11:33 Sat, Oct 4
Chapter 160
Chapter 160
Mason
A
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Something dark danced in her eyes as she spoke. Clearly, Julia had crossed the line, this I knew. “You should have listened to me sooner,” I said.
“I just didn’t want Zoe to be involved.” I felt a warmth in my chest at the thought that she still cared for Zoe even after what happened between them.
“I know, and thank you for putting her interest first,” I said, my hands found her hair, and I ran my fingers through it. “This won’t affect Zoe.” I promised.
This seemed to get her interest, “Really?” she asked with wide eyes, and I nodded, “What we want to stick to are two things: first, we have twins together; second, you didn’t kill my stepfather. We don’t have to tell who the killer was or the circumstances that led to his death.” She nodded as she listened to me.
“Fine. Let’s have the conference tomorrow, then.”
“Do you want me to invite any other person?” Daniel asked, standing before me while we were in my study. I shook my head, “No.”
“Alright, the statement has been posted, and just like you requested, no one knows it’s about you and Miss Alissa. They think it’s business–related.”
“Alright. You’re dismissed,” I said, moving my focus back to the laptop in front of me. The door opened and closed. I closed my eyes and leaned into the chair.
Mom shouldn’t know that I’m planning to hold a conference. If she does, I can’t trust her not to play some tricks, and that’s the last thing I need right now.
My phone on the table beeped, a message from Lydia.
Lydia: “Hey! I saw the post. I’m really doing this?” She didn’t need confirmation. I could tell she was nervous.
My fingers danced on my screens as I typed back. “Yes, we are doing this. And I will be by your side.” It’s not just her, but we. All the things we do, we’d do together. The three dots that appeared on the screen were proof that she was typing, but she never sent the message.
So, I typed, “Are you nervous?”
Lydia: “A bit.”
Me: “I can have someone draft what you’ll have to say to stop it,” I offered.
“No need.” Her reply came immediately. My phone beeped again, “it’s just that I can’t sleep.” She said.
“Then let me keep you company.” Immediately, I pressed the send button, and I dialled her number.
11:33 Sat, Oct 4
Chapter 160
The hall was filled to the brim, and reporters flashed their lights, throwing questions as I walked down the red carpet. I claimed the two stairs that led to a podium, which had three chairs and a rectangular table in front of
the chairs.
Daniel stood by my side and leaned on me. He passed his iPad, “Should I stop her?” He asked. My hold on the phone tightened as I stared across the once familiar face. Julia. “No, let her be.”
“Why are you here?”
“Is the Woods Corporation really merging with B&G?”
“Are we to expect a new announcement?” Questions kept coming in, but I didn’t respond. I kept a straight face, not revealing any emotion.
Lydia will be arriving in five minutes, and that’s when we’ll start the conference. I had my lips pressed together as I sat behind the table, my eyes flickering across the crowd, fishing for the reports I had specifically asked for.
They were to shift the thoughts of the crowd away from Mom’s speculations.
“Good afternoon, everyone.” I greeted the start of the conference when I heard Lydia had arrived. “Thank you for coming. Before we begin, the purpose of this conference, I’d like to invite someone.” I said, and mummering ensured, they looked among them as they discussed, wondering who this person I spoke of was.
The door, which had been locked earlier, was pushed open, and Lydia stepped in.
They gasp, the camera flashed hastily, and the hall turned into a frenzy. Lydia had her back squared, her head held high. She wore a black dress which stopped at her knees. She kept a straight face and didn’t smile at
anyone.
་
My eyes were pinned on her as she walked forward, protected by five men who made a barrier around her with their hands to stop the crowd from pouncing on her.
She carried an air of superiority with no sign of the nervousness that had surrounded her last night.
“Lydia,” I called out with a smile. She climbed up the stairs gracefully. Standing by my side, she flashed me a small smile, briefly exposing the soft girl I knew before transforming into the cold, calculated woman.
“Is this really a business press conference?”
“Miss Alissa, why did you kill your father–in–laws?”
“Those kids, are they your weapon for getting back into Mr Woods’s life?”
“Are you back together?”
I lifted one hand, and the entire hall fell quiet. My eyes hardened as I looked at the people ready to twist and bend the truth just to make a few extra dollars.
11:33 Sat, Oct 4
Chapter 160
55 youchure
“The only ones speaking today would be us. My stern voice rang out, and at once the hall fell silent. I was sure they understood my words.
Lydia placed one hand over the other, which trembled slightly. The fear she had was that her children were going to be exposed. This is why the conference was after school closed for the day.
Our twins were her biggest secret, and it was out in the open. How could she remain the same?
I looked towards Lydia, who adjusted her seat. She sucked in a deep breath before saying, “Good afternoon, everyone.” Lydia’s voice resounded in the hall, clear and firm.
Cameras went off. Some reporters immediately began scribbling. I placed my hand over hers under the table.
“I am Lydia, Mason’s ex–wife. I know some of you are curious as to why I changed my name and also about the rumours that have been circulating,” she paused, allowing the words to settle in before continuing, “I am here to address them.”
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