Dawn's pale light filtered through the towering glass walls of Blackwood Tower's Grand Auditorium, where the final showdown awaited. Rows of plush leather seats filled with shareholders, board members, and press; banners displaying the Foxfire Philanthropic Trust's emblem hung beside the Blackwood crest. The air crackled with anticipation as executives murmured annotations on tablets and reporters tuned live feeds.
In the wings, Lena Rivers smoothed the lapels of her tailored blazer, heart pounding. Beside her, Damien Blackwood adjusted his cufflinks, eyes resolute. Max, clutching his fox‑ear headband like a talisman, sat between Vivian and Ethan in the front row—his presence a living reminder of what was at stake.
A hush fell as Victoria Blackwood swept onto the stage, flanked by legal
