CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY TWO - IN THE EYE OF THE STORM

In the days that followed, the dispute over control of De Laurentis Enterprises moved from the boardroom to the courtroom. The company's future hung in the balance as both sides prepared to present their cases before a judge. The courthouse steps became a battlefield of flashing cameras and shouting reporters as Alessandro and Amelia arrived for the first day of the trial. They walked hand in hand, presenting a united front despite the strain evident in their tired eyes and tense postures. Inside the courtroom, the atmosphere was no less intense. Alessandro's legal team, a formidable array of corporate lawyers and character witnesses, worked tirelessly to defend his reputation and leadership. They presented a carefully crafted narrative of a dedicated leader navigating his company through personal tragedy and unfounded attacks on his character. Dante's lawyers, however, were relentless in their offensive. They attacked Alessandro's character with a ferocity that left many in the cou