceed with the signatures, Frederick?”
Frederick nodded, extracting a silver pen from his breast pocket. “If you’ll initial here, Ms. Kane, and sign on the final page.”
Victoria took the pen, her hand steady as she marked the documents. The scratch of the nib against paper was the only sound in the room besides the quiet beeping of the monitors.
gⱯlnσν𝓮ℓs․com hosts the latest chapters
When she finished, she handed the pen to Camille. “Your signature is required as witness and acknowledging recipient.”
Camille hesitated, the pen heavy in her hand. Signing felt like admitting a possibility she refused to accept—that Victoria might not survive.
“This changes nothing about tomorrow,” Victoria said, reading her thoughts. “It simply ensures that no matter what happens, you will be protected. Kane Industries will be protected.”
Camille took a deep breath and signed her name. The letters seemed strange to her—Camille Kane—still somewhat unfamiliar after all this time. A name Victoria had given her, along with a new identity, a new purpose, and now, potentially, an empire.
.
.
.