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..."

Rose finished, her voice

same rage that consumed her when she watched Camille at

palm down. "I will

asked,

timeline.

official launch

wait," Rose snapped, pacing now. "If they've discovered our tampering, they'll be ready for us at the launch. We need to strike now, while they think they

to counter it."

pressed a button on

without preamble. "We need

added, "Double your fee if necessary. Triple it.

by dawn. The secondary plan will now be our primary

Grid sabotage?"

"A diversion

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

safe, removing a black metal case and placing it on the desk. "This is what will destroy Victoria Kane." Inside lay folders and documents bearing

sister, I've been acquiring shares of Kane Industries through shell companies," he explained. "I already own five percent." "Five percent isn't

beginning. These documents show positions

I've identified

investors who hold a combined

and are growing concerned about the company's

planning a

Chapter 111

offer significantly above market value, but only if they sell

technical crisis and media fallout. By the time she realizes what's happening, I'll have enough voting power to force an emergency board meeting and vote her out." Rose smiled slowly. "The Grid sabotage

to occupy their attention

Rose asked, hunger in her

"She

When I take control, your

"Perfect," she whispered.

of the Grid goes online. Their attention will be divided,

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