Chapter 146

Theo's POV The press conference room buzzed with barely contained energy as journalists and industry representatives filled every available seat, their cameras and recording equipment creating a forest of technology aimed at the podium where I would make what my entire leadership team considered corporate suicide. Charlie stood near the side entrance, his posture tense with the kind of controlled anxiety that came from watching his Alpha deliberately ignore every piece of strategic advice he'd received. My legal team had been unanimous in their opposition to this public declaration. The board had threatened formal intervention if I proceeded with what they termed "reckless emotional decision-making that prioritizes personal relationships over corporate responsibility." Even my closest advisors had pleaded with me to reconsider, to find some middle ground that wouldn't expose VM Group to the public relations nightmare they were certain would follow. But as I approached the podium, my wo