CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY - The Truth That Changes Everything

Eleanor began calling on each board member by name. One by one, they cast their votes, their voices steady but their faces betraying the gravity of the moment. "Ms. Rodriguez?" "No." "Mr. Johnson?" "Yes." "Dr. Patel?" "No." The votes continued, splitting almost evenly between 'yes' and 'no'. Logan and David both sat rigidly, their eyes fixed on the voting board members. Finally, Eleanor reached the last name on her list. "Mr. Avery?" Thomas Avery paused, his eyes moving slowly from Logan to David and back again. The room held its breath, every person present acutely aware that Thomas's vote would decide the fate of Maine Enterprises. Thomas took a deep breath, opened his mouth to speak... And at that moment, the boardroom door burst open. All heads turned to see Deonna Maine standing in the doorway, her face flushed and her eyes blazing with determination. In her hand, she clutched a folder. "I apologize for the interruption," Deonna said, her voice steady despite her appa