Chapter 37
 
2 days have passed. We haven’t released any statements yet regarding the news of me having a child before marriage. It’s also been 2 days since I got suspended as the CEO of SH Holdings.
The longer I stay silent, the louder the media gets.
Scattered everywhere on the internet are people’s gossip and theories on my private life. They keep talking about who Noah’s mother is, why he was kept hidden from the public, am I really the father, and was Noah an ‘accident’ child.
News and gossip don’t die down overtime. The fire keeps growing. Silence is the better solution? Not in our world.
The more you prevent adding fuel to the fire, the more the fire grows. That’s how it is living in our world.
“I think it's best for you to have a press conference,” Cameron suggested. “The quieter you are, the louder they are.”
“News of your suspension — and possible dismissal — are starting to pop-up too,” Cassandra said.
“About that dismissal rumor,” Sylvester butted in. “They won’t dismiss you, don’t worry. Stocks are decreasing.”
I immediately grabbed my phone, and true enough — SH Holdings’ stocks are plummeting down.
“If they dismiss you, they’ll suffer.”
“How sure are you that it’s because of the dismissal rumor? It could be because of my issue.”
“Dude, for the last 2 days the stocks didn’t move. When the rumors of your dismissal started emerging, it also started moving — down. It’s not a coincidence.”
“They’re against your dismissal,” Cameron said. He added, “Your issue probably took part, a bit. But I don’t think that’s our priority.”
“Yeah. My brother is right. The longer we stay silent, the more they’ll dig. Noah and Veronica’s identity will be exposed more. Let’s prevent that happening before it gets out of hand,” Cassandra suggested.
I nodded, agreeing to what Cameron’s sister said.
“We handled the lawsuits. The marketing is still mass reporting and deleting online posts, but it’s almost not bearable. Every delete, a new one pops up.”
I sighed in frustration.
It’s not that I don’t want to release a statement, or hold a press conference. My frustration of having to explain a private matter of my life to the public is already out of the question. I have to bear with it since I am not a complete private person after all.
What worries me about holding it is the danger that comes with it. Whatever danger that is, that’s what I don’t know.
What you don’t know is much more terrifying.
“Stefano,” I came back to my senses when Cameron called my name. “It’s your call. What will you do?”
I breathed deeply before speaking. I have decided. “I’m holding a press conference.”
“Is that final?”
I nodded.
A knock on the door distracted all of us. Cameron’s secretary enters the room. I got confused when he walked towards me instead of his boss.
He handed me the phone. “He asked for you specifically.”
I grabbed the phone and placed it on my ear.
I somehow have a hunch on who it may be.
“Hello. Nick.” Sylvester and Cameron quickly got alerted the moment I mentioned his name.
He laughed. [You haven’t changed a bit, my friend. You’re still quick witted.]
“You finally decided to face me head on. What do you want?”
[It’s been a while since we last talked to each other, and that’s how you greet me? Don’t you miss me, my old friend?]
“You probably know, but I’m quite busy right now. I don’t have time to waste — especially not to you.”
He chuckled. [You’re still as rude as ever. Fine. I won’t waste your precious time. I called to warn you. I’m still up for the challenge to bring you down. I’ll see you soon.]
“I’m looking forward to that.”
[You’ll regret saying that.]
“Prove me. Watch me too.”
The call ended. I can’t control my frustration.
With my clenched fist, I ended up slamming the table.
“I’ll add security to the current one you have,” I heard Cameron say but I didn’t turn to him.
“Don’t you want to move Emily and Noah to one of our safe houses?” Sylvester asked.
I answered without moving an inch. “The closer they are, the faster I can protect them. All our safe houses are out of the city. It looks dangerous, but I’m sure they’re safer in the mansion.”
“After all, it’s what they say; sometimes the safest place is the most dangerous place,” Cassandra stated.
“I’ll set the press conference as soon as possible. I’ll keep you updated,” Cameron said,
I nodded as I turned to him. “Thank you.”
“No worries, bro. That’s what families are for.”
“Ah,” Sylvester suddenly exclaimed, making us turn to him. His gaze moved from his phone to my eyes. “Will you be able to attend Skyler’s concert? He’s expecting all of us. He’ll probably understand if you can’t go, but still — it’s his first major solo concert.”
“I almost forgot about that,” I mumbled with a sigh.
Skyler has been preparing for this for like a year. He’s been looking forward to this, and to us attending. It’ll be such a letdown to him if I can’t attend it. He’ll understand, and probably hide his disappointment too.
“It’s two days from now,” Vester added.
“I can actually go. We could do something about security and stuff. But what I’m worried about is messing up Sky’s important milestone. I don’t want to bring chaos at his concert.”
“You’re worried that Nick will show up there, aren’t you?”
“I am.”
Sylvester sighed.
“Let’s just head back for now,” Cassandra said.
“Let’s prepare for the press conference. We’ll see how it goes after that,” Cameron said as he stood up.
Everything is starting to unfold.
It seems like everyone from my past is coming back. Whether it’s chaos or peace they bring, one thing is for sure; it’s changing what has been planned and expected.