Chapter 244

Of course, those comments got reported and taken down pretty fast.

Even at home, the rumors had some impact. Holly, who usually didn't pay attention to this stuff, had come across some of those short videos.

She started getting into conspiracy theories.

"Ms. Sharp, the internet is full of people trashing us."

I was casually scrolling through my phone when she said that, and I raised an eyebrow. "Holly, you saw it too?"

"Yeah, they're saying we're manipulating the market, running some kind of family business, trying to privatize national projects like highways, and all that..."

"Don't worry, none of what they're saying is true."

"Of course, I know it's not true, but shouldn't we come out and explain?"

"The comments under the videos are really nasty."

I got up and patted Holly's shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry, I've got this. I'll handle it."

She nodded, still looking worried.

I understood her concern. The online comments were indeed harsh, and my calm demeanor might seem odd.

But I believed there was no need to explain.

We had nothing to hide. The more we explained, the more it would seem like we had something to cover up, indirectly proving there was an issue.

So, staying silent was the best approach.

Of course, I wasn't going to let Alfonso off the hook. I had Simon and his team find out that their company had paid for a lot of online accounts to push this issue into the spotlight, so I had to expose it.

Asher called to ask if we should still hold the celebration party amidst all this chaos.

I didn't hesitate to nod. Of course, we should. The more they tried to bring us down, the more we needed to show our strength.

Canceling the party would only make us look guilty and give them more to talk about.

So, on the day of the celebration, a crowd of reporters surrounded the hotel entrance, making it impossible to get in or out.

The hotel manager apologized and asked us to address the reporters outside, as it was affecting their business.

I nodded and walked out.

"I've prepared another venue for the reporters. Please follow me, and I'll hold a small press conference where you can ask any questions."

"Trust me, you'll get reasonable answers."

The reporters followed me to the other venue, cameras flashing non-stop. I stood on the stage, looking down at them with a calm expression.

"Regarding the recent online rumors about our company, we've been aware of them. However, since they are baseless, we haven't responded."

"If you compare the capabilities of the companies that participated in the bidding, you'll see that our company winning the bid is beyond question. The online rumors are completely unfounded."

A reporter quickly asked, "Another company with similar capabilities didn't win the bid. Why did your company win? Isn't there some shady deal involved? You're a shareholder in both companies, right? This seems too coincidental."

I took a deep breath and looked the reporter straight in the eye. "Our company won the bid fair and square. The decision was based on our track record, our proposal, and our ability to deliver. As for the other company, they simply didn't meet the criteria as well as we did. And no, there's no shady deal. Everything was done by the book."

Another reporter chimed in, "But what about the allegations that you're trying to privatize national projects?"

I shook my head. "That's just another baseless rumor. Our goal is to improve infrastructure, not to take it over. We're working in partnership with the government, not against it."

The room buzzed with more questions, but I held up my hand. "Look, I understand there's a lot of speculation out there. But the truth is, we're committed to transparency and integrity. If anyone has any concrete evidence of wrongdoing, they should bring it forward. Otherwise, these rumors are just that-rumors."

With that, I stepped down from the stage, leaving the reporters to mull over my words. I knew this wouldn't be the end of it, but at least we had made our stance clear.

"The highway project concerns the safety of our entire city. We can't let a project like this fall into the hands of people like you."

His words were sharp, clearly with an agenda.

When he mentioned the other company, I immediately understood that Alfonso had arranged this.

I knew many people were live-streaming this, and my every move would be scrutinized.

So, I had to be extremely careful. Any slight misstep would be magnified and maliciously interpreted.

I played a recording of Alfonso threatening my child, his voice clear.

"Precisely because of the safety of the city's residents, we didn't give the project to such a company."

"Due to personal reasons, my child has been away, and we haven't seen each other."

"He used this to try to force me to give him the bid."

The recording caused an uproar. No one expected such a story behind this.

This was far more interesting than a typical business battle. The sound of cameras clicking intensified as reporters hurried to capture every detail, not wanting to miss a second of this breaking news.

"So, please believe that I didn't give in even in such a moment, and I certainly wouldn't let my company win the bid for a small benefit."

"I know this might sound self-righteous, but after he threatened me, I found my child."

"I couldn't allow the project to be taken by someone who threatens others."

"Regarding the recent online rumors, they were all orchestrated by that company."

"We have evidence that they paid for numerous online accounts to spread these rumors. We will sue them for defamation. And to the reporter who asked earlier, I believe you were sent by Alfonso, right?"

"Please go back and tell him his plan failed. I will never, ever give in to him."

My words were met with applause.

I smiled slightly, knowing I had resolved the issue smoothly.

Sometimes, a sincere response is more effective than over-explaining. This was a method I had long mastered.

After the small press conference, it was time for the company's celebration party.

I invited the remaining reporters to join us, maintaining their goodwill, as you never know when you might need them.

Asher, in a suit that highlighted his muscular build, approached me.

"Caroline, I was watching your live stream. You handled it beautifully."

"It's because we didn't abuse our power. We have nothing to hide."

"If we had abused our power to get the project, I wouldn't have shown up today."

"So, thank you, Asher, for winning this project on merit."

We exchanged a knowing smile.

I looked around. "Where's Royce? Why isn't he here?"

"He is here. Not sure where he went, though. I saw him earlier."

I nodded and didn't say anything.

To fit into the form-fitting dress I was wearing, I hadn't eaten much all day and was starving.

I reached for a dessert on the table, and as I took a bite, I noticed Royce out of the corner of my eye.

He was standing by a couch, chatting with a woman.

I didn't know her, but they seemed to be getting along well.