CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY - A GAME OF SHADOWS

"This is preposterous!" Alessandro finally exploded, his voice shaking with a mix of anger and disbelief. "These allegations are completely unfounded. Dante, how could you do this?" But as Alessandro looked around the room, he realized with a sinking heart that many of the board members were avoiding his gaze. The seed of doubt had been planted, and it was already taking root. "I move that we proceed with the vote of no confidence," one of the board members spoke up, his voice trembling slightly but firm in its resolve. Alessandro felt as if the ground was crumbling beneath his feet. In a matter of minutes, everything he had worked for, everything his family had built over generations, was suddenly at risk of being torn away from him. As the board began to discuss the logistics of the vote, Alessandro's mind raced. He knew he needed to act fast, to find a way to counter Dante's accusations and regain control of the situation. But the shock of the betrayal had left him reeling, stru