Chapter 170

Chapter 170:

“Are trending seventeen percent below budget. And most importantly, zero safety incidents since inception.”

As she presented more data, she noticed Herod rising from his seat.

“Ms. Kane,” he called out. “If I might address the gathering?”

The room fell silent, all eyes shifting between them.

“Mr. Preston,” she acknowledged, her tone neutral. “I wasn’t aware you were a Kane Industries shareholder.”

Herod smiled, the expression not reaching his eyes. “A recent acquisition. My company now holds five percent of Kane Industries stock.”

Louder murmurs spread through the audience. Five percent was significant—not enough for control, but enough to demand attention.

“In that case,” Camille said smoothly, “you’re certainly entitled to speak. Please join me.”

Herod climbed the steps with unhurried confidence, stopping at a distance that might appear respectful to observers but felt intrusive to Camille. “As a significant shareholder, I feel compelled to express concerns about the Phoenix Grid that have recently come to my attention,” he began, withdrawing a folder. “I’ve received technical analyses from several independent engineers who believe the Grid’s current configuration poses serious safety risks.” He displayed diagrams showing theoretical failure points. “These experts have flagged three critical issues: relay overheating during peak demand, insufficient circuit breaker redundancy, and potentially catastrophic failure scenarios during power surges. Under certain conditions, sections of the Grid could experience cascading failures leading to explosions and fires.”

The audience shifted uncomfortably. A board member scribbled furious notes.

“I bring these concerns forward not as an attack,” Herod continued with false sincerity, “but out of genuine concern for public safety and shareholder value. If these issues prove valid, the liability alone could bankrupt the company.” He turned to Camille. “Perhaps Ms. Kane could address these technical concerns? Although, with her background in—what was it before Victoria Kane adopted you? Fashion marketing?—she might want to defer to actual engineers.”

The deliberate slight hung in the air. Camille felt anger flash but contained it, studying the diagrams with calm consideration.

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“Thank you for your concern, Mr. Preston,” she said coolly. “May I ask about the source of these analyses?”

Herod shrugged. “The engineers prefer to remain anonymous, fearing professional repercussions.”

“I understand completely,” Camille replied. “Dr. Zhao, would you join us, please?”

Hannah crossed to the podium. Camille introduced her: “Dr. Hannah Zhao, chief engineer of the Phoenix Grid project, MIT doctorate in electrical engineering, former lead designer for the European Union’s sustainable energy initiative.”

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