Page 10 of Crushing On Bestie's Billionaire Brother

Stephen's voice rises above the murmurs, commanding attention. "Thank you all for being here. Today, we face a critical juncture in our investigation. The whistleblower story has taken an unexpected turn, and we have new information that could expose the truth behind the allegations."

The room grows even quieter, every eye fixed on Stephen, waiting for him to divulge the details. My mind races with questions and scenarios, trying to piece together what this revelation could mean for our work and the individuals involved.

Stephen's gaze sweeps across the room, pausing momentarily on Jonathan before continuing. "But before I proceed, I want to address recent events. It has come to my attention that there has been a breach of trust within our team. Allegations of unethical behavior have surfaced, and I take these matters very seriously."

I exchange a puzzled glance with Martha, unsure of what Stephen is referring to. Has he discovered Jonathan's questionable actions? Or was there something else we were not aware of?

Stephen's voice grows firmer, his tone laced with a combination of disappointment and determination. "I will not tolerate any compromise to the integrity of our reporting. We are here to shed light on the truth, not to manipulate or exploit it for personal gain. Those who are found to be engaging in such conduct will face severe consequences."

The weight of his words hangs in the air, and a mix of unease and realization settles within me. Is he indirectly referring to the incident with Jonathan and the whistleblower? Does he suspect my involvement?

Martha's grip on my arm tightens, her eyes reflecting a mix of concern and caution. It's clear that the situation has taken an unexpected turn, and the consequences may extend beyond what we had anticipated.

As the room buzzes with speculation and tension, Stephen's gaze locks with mine for a fleeting moment, his eyes clouded with a complex mixture of emotions—disappointment, frustration, and something else, something that stirs a flicker of longing deep within me.

Electricity crackles between us as he gazes deep into my soul, igniting that spark of longing that I've kept hidden.

But the connection is fleeting, disrupted by the weight of the circumstances and the rift that has formed between us.

Chapter six

Stephen

Theatmosphereintheconference room remains charged as I stand at the front, addressing the team of reporters. The news of the whistleblower's story takes a backseat as I prepare to announce a new development—one that requires additional resources and, most importantly, fearless journalists who are willing to go the extra mile.

"Thank you all for your attention. Today, I have an important announcement to make," I begin, my voice projecting a mix of anticipation and gravity. The room quietens, and all eyes turn towards me.

"We have received an anonymous tip about the disappearance of a worker in an illegal sweatshop on a remote island in Indonesia," I continue. Murmurs ripple through the room as reporters exchange glances.

"Our South-Asian team has been investigating the matter, but they require additional support. We have been requested to send more reporters to assist in documenting this story," I continue, my gaze scanning the room as I assess the reactions of my team.

In the next instant, the conference room erupts with a wave of eager reporters, their voices blending into a symphony of ambition and determination. The prospect of the Indonesia assignment has ignited a spark of passion within them, each one clamoring to be selected as part of the team.

Amidst the crowd, a couple of reporters approach me, their eyes brimming with a mix of enthusiasm and persuasion.

"I've been waiting for an opportunity like this," Sarah, a seasoned investigative journalist, declares. "I've covered stories on labor exploitation and human rights violations before. Sending me to Indonesia would be the most logical decision."

Next, Chloe steps forward, her posture exuding confidence as she looks me directly in the eyes. "Stephen, I understand the weight of this investigation, and I firmly believe that my previous experience reporting on fast fashion and labor issues makes me an ideal candidate."

Her voice is measured yet compelling, emphasizing her knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.

"I have witnessed firsthand the dire working conditions in sweatshops and the impact they have on individuals and communities," Chloe continues, her voice tinged with a mix of conviction and urgency. "I have even collaborated with Vox and Vice on similar stories. I am confident that I will be invaluable to this investigation."

As Sarah and Chloe passionately make their cases for being selected, Nick's eyes narrow, a smirk curling at the corner of his lips. He takes a step forward, his demeanor brimming with self-assuredness and a hint of condescension.

"Ladies, ladies!” he announces in a loud voice. “Delicate flowers like you two wouldn't last a day in the field, especially on a remote island. This assignment requires someone with grit and toughness, not someone who's used to reporting from the safety of their computer screens."

His words hang in the air, as Sarah's expression tightens, her jaw clenched, while Chloe's eyes narrow, a fire igniting within her.

"Excuse me, Nick, but toughness isn't exclusively reserved for men," Chloe retorts. "I have faced challenging and dangerous situations in my previous work, and I’m sure the same can be said for Sarah as well. Remind me again, didn’t you cover news about missing manhole covers and potholes that the local governments kept ignoring?"

Nick looks offended. "Oh, I'm sure you've had your fair share of tea parties with fashion designers, but this is different," he taunts, his words laced with a derisive undertone. "I've assisted in criminal investigations before. I'm the one who knows what it takes to survive in such situations."

The room grows tense as his words hang in the air, a toxic blend of machismo and belittlement. Sarah's face flushes with anger, her fists clenched, while Chloe's eyes blaze with determination, her resolve unshaken.

"I won't let your outdated and sexist views undermine my capabilities," Chloe snaps back, her voice steady but laced with defiance. "I have proven my worth as a reporter time and time again, and I won't be belittled by someone who judges based on stereotypes rather than skill."

As the tension between them reaches its peak, a hush falls over the room. The other reporters exchange uncomfortable glance.

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