(JARED’S POV)
After Sofia left, I managed to get hold of my phone and went online, my eyes scanning the numerous headlines.
“Billionaire caught drunk at a local bar,” “High society’s latest scandal.” And with each headline, a picture of me half stumbling was attached. My chest twisted in growing anxiety as I scrolled through the articles. How did this get out? Who could have taken pictures of me without my knowledge and sold it to the media?
Deciding that there was not the time to ask questions, I dialed Enzo’s number, my PR expert.
“Enzo,” I said, trying to sound calm.
“Sir I was just about to call you.”
“Have you seen the news?”
“Yes, sir. I’m on it already.”
“Make it go away, Enzo. Call all the platforms that have the news and ask them to take it down. I don’t have to teach you your job, you know what to do.”
“Yes, sir.”
And with that, I dropped the call.
I flung the phone on the bed afterward and headed to the. The mirror reflected a disheveled version of myself with bloodshot eyes and unshaven stubble, and I winced. I felt like shit and needed a thorough cleanup.
After a refreshing shower, I took some aspirin. Arielle used to ensure they were always available in the drug cabinet, even though we had little or no use for it. After ensuring they were not expired, I gobbled two of them, supporting them with water.
While dressing up, I prayed Enzo had already started damage control. My mind was racing with possible worst-case scenarios-the billionaire’s board, my business partners, my reputation.
How could I let my guard down like this?
How could I let my guard down like this? I had always been meticulous, private, and controlled. One mistake shouldn’t ruin everything.
I took a deep breath and tried to shake off how uneasy I was feeling.
Enzo would fix this.
He had to.
I couldn’t afford to have my reputation tarnished.
Not now.
Not ever.
While waiting for a response from Enzo, my phone rang. My heart skipped a beat when I saw my mother’s name displayed as the caller. Reluctantly, I answered.
“Jared, why are you all over the news?” Her stern voice greeted me.
“Mum, I-“
“When did you start drinking yourself to stupor in public?” She cut in, her voice conveying disapproval.
“I’m sorry, Mum. It was just a mistake.”
“A mistake?” she repeated incredulously.
“How could you stoop so low, Jared?”
I winced and closed my eyes, bracing myself for the tongue-lash. I deserved it, all of it.
But just then, another call came in. My heart sank further. “Reginald Pierce,” was displayed as the caller ID. Reginald was director of the Billionaire Board and Head of the Disciplinary Committee. His calling meant one thing -he had seen the news.
I felt a wave of defeat and anxiety wash over me again.
“Mum, I have to take another call,” I said hastily.
“Who is it? Is the person more important than I am?” She asked, sounding offended.
“Reginald Pierce,” I replied.
There was a pause before she responded, “Okay, answer it. We’ll talk later.”
I nodded, and I ended the call with my mother and answered the other.
“Director Pierce,” I said, trying to sound cool.
“Jared, we need to talk,” Reginald said with a stern voice. “I’m aware of the news. Care to explain?”
“I’d rather discuss this in person, Sir. Would that be possible?”
There was a pause before he responded, “Be in my office in an hour.”
And the line went dead.
After the call ended, I walked out of the room in search of food for my growling stomach. If I was going to get myself out of this mess, needed a clear head and a filled
stomach.
I fixed myself toast and coffee, eating quickly before leaving for Reginald’s office. On arrival, I was ushered into the older man’s office by his PA.
“Have a seat,” he motioned to the vacant seat, setting his glasses aside and pinning me with a stern look.
“Good morning, sir,” I said, trying not to cover under his gaze.
“Good morning, Jared,” he responded. “Although, there’s nothing good about this morning. What came over you?”
“I’m sorry, it was just some personal issues and I didn’t realize when I lost myself,” I explained.
Reginald sighed, his expression
softening. “Look, I know we’re all dealing with different kinds of problems, but what matters is how we don’t wash our dirty linen in
public. You’re a public figure for God’s sake, Jared.”
“I know, and I’m sorry. I’ve already made plans to make it go away.”
“Of course, you’re sorry, and making it go away won’t change the fact that everyone has seen the news,” he countered.
I let out a sigh, realizing this was more serious than I thought. “So, what do I do?”
“You do realize we have rules on the board, don’t you?” Reginald asked gravely.
“Yes, but -“
“No buts, Jared. There is a consequence for your action. And for getting involved in a scandal, you will be suspended as chairman for a month -” “No, no, is that not too extreme? I mean -“
“Extreme? You should be happy you weren’t removed from the position entirely,” Reginald pointed out.
I clamped my mouth shut at that point, knowing he was right. A suspension was better than a permanent eviction from the position. “Thank you, Sir,” I mumbled.
Reginald’s expression softened again. “I like you, Jared because I see a lot of potential in you. A thing like this should not repeat itself.” I nodded and rose to my feet, “I won’t let it happen again.”
“See that you don’t.”
With that, I walked out of the office, feeling both relieved and anxious. The suspension was a blow, but it was one I could handle.