Page 60 of Mr. Billionaire's Second Chance

Chapter Nineteen

Katherine

The New York morning sun poured into my bedroom and I opened my eyes, immediately hit with the panic of what today would bring. I reached over to my bedside table to grab my phone, running through my missed calls to see that I had at least five from William. I sighed, knowing that once this press conference happened, there would be no going back. I gathered every bit of evidence I could, made sure that my final report was in order, saved, and backed up before I even thought about leaving the house because I knew Jamie would expect it all immediately.

I thought about what his reaction was going to be like, the utter shock, followed by disappointment because I couldn’t help his dear friend. I really hope that you’re not in his pocket, Jamie. As much as it’s going to pain you, I hope that you’re going to be on board with doing the right thing. I thought, stepping into the hot shower, letting the steam fill my senses, calming me down. I stepped out a while later, drying my hair and slipping into a pastel pink blouse and white slacks. I painted my lips a light pink to match, gathering everything I needed, and it was time to head out.

I barely made it to the door before Poppy stopped me, raising her eyebrows.

“You look nice. Extra nice. What’s going on?”

“Channel 8. 10 a.m. Catch it if you have the chance,” I said, grabbing my keys before rushing right out the front door.

A cool breeze hit me as I made it out onto the sidewalk and I managed to wave down a cab to take me to Kingsman Enterprises. I gulped the moment the car approached the building, and I tried to talk myself down from having a full-fledged panic attack.

You’re going to do this, and you’re going to be great. It’s time the world knew the truth. That’s what you came here to do, remember? You know now that the man you’re in love with is a good guy. Do this for him. Do this for you.

William was waiting down in the lobby for me when I arrived, probably to have a word with me before Preston could catch wind of what was going on.

“Good, you’re here. You remember what we talked about right? Once the press conference is over, I’ll wire the money into your bank account. You’re doing the right thing here, Katherine. Preston should’ve never been given my company. He wasn’t ready, and he probably never will be. It’s time we end this,” said William.

“Yes, you’re right. It’s time we end this.”

“Good. You have a few minutes before the press will start to swarm. Preston will make his way down soon enough. I’m sorry to break up your little lovefest,” he said.

“As you said, I’ll be a million dollars richer. So, what does it matter?”

I felt sick to my stomach as the words left my mouth, but he just stood there smiling at me.

“That’s right, Katherine. That’s right.”

I adjusted the buttons on my blouse before making my way out to the podium in front of Kingsman Enterprises. It felt like my heart was caught in my throat, like the world around me just couldn’t stop spinning, and I knew this was the moment I’d been waiting for. I spotted a few of the board members sprinkled in the crowd that inevitably formed, all waiting for me to deliver the final verdict. They all stood there wondering whether Preston Clarke was guilty of fraud or not.

I grabbed the sides of the podium, glancing down at the file folder that contained everything I needed to say and all of the evidence to back it up, but I was afraid the words wouldn’t come out of my mouth. That is when I turned to look behind me to see William and Preston approaching, and my stomach turned even more. Preston looked so disappointed in me, like he knew what was coming, but no one did. I could see the heartbreak in his eyes because he had no warning. He woke up today having no idea that I’d be standing outside of his company’s building ready to deliver the final word.

Before I had the chance to speak, he rushed to my side, whispering in my ear.

“What are you doing, Kat?”

“Just trust me.”

He nodded reluctantly, and I looked over to see William standing there with the biggest smile on his face. It filled me with rage to know that he was the one that started this whole circus to begin with, all so he could have the rights to the company he absolutely didn’t deserve. It’s time. Let’s do this.

“Good morning everyone. I know you all must be eager to hear what I have to say, but before I do I just want you to know that I’ve conducted quite an extensive investigation, which given permission by my client, I can share with you. Once the press conference has concluded, the appropriate legal proceedings will commence,” I began.

“So, does that mean that Preston Clarke is guilty?”

“Why is there a need for legal proceedings? What did you find?”

The questions started to pour in, but I put my hand up, tapping the mic with my other so they’d all quiet down. The reporters stood there with their microphones as close to my lips as they could possibly get. I looked up into the crowd to see Jamie standing there with his hands crossed, anticipating my next move. William probably already filled him in. Now, like everyone else, he’s in for one hell of a surprise. I thought.

“I did find evidence that the head of Kingsman Enterprises is involved in fraudulent activity and deception regarding profit, but none of it was conducted by Preston Clarke. Preston Clarke had no knowledge of any fraudulent activity happening within his company because the real criminal here, his very own uncle, had a plan to destroy his nephew so he could be the sole owner of the company. William Wolfe has presented forged documents with the intent of harming both Kingsman Enterprises and Preston Clarke’s reputation. At this time, necessary legal action will be taken. Thank you.”

I removed myself from the podium, bedding back inside the lobby just as William grabbed me by the arm, causing the file folder to fall, scattering everywhere.

“You psychotic bitch. Do you have any idea what you’ve just done? This is not what we agreed on,” he spat.

“You wanted me to do the right thing, and so I did. You couldn’t possibly think you could wave a million dollars around and somehow entice me to intentionally harm Preston. Now, get off of me.”

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