Chapter 297

Chapter 297:

“They will find some.” Rose smiled, cold and confident despite her racing heart. “That’s why we had backups planted yesterday. They’re hidden too well to be found in time.”

Even if security discovered these six devices, they wouldn’t find the others. The ones already in place. The ones set to detonate during Camille’s speech.

“Go,” she ordered Mikhail, turning in the opposite direction.

As she ran, Rose imagined the scene above—Camille taking the stage, smiling at the adoring crowd, completely unaware that her moment of triumph was about to become her greatest tragedy. Thirty-two minutes until the foundation she had built crumbled around her.

Camille approached the podium, smiling as applause filled the ballroom. From her elevated position, she could see nearly all eight hundred guests, the flash of expensive jewelry under crystal chandeliers, the expectant faces turned toward her. She could also see Alexander moving around the perimeter of the room, speaking urgently into his earpiece. Something was wrong. But the microphone was already live, her speech about to begin.

Victoria sat at the head table, looking pale but proud. Whatever was happening, Camille couldn’t show alarm. She couldn’t let the crowd sense any danger. She had learned that much from Victoria—appearances mattered, especially in crisis.

She took a deep breath and began. “Distinguished guests, generous donors, dear friends. Tonight represents not just the launch of the Phoenix Foundation, but the beginning of a new chapter for survivors of abuse across this country.”

As she spoke, Camille noticed more security personnel entering the ballroom, moving with controlled urgency toward service doors and exits. Stefan stood near Alexander now, both men looking grim.

Still, she continued, keeping her voice steady despite the growing knot of fear in her stomach.

“The phoenix rises from the ashes, transformed by fire into something stronger, more beautiful. That transformation is what we offer to women who have lost everything—their safety, their confidence, their hope.”

Through the bright lights, Camille could see Alexander receiving information through his earpiece, his expression darkening. Security teams were fanning out across the ballroom now, some kneeling to check under tables, others examining the walls and support columns.

gⱯlnσν𝓮𝓁s․cøm fuels your imagination

They were looking for something. Something dangerous.

Rose. It had to be Rose.

Despite the realization, Camille’s voice remained strong, her words clear. She wouldn’t give Rose the satisfaction of seeing her falter.

“Tonight, as we gather in celebration, I’m reminded of my own journey. Of the moments when I thought I couldn’t go on, when the pain and betrayal seemed too much to bear.”

Camille locked eyes with Victoria, drawing strength from the woman who had saved her, who had taught her to transform pain into power. Victoria nodded slightly, a signal to continue despite whatever was happening behind the scenes.

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