The mahogany-paneled boardroom hummed with anticipation as Blackwood's executive committee assembled around the massive oval table. Portraits of past patriarchs glowered from the walls; the city's skyline glittered through the floor‑to‑ceiling windows. Damien Blackwood stood at the head of the table, Lena Rivers beside him, both flanked by legal counsel and key allies from RIVERS | NYC.
Celeste Harrington swept in moments later, her ivory gown crisp, expression primed for victory. Victoria Blackwood followed, restrained by two aides, defiantly raising her chin as she waited for her son to begin.
Damien tapped his glass. Silence fell.
“Thank you all for attending on such short notice," he began, voice steady. “As you've seen in our recent broadcasts, there have been serious breaches of t
