Aria’s pov
Before I could process what was going on,the boardroom doors flung open, and the chaos hit the room like a wave.
Marcus stord in sweating"Sir.Ma’am we have get you out of her now"
I lurched from my seat and made my way to the boardroom door, Lucian following my every step. Flashing caras exploded in our faces the mont we stepped into the hallway coupled with shouting reporters that surged forward and thrust microphones towards us like weapons, their voices overlapping in a deafening roar.
"Mrs. Voss! Is it true you and your husband orchestrated the stock crash that happened weeks ago?"
"Mr. Voss! Are you stepping down as CEO?"
"Aria! Did Ethan Caldwell really kidnap you or is this all a cover-up to thwart the attention of the press from this scandal?"
The security team led by Marcus tried to push them back, but the crowd was relentless. Lights from the clicking caras blinded and Marcus tried to cover my face with a scarf but I refused to hide. I straightened my spine and kept walking beside Lucian whose hand found the small of my back. "Stay close," he murmured, voice low enough for only to hear. "You can go with Marcus.Let handle the press."
I shook my head, gripping the side of his suit. "No Lucian.I’m not hiding behind you anymore like so weakling. This is my fight too."
He glanced at , jaw tight, but he didn’t argue. At least he has learnt not to do so recently and that counts for sothing.
His hand stayed on my back as we pushed through the swarm.
"Mrs. Voss! Are you the majority shareholder now because you married Lucian or because you stole the shares?"
The question stung, but I kept my head high.
We finally made it to a private conference room down the hall. Clara was already inside with two lawyers from the legal departnt with their tablets and docunts spread across the table.
The door clicked shut behind us, cutting off the noise like a guillotine.
Clara was pacing around the room. She looked exhausted and scared at the sa ti. I have co to know her as one who paid attention to her appearance but today she looked like hell.
"What’s the situation Clara?"Lucian asked as he took his seat after helping with mine.
Clara went spiraling "The SEC inquiry has started and for so reason soone is releasing statents and files online saying that you are responsible for the stock market manipulation and kidnapping of Miss Aria which to sounds ridiculous. Cause who kidnaps their wife?"
She took a short pause,then she stole a glance from then Lucian before continuing. "The anonymous account is also saying that Miss Aria’s crash was deliberate and orchestrated by you sir."
One of the lawyers nodded grimly. "We’re looking at possible arrest warrants within hours. The board as you know is still demanding an ergency vote to remove Lucian as CEO and so directors are turning on him, fearing the SEC will freeze assets. The only thing saving your seat is Miss Aria’s majority vote."
I relaxed into the chair as I let all the chaos sink in. Just maybe ,for a single mont all this will be over and Ethan will be gone for good but I guess that’s not happening now.
"Like you said,I’m the majority shareholder and I believe that will keep our board problem in a pause if I use my shares to block any move to remove Lucian.
So I suggest we issue a public statent imdiately that will reveal the kidnapping attempt. It’s the anonymous accounts’ words against us. Let the SEC co,they don’t have any tangible evidence aside from the rubbish spewed by that account right?"
The lawyers exchanged glances before responding with a nod while Clara gave a surprised look.
Lucian stood behind , one hand on my shoulder. "She’s right. Let’s issue a public statent as a company. Remaining silent can be perceived as guilt."
Clara nodded and started typing. "I’ll draft it now. We can release it within the hour.
As the lawyers and Clara worked, Lucian pulled aside into a small alcove off the conference room. The mont the door closed, his mask cracked. He held my face gently, thumbs brushing my cheeks.
"Aria," he whispered. "I’m terrified of losing you. Not just to Ethan this ti but to prison and this whole ss I dragged you into. If they arrest or you..."
I placed my good hand on his chest, feeling his heartbeat racing under my palm. " You vowed you’d burn everything down before letting him win. This is not the ti for you to be weak or for you to shiver.Just take this as a phase that will soon pass."
He pulled into his arms, careful of my injuries and kissed desperately .When he pulled back, his forehead rested against mine.
"I love you," he muttered. "More than anything."
"I love you too. And we’re not going down without a fight." I replied sternly.
We returned to the conference room just as Clara finished the draft.
"The statent is ready now. I need your go ahead to release it" Clara said,bringing her laptop forward so we could see the contents of the statent.
"Yeah this is good," Lucian replied.
"We have another problem sir"
"What is it again Clara?" Lucian snapped, visibly exhausted and on edge from all that was going on.
Clara beca shaky as she spoke,one could tell she was trying so hard not to poke another nerve." It’s the FBI sir,they called while you were away. They’re inviting you for so questioning. Apparently they’re also interested in the case as it is a matter of fraud and national security."
As we left the boardroom later that morning, my phone buzzed with a news alert."
"That’s just perfect! When is this?" Lucian asked.
"Tomorrow..."
Before Clara could finish, Lucian grabbed my hand and let out the door.
Marcus was standing in front with an exciting look. "Ma’am. The hospital just called. Andre is awake"
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