The plan changed.
No longer waiting.
No longer defensive.
Now—
They would attack first.
But not directly.
Emily stood in front of the mirror in the dressing room at the Moretti Grand.
Another event.
Another public appearance.
But this time, it was intentional.
Designed.
Calculated.
"You're sure about this?" Sophia asked from behind her.
Emily adjusted the sleeve of her dress.
"They're watching me anyway."
Sophia nodded slowly.
"Tonight, we control what they see."
Emily turned.
Her expression steady.
"And what they think."
Downstairs, the ballroom was already filling.
Investors.
Press.
Competitors.
And somewhere in that room—
The enemy.
Watching.
Waiting.
Just like always.
Only this time—
Emily was waiting too.