Chapter 216

Chapter 216:

He plugged the drive into his computer, careful to use a non-networked machine. “If these schematics are still accurate, there’s a way to access the central control systems during the launch ceremony. Not through the Grid itself, but through the venue’s own infrastructure.”

Rose moved closer, her fury temporarily contained by interest. “Explain.”

“The launch ceremony is being held at Kane Industries headquarters. The building’s original power systems have been integrated with the Grid as part of the demonstration. There’s a maintenance access point in the basement that connects directly to the Grid’s central controls.”

He pulled up a detailed blueprint of the Kane building. “It wouldn’t give us control of the Grid itself, but it would allow us to disrupt the launch ceremony spectacularly—blackouts, system failures, possibly even minor explosions from power surges.”

“Not enough,” Rose said flatly. “I don’t want to just embarrass Camille. I want to destroy her. Completely.”

Herod studied her face, measuring his next words carefully. “Then we combine approaches. The ceremony disruption provides a distraction. In the chaos, we implement… more direct measures.”

The meaning hung between them, unspoken but clear. Rose’s eyes lit with dark anticipation.

“Yes,” she whispered. “That’s exactly what we need.”

Herod felt a chill at her enthusiasm for what he was suggesting. He had always meant to stop short of actual violence, to draw the line at financial and professional ruin. But Rose had moved beyond such boundaries.

“It will require precise timing,” he cautioned. “And significant risk.”

“I don’t care about risk,” Rose replied. “I only care about results.”

Herod’s computer emitted a soft beep. A warning appeared on the screen: unexpected network activity detected. Someone was attempting to breach his security remotely.

“They’re trying to access our systems,” he said, quickly initiating countermeasures. “The trackers must have opened a back door.”

His fingers moved rapidly, shutting down connections, erecting firewalls, wiping temporary files. “We need to go. Now. Bring only what’s essential.”

Rose didn’t argue, moving immediately to gather her things. Her single-minded focus had shifted from rage to action, a cold determination replacing the hot fury of moments before.

Herod finished securing his system, then removed a small device from his desk drawer. He activated it with a series of commands.

“What is that?” Rose asked, returning with a small bag.

“Signal jammer,” he explained. “It will disrupt any tracking devices within fifty feet. Should give us enough time to get clear.”

They moved quickly through the penthouse, taking only what couldn’t be replaced. Herod activated a second security protocol with his phone. Within hours, his financial assets would move through a series of offshore accounts, becoming virtually untraceable.

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