Claire had scheduled a meeting with Alex at Metacortex to discuss the upcoming press conference. She had already gone over the details with Matthew, who had helped her refine their strategy. Now, it was time to finalize everything with Alex. Claire arrived with her secretary, Sandra, and Matthew by her side. Alex was already there, accompanied by his own secretary.
The atmosphere in the room was tense as they all settled into their seats. Alex’s face was serious as he looked at Claire, ready to dive into the discussion.
“What exactly do you want to clarify at the press conference?” Alex asked, his tone stern.
Claire took a deep breath, matching his seriousness. “First, we need to address the issue about our marriage.”
Alex’s expression didn’t change. “And how do you plan to address it?”
“I’m going to make up a story,” Claire said firmly. “But it has to be believable.”
Alex’s ears perked up at the mention of making up a story. He leaned forward slightly. “What kind of story do you have in mind?”
Claire glanced at Matthew for support before answering. “I want to say that the reason we got married was because it was a will from your grandfather.”
Alex’s brows shot up. “Are you using my grandfather for your benefit?”
Claire frowned, her gaze steady and unwavering. “I’m not using your grandfather, Alex. I’m just stating the truth.” She gave him a look, one that conveyed more than words could. Alex knew that look well, and he looked away, feeling a mix of frustration and resignation. Matthew chimed in, trying to ease the tension. “It’s a reasonable explanation, Alex. People will understand a family obligation like that.”
Sandra nodded in agreement. “And it will help divert attention from any other rumors that might be swirling around.”
Alex sighed, rubbing his temples. “Fine. But what exactly are you going to say?”
Claire straightened up. “I’ll say that your grandfather left a will, and his dying wish was for us to get married. It was unexpected, but we honored it out of respect for him and family tradition.” Alex still looked skeptical. “And you think people will believe that?”
“It’s not just about them believing it,” Claire replied. “It’s about giving them a story that satisfies their curiosity and keeps them from digging deeper.”
Alex leaned back in his chair, thinking it over. “Alright. But if this backfires, it’s on you.”
Claire nodded. “I understand. But I believe this is the best way to handle it.”
There was a moment of silence as everyone processed the plan. Finally, Alex spoke again, his voice softer. “And what about the other issues if they ask.” Claire raised her brows. “What issue?”
“The issue about when we get married or how does our family know each other. But it means they will talk about your family too Claire.”
Claire hadn’t really thought of that. It might be possible that the media will eventually ask about Claire’s family.
“I will deal with it. What’s important is that when they ask us, we both have to have the same answer.”
Alex secretary chimed in. “She is right, sir. To keep the media asking unnecessary question.”
“Okay, just tell me what I need to say, Claire.”
Claire brief Alex about the line and story that he will have to say at the press conference. Alex listened intently while also giving his opinion here and there. He was glad that Claire accepted his opinion rather than brush it off.
Alex’s secretary, who had been taking notes, looked up. “That sounds good. It keeps things vague enough to not raise more questions.”
Matthew added, “We should also be prepared for any follow-up questions from the press. They’ll want details, and we need to stay consistent with our story.” Alex’s secretary spoke again. “We should also prepare a written statement. Something we can distribute to the press after the conference.”
“Good idea,” Matthew agreed. “It will help control the narrative.”
Claire nodded. “Sandra and I can work on that. We’ll have a draft ready by the end of the day.”
Alex stood up, signaling the end of the meeting. “Alright. Let’s make sure everything is in place. This has to go smoothly.”
Claire stood up as well, extending her hand to Alex. “Thank you, Alex. For agreeing to this.”
Alex shook her hand, his grip firm. “Just make sure it works, Claire. Harris stock market is still falling. We have to go with this plan fast.”
“I understand, Alex. So is Metacortex stock market. I will think about the perfect date to hold the press conference.”
The meeting ended, and Sandra headed out of the office to work on the writing statement. Matthew helped Claire out of her seat since her ankle was still hurting. “Be careful, Claire,” Matthew said as he supported her.
Just then, Matthew’s phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID but ignored it.
“Matthew, you should answer that,” Claire said, noticing his hesitation.
Matthew shook his head. “I can answer it later.”
Claire rolled her eyes and gently pushed him away. “Go on, it might be important.”
Matthew sighed, rolling his eyes. “Fine,” he said, stepping out of the room to take the call.
Claire limped towards the door, determined to manage on her own. As she reached the entrance, Alex appeared beside her.
“Let me help you, Claire,” Alex offered, concern in his voice.
Claire shook her head. “No, I can manage, Alex.”
Before Alex could say more, Adrian appeared in the meeting room. With
his charming smile, he greeted.
Claire. “Hey, Claire,” he said warmly, then nodded at Alex. “Alex.”
“Hi, Adrian,” Claire responded, a smile spreading across her face.
“Do you need help getting to your office?” Adrian asked.
“Actually, yes. I was just heading there,” Claire replied.
Adrian moved to her side, offering his arm. “Here, lean on me.”
Alex watched their interaction, his frown deepening. He didn’t like seeing Adrian helping Claire, and it bothered him that Claire accepted the help so readily.
“You really hate me that much huh, Claire?” Alex watched Claire and Adrian leave the meeting room with a sense of deep dislike. He couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy and frustration. It puzzled him why Claire would seek Adrian’s help over his.
“Why does she always do this?” Alex muttered to himself.
While staring at Adrian and Claire leaving the meeting room, Alex’s secretary interrupted him. “Mr. Harris, are you ready to leave?® she asked, her voice soft yet professional.
Alex turned to her, his expression cold and distant. “Yes, I’m ready to leave,” he replied curtly.
The secretary, Lisa, handed him his coat and briefcase. “Your car is waiting downstairs. Do you need anything else before we go?” Alex shook his head. “No, let’s just get going.”
Inside Claire’s office, the atmosphere was calm and quiet. Claire sat behind her desk, her injured foot propped up on a small stool. “Thank you so much for helping me, Adrian,” Claire said sincerely. “I really appreciate it.”
Adrian smiled back, setting a bag down on her desk. “It’s no problem, Claire. How are you feeling today?”
Claire shrugged. “Better, I guess. But I couldn’t tell the difference.”
“Why are you here though?”
Adrian’s smile widened. “Since your foot is still injured, I brought you some food. I figured you could use a good meal.”
Claire’s eyes widened in surprise. “Adrian, you shouldn’t have. This is too much.”
“It’s nothing,” Adrian insisted, waving off her concern. “I just wanted to make sure you had something good to eat.”
“This looks amazing,” she said, genuinely touched. “Thank you again, Adrian.”
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