Chapter 50

IMANI’s POV

The morning after the launch felt strangely calm, almost deceptive.

My phone was still vibrating from the flood of articles, commentaries and social media noise, but beneath it all was a satisfying hum of triumph.

The event had been a storm, and I had stood in the middle of it untouched.

At least, that was the illusion I chose to enjoy until the next battle arrived.

I walked into Alvarez’s office a little before noon. The windows behind him flooded the room with a clean white light.

He looked up from his laptop, “I did not expect you to use the intel this soon,” he said.

The blueprint of the RYKA software still sat in my files, along with the picture of the Cody and Audrey.

I sat across from him, crossing my legs. “You sound almost impressed.”

“I am,” he admitted. “Pulling it off so quickly is not something most people could have managed. And certainly not without raising suspicion.”

“Then it is a good thing I am not most people.”

Alvarez chuckled quietly, leaning back. “Quite true.”

For a moment, the room settled into a thoughtful silence. I could tell he wanted to say more. The intel, the risks, the fact that I had gone straight for one of the biggest sharks in the sea.

He knew exactly what it meant. That I had declared war in a language only people like him understood.

But I was not here for a lecture.

“What about the stalker?” I asked. “Has the money been delivered?”

“It has,” Alvarez replied his expression tightened. “And in return, he gave the information you asked for.”

“And?”

“A location. Audrey Hamilton is scheduled to make a public appearance today. The Green Oak Community Center on Westbridge.”

I raised an eyebrow. “A community center?”

“Something about a family outreach initiative. Cameras, press, the usual Hamilton image polishing.”

He paused, “What exactly do you have in mind? I am starting to think you have a bone to pick with the Hamiltons.”

“I do,” I said. “Apparently they have one to pick with me too. Considering I am being watched.”

His gaze sharpened. “Be careful, they play dirtily when threatened.”

“I know.” I stood and gathered my bag. “Which is why I intend to strike first.”

As I walked out, I sent a quick message to Jay.

Prepare everything. Location attached. I want to be there in an hour.

When I got his response, I shoved the phone in my pocket and stepped out.

It didn’t take long to reach the location.

The Green Oak Community Center was already buzzing when I arrived. Cars lined the street, a handful of reporters hovered by the doors and a tight cluster of people surrounded the main entrance as if waiting for a glimpse of royalty.

Perfect.

Inside, Audrey was standing on a small stage decorated with banners, her smile wide and polished like a showroom diamond.

A camera crew focused on her as she delivered her speech, her voice sweet and soft, she could deceive anyone.

I watched silently from the side, concealed among the guests. She was playing her part well. The concerned socialite. The devoted daughter. The shining Hamilton heir eager to give back.

Too well.

And soon, it would no longer be her show.

Jay stepped up beside me and murmured, “We are ready. “

“Good.”

I waited until Audrey began her closing remarks, until she lifted her chin in that practiced way that said she believed everyone was hanging on her every word.

Then I moved.

The first few murmurs broke before I had even fully entered the open floor. Heads turned. Phones lifted. A woman nearby whispered something that sounded like admiration. It took only a breath before the crowd shifted entirely.

People flocked toward me, stepping aside as though instinct told them that something more important had arrived.

Jay handed the volunteers the packages we had prepared. Beautifully wrapped gifts bearing the logo of my NGO, thoughtful items tailored for the center.

Reporters pivoted so quickly one nearly tripped over her own tripod.

“Oh, Miss Rodriguez, are these donations from your charity?”

“Yes,” I answered with a warm smile, “We wanted the community to feel valued. And they deserve more than applause– they deserve support.”

Voices arose around me.

“She is so generous.”

“And beautiful too.”

“I heard her NGO has funded three centers this month.”

“She is truly a breath of fresh air.”

And above all that praise, above all that attention suddenly torn away from her, I saw Audrey.

Her smile faltered.

Just barely. But I noticed.

She tried to keep it together but the tension around her eyes betrayed her. Her fingers tightened around the microphone she no longer bothered speaking into.

I could practically feel her teeth grinding from across the room.

My smile widened.

As expected, Audrey approached me and the cameras followed her.

She held her chin high, a smile plastered on held face that did not reach her eyes.

“Imani,” she greeted in a sweet tone, “What a pleasant surprise! Congratulations on your NGO. You are doing wonderful work.”

“And you are doing beautifully as well,” I replied, letting the compliment land lightly , “Your speech was… touching. Truly. You have a real gift for connecting with people, not just for show, ofcourse.”

The flicker in her eyes told me she heard the quiet implication. That her connection was surface level. It was a performance I could see through.

As the flashes began to erupt, Audrey adjusted her smile, posture straightening even more.

“Thank you,” she said, her voice tight at the edges,, “I am glad our work resonates.”

“Oh, it does,” I assured, “You inspire a lot of people. Some might even say you inspire me.”

Her jaw twitched. She knew exactly what I was doing.

And she hated it.

When the cameras drifted away for a moment, she leaned closer. Her voice lowered to a whisper wrapped in velvet.

“Do not overstep, Imani.”

I met her gaze steadily. “I would not dream of it. But if I were you, I would pay attention to where your own steps are leading. You might find the ground shifting faster than you think.”

Her expression stiffened, a crack running through the polished facade she wore like armor.

I smiled sweetly, turned, and walked away without looking back.

The car was quiet when I slid into the backseat. Jay did not speak. He knew I needed the moment.

I watched the city blur past the window and allowed myself the luxury of reflection.

The Hamiltons were watching me, but they underestimated me. They always had.

And now, the small fracture I had created today would spread. Pressure always found its weak points.

This was only the beginning.

But underneath that satisfaction was a ripple of something else … a burning thought at the back of my mind.

By the time we reached my apartment, the unease had settled into something sharper… especially when my eyes caught the package at my doorstep.