Chapter 191
Chapter 191:
“He’ll be too busy grieving to see us coming,” Rose replied coldly. She leaned down, her hair creating a curtain around their faces, and kissed him again, harder this time—claiming, marking. “Together, we’ll take everything they’ve built. Together, we’ll watch it burn.”
Herod pulled her back down beside him, his hands tangling in her hair. “Tomorrow we plan. Tonight—”
“Tonight we celebrate the beginning of the end,” Rose finished for him, her body moving against his with renewed purpose. The anger that had consumed her earlier hadn’t disappeared; it had transformed into something more focused, more deadly: a cold, determined fire that would not be extinguished until she had everything she wanted.
As dawn broke over the city, Rose stood naked at the penthouse windows, watching the first light touch the buildings where her enemies slept, unaware of what was coming for them. Behind her, Herod’s reflection appeared as he approached, wrapping his arms around her waist.
“What are you thinking?” he asked, his breath warm against her neck.
Rose placed her palm against the cool glass, as if reaching for the city beyond. “I’m thinking about the day Camille found those divorce papers. How surprised she looked, how hurt. How satisfying it was to finally drop the mask after all those years of pretending to care about her.”
She turned in his arms, her eyes hard with certainty. “I want to see that look on her face again. The moment she realizes she’s lost everything. The moment before the end.”
Herod’s hands tightened on her waist. “And you will. I promise you that.”
Rose smiled as she kissed him again, the taste of victory already sweet on her tongue. This time, there would be no clever press conferences, no strategic announcements, no spinning failure into success. This time, there would be only ashes.
The Metropolitan Museum sparkled under crystal chandeliers as New York’s wealthiest gathered for the annual Children’s Hospital Benefit Auction. Camille stood just outside the entrance, her heart pounding against her ribs. Tonight marked their first public appearance as an acknowledged couple since the press conference three days ago.
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“Nervous?” Alexander asked beside her, his hand warm against her back.
She smoothed her midnight blue gown. “A little. Everyone will be watching.”
“Let them watch,” he replied. “We have nothing to hide anymore.”
The double doors opened. A hundred heads turned as they entered together. Conversations paused. For one breathless moment, the entire room seemed frozen, assessing, judging.
Then applause broke out, scattered at first, then spreading until it filled the hall. People were actually clapping for them, smiling in approval. Camille felt Alexander’s hand tighten slightly on her back, a silent signal of shared surprise.
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