bChapter /b153

Lydia

My hands around my phone tightened as I watched the two vile women on the screen. Julia was almost on the brink of tears as she spoke, spilling lies like it was the easiest thing on earth.

My entire body went rigid with anger. As if the post they made wasn’t enough, these women went on screen and disyed the most dramatic moments I have ever seen. They should be actors.

I got fed up

before they left the stage and turned off the phone, mming it on the table. Silence stretched in the office. I grind my teeth, anger rising to my throat, blocking my lungs. I couldn’t hold this rage in.

Mia stepped forward and gently picked up the phone. I raised my eyes to find her looking at me, concern etched on her brow.

“What are we to do about this?” She asked, “This rumors is spreading fast, people believe it.” She said and then released a sigh, “How can they be so stupid? It’s as if they’ve been waiting for you to flop, and now that they’ve finally gotten the chance, they jumped right at it.” She pressed her lips into a firm line. A frown furrowed her

brows.

I swung my chair from side to side massaging my temples.

Mia walked from one end of the office to the other, biting on her nails, “We can’t let them have their way, we have to do something.” She said in a stern voice.

My eyes followed her movements. I stopped swaying my chair and sat straight, ran a hand through my hair and said to Mia, “Stop pacing, you’re making me dizzy” My voice was rough when I spoke. She stopped, then walked over to me.

“We can’t allow them to ruin everything you’ve worked for.”

I chewed on my lower lip, deep in thought.

If you ask me I’d say Victoria isn’t as smart as she thinks she is. She knew this was a lie. Why is she so sure I will stand and ept the me for murder this time?

“We should release a statement trashing her ims.”

“I don’t really care about public opinion,” I said in a calm voice which surprised me.

Mia’s brows shot up in surprise, “What? Why won’t you care? Even if you don’t, I do, and so does every staff member. It will also affect our stock price.” She said anxiety dripped from her voice.

She has a point. How did I never think about that?

Thispany may be built on my sweat, but I didn’t own it alone. That sweat was collective, and my staff deserves to have a boss they can be proud of.

“I’ll have the PR-” Mia’s phone rang, cutting her short. Her eyes locked on her screen, “I think it’s a reporter.” She said, ending the call. “I can have the PR put out a statement. That will not be enough at this point, but I

can’t just sit back and do nothing,” She said.

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Her phone rang again before she left and this time she took it. She didn’t speak, but as she listened, her eyes widened. She looked over to me, and her body went stiff with panic.

“Ma’am, the stakeholders and directors are here. They requested an urgent meeting with you.”

I let out a breath and stood pushing my chair to the back. A part of me had expected this. “You don’t have to be worried, nothing will happen,” I assured Mia.

She shook her head, “I…” I walked towards her and ced my hand on her shoulders. “One would think it’s you who is used of murdering someone.” I joked, when her expression didn’t change and remained scrunched up in worry, I shook her shoulders slightly.

“This is just another storm. It is not enough to bring me down.”

“I trust you. And I know tons of people out there do. But the directors you know they’ve always been there lurking around waiting to dispose of you as the chairwoman.

Her concerns were well–rooted. I brushed some strands of hair off her face, “You keep forgetting my mom remains the biggest shareholder in thispany. Sure the directors can bark, but they can’t bite.”

I started towards the door, and Mia took slow, unsteady steps behind me. “Shouldn’t you beforting me and not the other way round?”

I inhaled a deep breath before stepping into the conference room. The directors and three major stakeholders were already seated around the table awaiting my arrival.

I walked to the head of the table with my shoulders squared and head held high. I pulled out a chair and sat.

“What do I owe this unannounced meeting?”

“Trust you’ve been in good health, Miss Brooks.” The man at my right, whom I think would be their spokesperson, said.

“Get straight to the point,” I said in a cold voice, not ready to entertain any fake pleasantries.

He sped his hands together, a mocking gaze lurking beneath those sharp eyes, “You must have seen the news. A press conference was held today, the subject of the press conference was you, and the message wasn’t the best.” He started and the others nodded along with him in support.

“We all saw the news, and in less than five minutes, it affected our shares, which had already begun to plummet.” He said.

“News like this is disastrous to thispany, and as directors, we have concluded that you are not fit to be the chairwoman of thepany anymore, not with these rumors.”

“We can’t have a murder as a chairman.” He said.

I leaned into my chair, uncrossing my hands. My chest vibrated from theughter that escaped my throat.

b14:06 /bbMon/bb, /bbSep /bb22 /b

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They all shared puzzled nces amongst themselves, “You are far too funny, Mr. Luke.” I am amused by his

words.

“This is a serious matter. You can’tugh your way out, Alissa, or more correctly, Lydia.”

“It hasn’t even been ten minutes since the press conference ended, and you are already here,” I looked pointedly at them, sharing my gaze from one person to the other. “Were you perhaps expecting me to give my position off?”

“That has no connection to this-”

“And why are you so sure the ims are true?” I questioned, my eyes burning with anger.

“Is it not true?”

“Why should I give you a reply when it’s clear you already made your decision?”

They shifted ufortably on their seats. “Does anyone share his thoughts?” I asked. When no one spoke, I repeated my question and a man at the end raised his hand.

“Good. You are both relieved of your position. If you can’t work with a murderer, I’m sure there are others out there who can.” I stood, my chair screeching against the floor loudly.

“Miss Brooks, you can’t,” I mmed my fist on the table loudly, silencing their pleas. I don’t want to hear whatever they have to say.

“You can clear your offices.” I stood straight, “This is just another storm for us, and those who stand by me will get past it with me.” I said, straightening my zer.

“You were so cool. I guess I was worried for nothing.” Mia said as we walked to my office. “Let’s release the PR statement already,” she said.

“Not yeti.” /iWhat fun would it be if Julia and Victoria lost too quickly?

I didn’t get a chance to step into my office as my phone rang, a call from Liam’s school.

I rushed over to the school. When I got to the head teacher’s office, Liam was standing with a little boy by the side. Mnie was also in the office standing a few feet away from Liam.

“Mom!” Mnie called rushing into my arms. I picked her up and rushed to Liam’s side. “What happened?”

Liam has a small cut on his faceb. /b

“He engaged in a fight with Mathew.” Liam’s eyes were weak. When he saw me, he swayed to the side, and I caught him quickly. He was burning up. I red at the woman who had him standing, wondering how long he had been standing.

bI’ll /bget back at her. For now, I have bto /bsave my boy.