Chapter 78

• That afternoon, the large conference hall buzzed with anticipation, a low hum of murmurs filled the air as journalists adjusted their microphones and tested their cameras.
• Bright flashes from photographers sparked across the room, casting quick bursts of light on the polished podium set for the day’s speaker.
• Rows of reporters, some from the most prestigious media houses and others from hungry online tabloids, filled every available seat.