Chapter 197
Chapter 197:
Herod released her hand, turning away. “You’re talking about an attack. In public. With casualties.”
“I’m talking about results.” Rose followed him, unwilling to let him retreat. “Isn’t that what you want? Kane Industries dismantled, the Grid technology in your hands, Victoria destroyed?”
“Not like this.” Herod ran a hand through his hair, suddenly uncertain. When had this escalated so far? “I wanted to acquire the company legitimately, through stock purchases and board pressure. Business, not bloodshed.”
Rose laughed, the sound sharp enough to cut. “Legitimately? After everything we’ve done? The sabotage, the leaked photos, the fabricated evidence? There’s nothing legitimate about any of this.”
She was right, and they both knew it. They had crossed lines already, legal and ethical. But this… this was different.
“Rose,” he began, choosing his words carefully. “Your hatred for Camille is clouding your judgment.”
Her expression hardened. “My hatred for Camille is the reason we’re here. Don’t pretend your hands are clean, Herod. Not after everything you’ve done.” Tension stretched between them, the easy intimacy of recent weeks suddenly strained. For the first time, Herod saw clearly the darkness that drove Rose, the bottomless well of resentment that no amount of revenge could fill.
“This isn’t what I signed up for,” he said finally.
Rose’s eyes narrowed. “It’s exactly what you signed up for. Destruction of Victoria Kane, the woman who ruined your family. You just didn’t want to acknowledge the cost.”
She moved to the window, her silhouette sharp against the city lights. “If you’re having second thoughts, say so now. I can find other partners.”
The threat hung in the air between them. Herod studied her profile, this woman who had become his lover and co-conspirator. He had known she was dangerous when they began this. Her ruthlessness had been an asset. Now, he wondered if it might become his downfall.
“What exactly are you proposing?” he asked, his voice careful.
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Rose turned, a smile curving her lips. She sensed his weakening resolve. “Nothing complicated. A simple disruption during the activation ceremony. Something that requires evacuation, creates confusion. During that chaos, we eliminate the key players.”
Herod moved to the bar, pouring himself a drink with unsteady hands. “And you think no one will connect this back to us?”
“Not with proper planning.” Rose followed, taking the glass from his hand and sipping from it herself. “I have contacts from my previous life. People who can arrange things discreetly, for the right price.”
Herod watched her drink from his glass, her lipstick leaving a scarlet mark on the rim. When had she become this person? Or had she always been this person, and he simply hadn’t wanted to see it?
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