CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVEN – BOARDROOM DISCUSSIONS

The boardroom of Preston Enterprises was a battleground, the air thick with tension and barely contained hostility. Julian stood at the head of the long table, his jaw set in a grim line as he surveyed the assembled partners and executives. Edward Preston sat to his right, his weathered features etched with a mixture of fury and grim determination. "The von Beckers have been applying pressure, gentlemen," he growled, his voice carrying a weight of authority. "Their tactics are underhanded and despicable, but we cannot allow them to sow seeds of doubt and division within our ranks." A murmur of uneasy agreement rippled through the room, but Julian could sense the undercurrent of uncertainty that hung in the air. The von Beckers' influence was taking hold, their whispered promises of power and wealth seducing even the most stalwart of allies. Carson, the portly executive who had voiced his concerns at their previous meeting, cleared his throat. "With all due respect, Mr. Preston, we c