CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TEN - A New Dawn for a Fractured Company

A wave of murmurs swept through the crowd. Ava could see the confusion on people's faces, the worried glances being exchanged. As the employees began to file out, she noticed Derek Steele in heated conversation with a group of executives, his face flushed with anger. Victor Langston, who had been lurking near the bar, made a move towards the exit. Ava caught the eye of the head of security and gave a subtle nod. Two burly men in suits smoothly intercepted Langston, politely but firmly insisting he join the meeting. The transition from gala to impromptu meeting was chaotic. Employees in evening wear crowded into the elevators, their festive mood replaced by nervous anticipation. The main conference room, hastily repurposed, was soon packed to capacity, with people spilling out into the hallway. Max stood at the front of the room, Ava and Olivia flanking him. The buzz of conversation died down as he began to speak. "I know you're all wondering what this is about," Max started, his vo