Chapter 222

Chapter 222:

At midnight, Victoria tapped a crystal glass, bringing the room to attention. “Tomorrow,” she began, her voice carrying effortlessly, “we change New York forever with the activation of the Phoenix Grid.”

She gestured to Camille and Alexander, who moved forward to stand beside her. “This revolutionary system exists because of the extraordinary partnership between Kane Industries and Pierce Enterprises, personified by my protégée, Camille Kane, and Alexander Pierce.”

More applause, louder now as the crowd’s enthusiasm was fueled by hours of expensive champagne. Victoria waited for silence before continuing.

“Their vision, determination, and brilliant collaboration have created something none thought possible: clean, efficient power for every home and business in this city.” She raised her glass. “To Camille and Alexander, New York’s most formidable team, in business and in life!”

The crowd echoed the toast, glasses raised. Camille felt Alexander’s hand find hers, their fingers intertwining as hundreds of eyes focused on them. For this moment, they were the center of New York’s universe, celebrated and admired by those who controlled the city’s fate.

Exactly four blocks away, in an empty office with a direct view of the Kane Industries tower, Rose pressed binoculars to her eyes. The gala’s glamour was visible even at this distance—the glittering crowd, the flashing cameras, the unmistakable figure of her sister accepting adulation that should have been hers.

“Look at them,” she hissed, jealousy burning like acid in her stomach. “Celebrating as if they’ve already won.”

Beside her, Herod studied the building through a high-powered scope. “Security is even tighter than we anticipated. Armed guards at every entrance. ID checks. Metal detectors.”

“I don’t care,” Rose snapped. “We’re getting in tomorrow, no matter what it takes.”

Herod lowered the scope, turning to look at her. In the dim light of the empty office, her face was transformed by hatred, her beauty hardened into something almost unrecognizable.

“Our original plan won’t work,” he said carefully. “They’ve discovered Walsh. They’ve fixed the Grid vulnerabilities. We need to reconsider our approach.”

Rose didn’t seem to hear him, the binoculars still pressed to her eyes. “She’s wearing blue. Always trying to look regal, superior. And Pierce hasn’t left her side all night. The way everyone fawns over them as the perfect couple. It’s disgusting.”

“Rose,” Herod’s voice sharpened. “We need to focus. The ceremony starts at noon tomorrow. We have less than twelve hours to finalize our new plan.”

She finally lowered the binoculars, but her gaze remained fixed on the distant tower. “Everything she has should have been mine. The company. The fame. Victoria’s approval.” Her fingers tightened around the binoculars until her knuckles turned white. “I was the one who worked harder, who sacrificed more. I was the one who deserved it all.”

“And you’ll get your revenge,” Herod assured her, trying to redirect her focus. “But not with our original plan. We need to adapt.”

Rose turned to the table where their equipment was spread out—floor plans of Kane Industries, security rotations, the ceremonial schedule for tomorrow’s launch. But her mind remained across those four blocks, in the ballroom where Camille basked in admiration that Rose believed rightfully belonged to her.

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