Chapter 246

Chapter 246:

Alexander nodded grimly. “Security at all remaining substations has been tripled, and I’ve brought in my own team to protect the main control center.”

“It’s not just the Grid she wants to destroy,” Camille said quietly. “It’s me. Everything I’ve built. Everything I am.”

Victoria placed a hand on Camille’s shoulder, a rare gesture of physical support. “Then we make sure she fails. Again and again, until she has nothing left.”

Camille glanced at the monitors showing the positive headlines, the rising stock price, and the intact power grid. Rose had tried to destroy everything Camille had built, but instead, she’d only proven its strength. Just as she’d once tried to destroy Camille herself, only to create something stronger in her place.

“Let her come,” Camille said, her voice steady and cold. “This time, I’m ready for her.”

Rain pounded against the windows of Pierce Tower as Alexander pored over security reports. Three days had passed since the Phoenix Grid attacks, and the constant worry had etched new lines around his eyes. His phone buzzed.

Unknown number. He almost ignored it.

“Pierce.”

“I need to see you,” a male voice said, quiet but urgent. “It’s about Camille.”

Alexander stiffened. “Who is this?”

“Stefan Rodriguez.”

The name sent a surge of anger through Alexander. His grip tightened on the phone. “You have nothing I want to hear.”

“Please,” Stefan’s voice cracked. “Rose has contacted people, dangerous people. Camille is in danger.”

Alexander checked his watch. “The Plaza Hotel. Thirty minutes. Come alone.” He ended the call, his thoughts churning. Stefan Rodriguez, the man who had broken Camille’s heart, who had chosen Rose over her. His instinct screamed to ignore him. But if there was even a tiny chance Camille was in danger…

Alexander made another call. “Double security on Ms. Kane. And run a background check on any criminal associates of Rose Lewis.”

The Plaza’s Oak Room was nearly empty at this hour. Alexander chose a corner booth with a clear view of all entrances. He ordered nothing, his body tense as he waited.

Stefan arrived five minutes early, soaked from the rain. His expensive suit hung poorly on his frame, as if he’d lost weight. Dark circles shadowed his eyes.

“Thank you for…” Stefan began.

“Sit. Talk. Make it quick,” Alexander cut him off, gesturing to the opposite seat. Stefan sank into the chair, running a hand through his wet hair.

“Rose has reached out to Anton Bessonov.”

Alexander raised an eyebrow. “The Russian?”

“Yes. He has ties to organized crime in Brighton Beach. I learned about it yesterday. One of my former shipping managers still has connections in the import business. He overheard something.” Stefan leaned forward, lowering his voice. “Rose asked about getting weapons. Serious ones.”

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