CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY TWO – A WAVE OF PAIN

"Deonna?" A familiar voice cut through the haze. Logan was suddenly at her side, his brow furrowed with concern. "Are you okay? You look pale." "I'm fine," Deonna insisted, forcing a smile. "Just a little tired. Big day, you know?" Logan didn't look convinced. "Maybe you should sit this one out. I can handle the presentation-" "No," Deonna cut him off, perhaps a bit too sharply. She softened her tone. "I mean, I've got this. Really." Logan hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. But if you need anything-" "I know," Deonna said, patting his arm. "Thank you." As they entered the conference room, Deonna felt another wave of dizziness hit her. She discreetly grabbed the back of a chair, steadying herself. "Good morning, everyone," she began, her voice remarkably steady despite the room spinning around her. "Today, we'll be discussing our new marketing strategy for..." Her words trailed off as a searing pain shot through her head. The room began to tilt, and Deonna felt her knees buckle.