The heavy glass entrance doors of the hotel stood firm against the cold wind as night fell over the busy city streets. Bright searchlights from news vans lit up the concrete driveway like an open stage, while dozens of reporters continued to shout into their microphones outside the building.

Inside the private executive meeting room on the top floor of the Vance Luxury Hotel, the air was deadly silent and cold.

Giant glass windows offered a breathtaking view of the sparkling city lights below, but no one in the room was looking at the scenery. On the wall, three large television screens displayed live financial charts showing red numbers dropping...