Chapter 196
Chapter 196:
Rose sank into a chair, her shopping forgotten. “So they somehow discovered our modifications without identifying Walsh as the source?”
“Exactly.” Herod brought up another screen, showing Kane Industries’ stock price over the past week. Despite their attempts to create doubt about the Grid’s safety, despite the scandal with Camille and Alexander’s relationship, the stock had risen steadily.
“We’re losing,” he said flatly.
Rose stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. “No. I refuse to accept that.”
“Accept what? Reality?” Anger edged Herod’s voice. “We’ve spent millions on this sabotage. And for what? To make Kane Industries stronger? To turn your sister and Pierce into New York’s favorite couple?”
He gestured to a newspaper on his desk, the society pages open to a full-color spread of Camille and Alexander at the charity auction. The sapphire necklace gleamed against her skin as he kissed her, cameras capturing what should have been their humiliation but had somehow become their triumph.
“They’ve outplayed us at every turn,” Herod continued. “The Grid sabotage, discovered and fixed. The relationship scandal, turned into a publicity coup.”
Rose stared at the photograph, something dark and hungry in her gaze. “Then we stop playing their game. We stop being subtle.”
“What does that mean?”
She turned to him, her eyes glittering with dangerous intent. “It means we take a more direct approach.”
Herod felt a chill at her tone. “Explain.”
“The Grid can’t function without its architects.” Rose moved closer, her voice dropping. “Victoria. Camille. The chief engineer — what’s her name? Hannah Zhao. Remove them, and the project falls apart.”
Herod stepped back, studying her face. “You’re talking about…”
“I’m talking about solving our problem permanently.” Rose placed her hand on his chest, fingers splayed across his expensive shirt. “We’ve tried it your way.”
Financial maneuvers, the technical sabotage, the careful manipulation of public opinion. And where has it gotten us?”
She gestured to the screens showing the Grid’s perfect performance metrics. “Nowhere. It’s time for my approach.”
“Your approach?” Herod removed her hand from his chest, holding it between them like something dangerous. “You mean violence.”
“I mean efficiency.” Rose didn’t pull away, her gaze locked with his. “The Grid goes online fully next week. Victoria is scheduled to throw the switch personally at their headquarters. Everyone will be there — Victoria, Camille, Alexander, the board, the press.”
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