Chapter 224
Chapter 224:
She looked up at him, her eyes reflecting the distant lights of the tower where her sister celebrated. “Do you really want to know? Or would you prefer plausible deniability?”
The question hung between them, weighted with implications. Across those four city blocks, champagne glasses clinked in celebration of tomorrow’s triumph. Here, in the shadows, Rose awaited his answer.
Herod stood at the crossroads, watching the point of no return approach with terrifying speed.
The sun shone bright over the Kane Industries plaza as thousands gathered for the Phoenix Grid launch. News vans lined the streets. Cameras from every major network pointed at the stage. Reporters from six continents spoke into microphones, broadcasting to viewers around the world.
Behind the stage, Camille took deep breaths. Her navy suit felt tight against her skin, despite its perfect fit. In minutes, she would step out to face New York—and the world.
Victoria approached, regal in silver gray. “Nervous?”
“A little,” Camille admitted. “It’s not just about the Grid anymore. It’s about everything we’ve overcome to get here.”
Victoria nodded, understanding in her eyes. “Sometimes our greatest achievements come from our hardest battles.”
Alexander appeared, handsome in his dark suit. “Security reports everything looks clear so far.”
“That doesn’t mean they’re not out there,” Camille said. Her hand moved to her pocket where she carried the phoenix ring. Once today was over, she could wear it openly.
“Five minutes,” a stage manager called.
Victoria straightened Camille’s jacket. “Remember who you are. What you’ve overcome. The girl who signed those divorce papers is gone. The woman who stands in her place has risen from those ashes.”
Camille nodded, her throat tight with emotion. The journey from that night in the parking garage to this moment flashed through her mind—the pain, the growth, the transformation.
A tech slipped an earpiece to Camille. “You’re connected to Hannah now.”
“Camille?” Hannah’s voice came through clearly. “Grid control room is fully staffed. We’re monitoring everything.”
“Any unusual activity?” Camille asked quietly.
“Nothing yet. We’ve got eyes on every junction point. The western sector, where Walsh tried to sabotage us, has extra security. We’re watching for anything suspicious.”
“Thank you, Hannah,” Camille said. “For everything.”
The stage manager approached again. “It’s time.”
Camille shared one last look with Victoria and Alexander. Then, she stepped out onto the stage alone.
.
.
.