Chapter 40

Camille’s POV

The Metropolitan Finance Summit filled the grand ballroom of the Plaza Hotel, crystal chandeliers casting golden light over Manhattan’s elite. I moved through the crowd with practiced grace, my black Dior dress drawing appreciative glances. Every step, every gesture, every smile carefully calculated to project the image of Victoria Kane’s perfect heir.

Inside, though, my mind raced with numbers and plans. Rodriguez Shipping’s Asia division lay vulnerable after our last attack. Tonight’s event offered perfect hunting grounds, worried investors ready to jump ship, competitors eager to grab market share, reporters hungry for insider tips.

“Searching for your next victim, Ms. Kane?”

Alexander’s voice behind me sent an unexpected shiver down my spine. I hadn’t heard him approach, unusual for someone trained by Victoria to always track potential threats. But Alexander Pierce had a way of slipping past my defenses.

“Mr. Pierce.” I turned,