The atmosphere inside the executive boardroom at the Maguire Industries headquarters had become unusually tense
Birmingham Investment Partnership committee was expected to announce its final decision today
Every director at Maguire Industries was present and Jude entered without saying anything as everyone stood to acknowledge his arrival
Jude simply nodded before he took his seat
Patricia quietly walked forward as she placed a folder beside him
"This is the final intelligence report from our end, sir", she said calmly
He barely looked at it
"I don't think any of these reports would be useful before the presentation ", he said
Patricia nodded
One director cleared his throat across the table
"Mr Maguire....."
Jude looked up sharply
"Regardless of today's outcome, I want you to know that Maguire Industries financial position remains stronger than Bellingham Holdings", he said carefully
Another director quickly agreed
