CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY THREE - HIDDEN INTENTIONS

"Thank you all for coming," Alessandro began, his voice strong and clear. "As you know, tomorrow we face a challenge unlike any we've encountered before. My uncle Michael, along with... other parties, seeks to wrest control of this company from us." A murmur ran through the room at the thinly veiled reference to Dante's involvement. Alessandro held up a hand for silence. "I won't pretend that the path ahead will be easy. Michael has made grand promises, painted a picture of a future that may seem appealing to some. But I believe in the foundation this company was built on – integrity, innovation, and a commitment to our people." He paused, making eye contact with each person in the room. "I'm not asking for blind loyalty. I'm asking for your trust. Trust in the vision we've built together, in the work we've done to make De Laurentis Enterprises not just profitable, but a force for good in the communities we serve." Amelia watched as heads nodded around the table. She could see the