Chapter 176: Completely Handled
Sam stands outside the café, his back straight like a ramrod. His eyes follow the police officers as they handcuff Bradley Thomas, guide him into the back of their car, and drive away.
A crowd has gathered to watch the entire process. Most of them have their caras out, recording like true news caran. Among the onlookers are several reporters. One of them is Jessica Kwan.
Sam notices her, and their eyes et.
He gives a slight nod. Jessica smiles.
She knows she got the exclusive.
Ever since she wrote the article that reported Harrison Stille’s downfall, she has beco the unofficial exclusive reporter for Montrose Corporation.
Almost every major piece of news that cos out of the corporation is passed to Jessica first.
She is currently one of the hottest reporters in Arvion, but she has never forgotten who helped her reach this point.
And she genuinely enjoys working with Arthur and his staff.
They are professional. They never ask her to write anything manipulative or untrue. Not once has anyone from Montrose Corporation asked her to do anything outside her scope of work.
They also never look at her like she’s sothing to be consud, no matter how she dresses. She could show up in lingerie, and neither Arthur nor Sam would ever look at her that way.
Jessica feels comfortable working with them.
At first, she thought they might offer her a position within the company to handle their dia relations. When that offer never ca, she had to admit she was disappointed.
But then ca the follow-up coverage on Stille’s fallout. Then the identification of the Mt. Helene victims, information that was deeply important to the families. Then more newsworthy developnts involving Montrose Corporation.
Each ti, Jessica was given the exclusive.
Any interview she requested with Montrose Corporation’s managent or executives was granted with ease, while her fellow reporters had to fight for access.
Only then did she realize it.
She had beco Montrose Corporation’s unofficial exclusive reporter.
The company trusted her to write truthful and accurate articles.
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Inside the café, Theo sits at the table with Julian. Both of them are enjoying drinks and desserts, courtesy of the café, chatting casually as if nothing out of the ordinary just happened.
Arthur is busy speaking with the café staff and manager. He apologizes repeatedly for the disturbance, but the manager keeps refusing his apologies, insisting it was neither Arthur’s nor Thea’s fault.
"It was entirely the other man’s fault," the manager says firmly. "We’re considering suing him for the damage he caused to our business."
Arthur exhales. "I understand. But if he pleads insanity, you may not receive compensation. Let
cover the losses so you don’t have to worry."
The manager maintains his polite smile. "That’s very kind of you, Mr. Arthur, but it’s not for you to worry about."
Then he adds gently, "Just take good care of your sister, don’t let her be traumatized."
Both n turn their heads toward Theo and Julian, who are laughing quietly over dessert, completely at ease.
They exchange an awkward smile.
Arthur sighs. "Then at least let
pay for everyone’s bills tonight."
He hesitates for a mont before nodding. "Alright. If you insist. But please know that you don’t have to."
"I want to," Arthur replies firmly, already pulling out his phone.
He scans the paynt code.
"Done."
"Thank you, sir," the manager says, bowing.
Arthur smiles faintly and says, "We’ll make sure your café receives great reviews."
The manager bows back, "Thank you, Mr. Arthur. Thank you."
Arthur turns around and heads toward his siblings.
Julian notices and nudges Theo. "Looks like Arthur’s done. Let’s get you ho."
Theo stuffs the last bite of cake into his mouth and nods enthusiastically, unable to speak.
They stand just as Arthur joins them.
"You ready? Let’s go."
Arthur places a hand on Theo’s back, guiding her toward the exit. Julian follows behind, easily carrying Theo’s tote bag as if it were his own.
The mont they step outside, cara flashes erupt.
Reporters shout questions from all sides.
Jessica only records quietly, snapping photos without yelling. She knows she’ll get her interview.
A fellow reporter leans closer to her.
"Hey, Kwan," he says, nudging her. "Help a friend out, would you? Take
with you when you interview them."
Jessica offers a polite smile. "I’m sorry. I can’t. I don’t have the authority to grant interviews."
"Co on," he presses, stepping closer. "Don’t be stingy. I helped you with that cross-eyed Martin case."
He moves closer again, far too close.
Jessica instinctively leans backward, her upper body bending away to avoid his face. She frowns.
His breath reeks of alcohol.
"Hey," she says sharply, placing a hand against his chest. "You’re too close. Back up."
"Co on, Kwan," he murmurs, his mouth drifting toward her ear. "Just help
this once."
His voice drops lower.
"I’ll even put in so extra service for you. I’m sure you’ll like it."
Jessica shoves him harder this ti, panic flashing across her face. The man staggers half a step, but regains his balance and moves closer again.
Any closer, and she’ll lose her footing.
Suddenly, the man is yanked backward.
Hard.
Jessica stumbles forward slightly, then realizes the pressure is gone.
She straightens, heart pounding.
She looks up.
A broad back now stands between her and the reporter.
"Hey! Watch it!" the reporter yells, fixing his collar.
He’s ready to fight the newcor, but freezes when he sees who it is.
"You were too close to the lady. She looked uncomfortable." Sam says, his tone flat, expression equally flat.
The reporter gulps.
He knows Sam Mora. Arthur Montrose’s assistant. And his authority is said to be even greater than Arthur’s.
So say he’s worse, because he’s never seen smiling. He always wears the sa permanently serious expression.
"I suggest you leave," Sam continues calmly, "before the police take you too. There are several patrol cars nearby with empty back seats. They’re only one shout away."
Sam doesn’t blink. He keeps staring at the drunk reporter.
The reporter looks around nervously, only to realize he is now the center of attention. Phones are raised, caras recording, other reporters snapping photos.
A few ters away, Arthur, Theo, and Julian are standing there, watching him as well.
The drunk man swallows again and looks down, trying to hide his face.
Then he turns and walks away.
Sam turns to Jessica. "You’re okay?"
Jessica nods. "Yes. Thanks."
Sam nods once. "I’ll let you know when you can talk to them."
Jessica nods again. Her heart is still pounding hard.
Sam turns around and approaches his boss.
"She’s alright, sir. Please take Ms. Thea ho. I’ll handle it here."
Arthur nods.
"Good night, Sam."
"Good night, Master Arthur."
Both Julian and Thea say their goodbyes and leave with Arthur.
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