Chapter 83

Rain pounded against the windows of Kane Industries as Camille reviewed the quarterly reports for the Phoenix Grid project. The soft glow of her desk lamp created a bubble of light in the darkening office. Most employees had gone home hours ago, but Camille found comfort in the solitude of these late hours. Here, in the quiet, she could focus on creation rather than destruction.

Her phone buzzed with a text from Alexander: Still working? The world won’t change in a single night.

A smile tugged at her lips. She typed back: Says the man who probably hasn’t left his lab yet.

Three dots appeared, then: Guilty. Dinner tomorrow?

Before she could respond, a sharp knock echoed through her office. Camille glanced up, expecting her assistant with the financial projections she’d requested.

Instead, Rose stood in the doorway.

Time seemed to slow as their eyes locked. Rose looked different—thinner, harder. Dark circles shadowed her eyes. H