Chapter 300

Chapter 300:

Victoria’s face remained composed, though her eyes widened slightly. Camille gasped, instinctively moving closer to Victoria as if to protect her.

“Rose,” Camille whispered, her voice tight with anger and fear.

Alexander nodded. “Most likely. We’re beginning evacuation procedures now. I need you both to leave immediately through the private exit. A car is waiting.”

Victoria straightened her spine, years of crisis management taking over. “How are you handling the evacuation?”

“Hotel staff will announce a power issue requiring the building to be emptied. Security will guide guests to the nearest exits.” Alexander checked his watch again. “We have thirteen minutes.”

“Eight hundred people in thirteen minutes,” Victoria said, calculating the odds.

“It will be close.”

“Too close,” Camille murmured, scanning the crowded room. People laughing, drinking, completely unaware of the danger ticking beneath their feet. The hotel manager had reached the stage now. He tapped the microphone, gaining everyone’s attention.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for the interruption. We’ve been informed of an electrical issue that requires us to temporarily vacate the building. Please proceed calmly to the nearest exit, where our staff will direct you. This is only a precaution, but we do need to move quickly.”

Murmurs of confusion rippled through the crowd. Some guests stood immediately, while others lingered, finishing drinks or conversations.

“They’re not moving fast enough,” Camille said, tension building in her chest.

“They will,” Alexander assured her. “Now please, both of you, head to the private exit. I’ve already arranged for Victoria’s medical team to meet you at the safe house.”

Victoria nodded. “Come, Camille. There’s nothing more we can do here.”

But Camille didn’t move. Her eyes remained fixed on the ballroom, where elderly guests were struggling to rise from their seats, where waitstaff looked confused about whether to help or evacuate themselves, where mothers were calling for children who had wandered to the dessert table.

“Camille,” Alexander said more urgently. “We need to go. Now.”

She could feel the weight of Victoria’s hand on her arm, trying to pull her toward safety. But a deeper instinct held her in place.

“I can help,” she said. “I can make them move faster.”

“That’s security’s job,” Alexander insisted. “Your job is to stay alive.”

Through the growing chaos, Camille spotted her parents near the far exit, helping an elderly couple navigate the crowd. She saw donors who had contributed millions to her foundation, staff who had worked tirelessly to make this night possible, children who had no idea of the danger they were in. All these people had come tonight because of her. Because of the Phoenix Foundation. Because they believed in her vision of helping others.

How could she run to safety while they remained at risk?

.

.

.

Message from Noah: New chapters and novel releases, hope you enjoy them dear readers. God loves you and Noah wishes you all the best. ( „• ֊ •„ )੭

.