Page 67 of Faking it With A Grumpy Billionaire

“Not reachable still, sir.”

“How about the blog post?”

“The team is working hard to have it taken down, sir.”

I let out a sigh as I pondered what steps to take next, particularly to alleviate the hate and attention focused on Elizabeth.

Lydia called to inform me that they were at her place because of the load of reporters stationed in front of Elizabeth’s house. Rubbing my forehead, I looked out of my floor-to-ceiling window. I couldn’t help but wonder why we were facing all of these challenges just a day into us getting back together. Was life really intent on separating Elizabeth and me? Couldn’t we just love each other without all of this drama? I could only imagine how she felt, especially after reading all of those comments online. Even the few I read online were enough to push me into considering legal actions against all parties involved in using negative language and statements against my fiancée.

“I’ll ensure the team handles this properly, sir. But if I may suggest, isn’t it best that the contract between you and Miss Elizabeth is called off now? I mean, this will be the best time to do so.”

I looked at the man I referred to as my right-hand man and immediately felt annoyed in my spirit.

“Are you being serious right now?”

“I just thought I'd suggest, sir. I mean, it would be best so as to preserve our image in the sight of our clients.”

“So that’s all that matters now, right? The business?”

“Well, sir, I’m only doing what you’ve always asked me to do—putting the interest of the business at heart.”

At that moment, it hit me that he was right. That used to be the kind of man I was—one who only cared about figures and money. But now, I was different. I had met Elizabeth, and she had changed me.

“Well, I’m glad to inform you that I’m actually realistically engaged to Elizabeth,” I announced abruptly before gesturing for him to leave. I didn’t want to hear any of his apologies or “words of advice.” What I needed now was a solution to the current situation. As I thought hard, an idea suddenly struck me. I needed to tell the whole world. I needed everybody to know that Elizabeth was mine and that I loved her. Making up my mind, I immediately dialed Anthony.

“Yes, boss.”

“Invite all the media personnel, journalists, reporters—everyone. Have them gather in our main hall,” I instructed.

“Sorry if I may ask, what for, sir?”

“I’m going to be holding a press conference.”

“A press conference, sir?” Anthony asked in disbelief.

“I believe I did not stutter. Invite them all. By four p.m., we go live, so they need to hurry,” I said before dismissing him, trusting him to do the needful.

Since they were prying into a relationship that was none of their business, it seemed prudent to provide them with the information they were so eagerly keen to obtain.

After a few minutes, Anthony walked back into my office to inform me of their arrival.

“Good. I’ll be with them shortly,” I said as I prepared a few key things I needed to say.

To do this, I would have to start from the beginning, telling the truth all the way. I mean, what’s the best way to start a clean slate of a relationship if not based on the truth? After all, it was their rumors that got me here in the first place. The only good thing was if they had not done that, I would never have had this thing I had with Elizabeth.

So, all in all, I was grateful for all that had occurred up to this point. But now, it was high time I set the record straight, ensuring everyone got the memo that Elizabeth was my fiancée and soon-to-be wife.

With my thoughts properly put together, I took a deep breath and downed the rest of the water in my cup before walking out of my office. I could feel the stares of my employees on me as I walked past them and down to the hall where all of the reporters were now gathered.

As I was about to step in, I felt Anthony grab my hand.

“Sir, I still think this is not a good idea.”

“Well, I don’t remember asking you what you think,” I said, and with a single look, I saw that he knew best to get his hands off me.

“Sorry, sir.”

I adjusted my suit before walking boldly into the room. Immediately, the reporters sprang into action, their cameras clicking away, filling the room with noise. I stepped up to the podium and adjusted the microphone before addressing them with assurance.

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