Chapter 171

Chapter 171:

Camille turned back to Herod. “Before addressing your anonymous concerns, I’d like to present some attribution-friendly data.”

Hannah uploaded new diagrams. “These are the actual schematics of the Phoenix Grid as currently implemented, not the theoretical models Mr. Preston presented.”

With methodical clarity, Camille walked the audience through each system. “The Grid employs quadruple, not triple, relay protection systems. Each junction includes three independent circuit breakers with automatic cut-off protocols.” She pulled the sealed envelope from her portfolio. “This morning, we received the final report from Blackwood Engineering, the industry’s most respected independent safety assessment firm. Their conclusion: the Phoenix Grid exceeds federal safety standards by 327 percent.”

She displayed the report, with Blackwood’s certification clearly visible.

“As for power surges, the Grid includes surge protectors at every connection point. We’ve tested the system against surges five times stronger than anything recorded in New York’s history.”

She turned to face Herod directly. “Interestingly, the diagrams Mr. Preston presented appear to be based on outdated blueprints—blueprints that were altered during a recent attempted sabotage of our systems.” A shocked silence fell over the room.

“Kane Industries discovered this sabotage attempt three weeks ago. The FBI has been investigating quietly to avoid market panic. We have reason to believe the modified blueprints were created specifically to make the Grid appear unsafe.”

She paused, letting her gaze move from Herod to Martin Greene, who had gone pale in his seat. “We’ve identified the internal source of the leak and have terminated their employment as of this morning.”

Security personnel moved discreetly toward Martin, who stood abruptly, knocking over his coffee in his haste to reach the exit.

Herod maintained his composure, though a muscle twitched in his jaw. “These are serious allegations. I merely presented concerns brought to my attention as a responsible shareholder.”

M𝑜𝓇𝑒 𝓊𝓅𝒹𝒶𝓉𝑒𝓈 𝒾𝓃 𝑔𝒶𝓁𝓃𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁𝓈.𝒸𝑜𝓂

“Of course,” Camille agreed pleasantly. “Which is why I’ve prepared copies of Dr. Zhao’s full technical report for all shareholders, along with the Blackwood certification and contact information for their engineers, who are happy to answer questions about their findings.”

Assistants distributed folders to the audience.

“To further demonstrate our confidence in the Phoenix Grid,” Camille continued, “Kane Industries’ global headquarters will be the first building to transition entirely to Grid power next week, three months ahead of schedule. Victoria Kane and I will personally be working from those offices during the transition. We believe in the safety of our technology enough to bet our lives on it.”

The audience erupted in applause. Camille saw Herod reassessing as his ambush transformed into a victory for Kane Industries.

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