Stone Industries – Boardroom – MorningThe boardroom felt freezing, but not because of the air conditioning. The cold came from fear.Amelia Stone sat at the head of the long table like a queen under siege. Her executives huddled around her, faces pale, hands fidgeting with folders. Behind her, the giant screens glowed blood-red losses everywhere.“Ms. Stone,” Mr. Harrison began, his voice strained, “Don Eduardo Reyes just announced that his entire shipping line is cutting all ties with any company linked to Stone Enterprises.”Amelia’s jaw clenched so tight it hurt. “How many contracts are we losing?”“Three major ones. All canceled this morning.”The room fell deathly silent. You could hear every heartbeat.Amelia’s voice came out low and dangerous. “Total loss?”“Roughly forty million dollars,” Harrison said quietly. “And that might just be the beginning.”Amelia pushed her chair back and stood. She walked slowly to the huge window and stared out at the city below her city, her emp
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