Chapter 38: Chapter 38

Chapter 38

HAZEL

(PRESENT TIME)

As the frown on my face slowly dissipated, I couldn’t help but consider the possibility that Ravel might not be behind the released statement after all. “You didn’t put that statement online?” I questioned, wanting to clarify the situation. Ravel had never been one to lie, and he wasn’t the type to shy away from owning his actions.

“What statement?” he asked, reaching for his tablet to check the news. As he browsed, I observed closely, and when he found what he was looking for, he cursed quietly. “This is messed up, Hazel, but I had no part in it,” he asserted.

Despite his apparent surprise, his apology didn’t ease my frustration. “Someone on your team, or even in your family, released that statement, Ravel,” I said firmly, making my stance clear. “I want it corrected immediately, and a public apology issued, or I will f ucking sue your a ss.” The need for accountability was paramount, and I was determined to ensure my reputation was restored.

He stared at me silently for few seconds then suddeny smiled. “I don’t know what gets to me the most, how beautiful you look when angry, or how se xy you look when spitting out profanities.” “You’ve lost it.”

I hissed, unwilling to entertain his inappropriate remarks.

Ignoring my response, he nonchalantly shrugged, “That’s what happens when you miss someone so much that you can’t help but be excited when you finally see them.” His cavalier attitude didn’t sit well with me.

Dropping the tablet, he picked up his phone, dialed a number, and barked into the receiver, “Get into my office this minute!”

As the door to Ravel’s office swung open, Rose hurriedly entered, her face displaying evident confusion and concern. “Is everything alright, sir?” she inquired, clearly uncertain about the situation.

Ravel pushed his phone toward her, exasperated. “What the hell did I tell you about releasing this?” he demanded, his frustration evident. Rose hesitated for a moment, her eyes scanning the contents of the phone, realizing the gravity of the situation. “Give me one reason why I shouldn’t fire you this minute.”

As Rose read the news online, her brow furrowed in increasing confusion. “Sir, this wasn’t me,” she insisted, looking nervously at Ravel, seemingly hoping for support from me. However, I remained indifferent, focusing solely on my own agenda to resolve the issue at hand.

“I have no idea about this, sir,” Rose reiterated, trying to plead her innocence.

Ravel, clearly agitated, seemed determined to hold someone accountable. “And that’s precisely why I should fire you,” he snapped back at her. “who did this say this idea was from again?”

“Mrs. Anne,” Rose replied, causing me to roll my eyes in exasperation. It was no surprise that Anne would be involved in such a matter. “I swear to you, sir, I told her that you didn’t want it to be released,”

Rose defended herself, seeking to shift the blame onto Anne.

The realization that Rose believed Mrs. Anne’s words without any skepticism tested my self-control. I refrained from scoffing, although I couldn’t help but feel frustrated by her gullibility. Anne had been the source of much pain in my life, and her deceitful actions were not to be taken lightly. That woman told me that she was okay with me getting married to Ravel and the next day she destroyed my wedding dress few hours to the wedding.

“You believed my mother’s words?” Ravel asked incredulously, running his fingers through his hair in frustration. Waving her off, he ordered her to leave his office and find a way to rectify the situation by taking down the damaging statement.

As Rose hurriedly headed for the door, Ravel called her back, prompting her to halt and turn around.

“Yes, sir,” she responded, trying to keep her composure despite her evident discomfort.

“I’ll be having an emergency press conference this afternoon,” Ravel informed her, “Give the best news stations a call and have them show up in the conference room.”

Chapter 38

Rose’s curiosity got the better of her as she looked briefly at me before returning her attention to Ravel.

“Can I know what the conference is about, so the team can prepare for it, possibly write a speech for you?” she inquired, wanting to be fully prepared for the event.

I’m curious to know what he conference will be about too. Honestly, within seventy two hours, I’ve received surprise videos and messages online. “It’s only right to tell your team before publicly making any announcement.”

I couldn’t help but agree with Rose’s suggestion that it was essential to inform the team before making any public announcements. Public relations played a crucial role in managing such situations, and proper preparation could make a significant difference.

Ravel’s gaze shifted from Rose to me, his piercing eyes locking onto mine with intensity. “I think it’s high time everyone knows who the cheating partner truly is,” he declared firmly.

Ravel’s declaration caught me off guard, and I couldn’t help but react with a mixture of frustration and disbelief. “What are you talking about, Ravel?” I retorted, not wanting him to play the hero or take the blame solely upon himself. I had hoped for a resolution that didn’t involve him putting his reputation at risk.

Crossing his arms, he maintained eye contact, a determined look in his eyes. “You’ve taken too much heat from our break- up,” he explained, “and it’s time I face the consequences of my actions.”

I couldn’t help but scoff at his stance. “Don’t be foolish, Ravel,” I urged, trying to reason with him/”There are other ways to resolve this without you putting your head on the line. Have you considered the impact this revelation could have on your exhibition?”

A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he observed my reactions. “She came here to scold me and ended up looking for a solution,” he mused, earning a glare from me. “Now I see why David is scared.”

“What is that suppose to mean?” “It means I know you still feel flutters when I stare intently at you.” I felt flutters in my stomach.