The Nixon City Business Summit had never seen a crowd quite like this one. Five hundred of the region's most influential business leaders filled the Grand Ballroom of the Meridian Hotel, their conversations creating a low hum of power and ambition that seemed to vibrate through the crystal chandeliers overhead.Jane Richardson stood backstage, smoothing her navy Armani blazer and checking her appearance in the mirror one final time. This presentation could save everything. After weeks of watching Emrand Enterprise's stock price plummet and partnerships evaporate, she finally had good news to share."Ladies and gentlemen," the summit coordinator announced through her earpiece, "you're on in two minutes, Ms. Richardson."Jane nodded, running through her talking points one last time. Three major companies had agreed to new partnerships with Emrand Enterprise. The contracts were signed, the press releases prepared. Today, she would announce Emrand's dramatic recovery to the business commu