SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 111

Herod Preston stood at his Tribeca penthouse windows, studying three monitors displaying data from the Phoenix Grid's first section. The screens cast an eerie blue glow across the dimly lit roo "It doesn't make sense," he muttered, bourbon untouched in his hand.

Rose entered, wrapped in a silk robe the color of blood, her hair damp from the

shower. She moved toward him with predatory grace.

"What doesn't make sense?" she asked, examining the displays.

Herod

gestured toward the center screen. "The Grid. These readings are exactly what we expected to see. Minor fluctuations, small power surges, tiny irregularities in the data flow. All perfectly in line with our sabotage timeline."

"Isn't that good?"

"Too good," Herod set his glass down sharply. "No unexpected variables, no human error, no deviations. It's as if someone wants us to see exactly this data." He pointed to a jagged blue line. "Th Rose wrapped her arms around herself. "You think they know?"

Herod swiped through several screens, searching for evidence to confirm his suspicions.

"No accident reports. No emergency responses, no unexpected shutdowns, no warnings." He turned to face Rose. "James Walsh installed forty-

seven modified components. At least one should have triggered some kind of warning by now."

The thought that Camille might have outsmarted them again made Rose's stomach twist.

"Maybe the effects haven't shown up yet," she suggested. "Walsh said the major failures

wouldn't happen until full activation."

"We should still be seeing preliminary issues. Inconsistent power readings, system flags, technicians being called unexpectedly."

"So what are you saying?"

"Either our sabotage wasn't as effective as Walsh claimed, or..."

and Victoria have discovered it," Rose finished, her voice

rage that consumed her when she watched Camille at the gala, powerful and

she said, slamming her palm down. "I

Herod asked, studying her

accelerate the timeline.

risky. The official launch

be ready for us at the launch. We need to strike now, while they think

to counter it."

a button on

preamble. "We need to move

quickly can you arrange it?" After listening briefly, he added, "Double

dawn. The secondary plan will now be our primary

Grid sabotage?" Rose

"A diversion

discovered it doesn't matter. Our true strike will come from a different

desk. "This is what will destroy Victoria Kane." Inside lay folders and documents bearing the

of Kane Industries through shell companies," he explained. "I already own

documents show positions of major shareholders, voting

corporate structure. I've identified three

hold

growing concerned about the company's

a hostile

Chapter 111

for an exit. I'll offer significantly above market value,

media fallout. By the time she realizes what's happening, I'll have enough voting power to force an emergency board meeting and vote

their attention while we

asked, hunger

"She

When I take control, your sister becomes nothing but a footnote. She'll be dis Rose closed her eyes, savoring the image of Camille defeated and

"Perfect," she whispered.

B of the Grid goes online. Their