Chapter 373 Questions
As the agreed-upon half-hour ticked away, the reporters in the audience began to grow restless.
"Didn't they say he'd be here soon? What's taking so long? Are they messing with us again?"
Eugene, sitting nearby, remained completely calm, even chewing gum with a relaxed demeanor.
On the other side, Elise glanced at the time, recalling the news her subordinate had delivered fifteen minutes ago. A dark glint flickered in her eyes.
Show up? Charles was barely clinging to life; how could he possibly appear here?
Even if Eugene stalled for time, the control of this press conference ultimately rested in her hands!
As the half-hour mark arrived, Elise stood up, her expression revealing a hint of impatience.
"The half-hour is up, and there's still no word from Charles. I suspect something has come up, preventing him from attending. Given the circumstances, I'll be taking over this press conference..."
"Mr. Percy is here!"
Suddenly, a voice rang out from the crowd of reporters.
Instantly, everyone turned towards the source of the voice, and there stood Charles, impeccably dressed in a suit, tall and composed, showing no signs of injury.
The reporters began to murmur among themselves.
"Didn't Mrs. Percy say Mr. Percy was in a car accident? But he looks perfectly fine."
"Isn't this press conference supposed to announce Zachary's death? Mrs. Percy seems awfully eager and not at all sad."
Elise's expression visibly cracked as she saw Charles appear unscathed before everyone.
In a matter of seconds, her face shifted from shock to disbelief.
How could this be? Wasn't he severely injured? How could he possibly be here?
"Mother."
Charles stepped forward, addressing Elise with a formal tone.
In public, he referred to Elise with respect.
The fact that he was an illegitimate child was no secret in Evergreen City, but the Percy family, being a leading high-society family, had to maintain appearances.
Elise's gaze softened, her previous stern expression replaced with a gentle smile.
"Charles, are you alright? I heard you were in a car accident on your way here, and I was worried sick. But seeing you now, I can finally relax."
Her concern seemed genuine, as if Charles were her own son rather than her husband's illegitimate child.
One had to admit, Elise's acting skills were quite convincing, having held the position of "Mrs. Percy" for over twenty years.
Charles ignored her performance, responding indifferently, "Sorry to have worried you, Mother."
At this moment, Eugene approached, casually draping an arm over Charles' shoulder and patting his arm, acting like a close friend.
"Mrs. Percy, now that Charles is here, let's start the press conference. We shouldn't keep the reporters waiting."
Elise's face stiffened, her previous authority gone, leaving her to maintain a dignified appearance with a pale smile.
"I heard about the car accident and came over, worried there'd be no one to host. Since you're here now, I'll take my leave."
She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, adding, "I've been quite upset these past few days and haven't rested well. With you here, I can rest easy."
"Nolan, escort my mother back," Charles said, ignoring her and giving the order to Nolan in a low voice.
Nolan, noticing Eugene's actions but unable to intervene, quickly responded to Charles' command. "Yes, Mr. Percy."
After Elise left, Charles frowned and pushed Eugene away.
Eugene, however, grinned and leaned closer. "Charles, you're so heartless. I helped you, and now you're tossing me aside."
Charles lowered his voice, his expression cold. "My wound reopened because of you."
Eugene's smile froze as he recalled his earlier actions and glanced at Charles' arms.
Charles' left arm hung limp, blood dripping from his hand.
Eugene quickly moved to shield Charles from the reporters' view, ensuring the media didn't capture this moment.
Fortunately, the reporters' attention was focused on Charles' face, missing the minor incident.
Under Eugene's cover, Charles managed to sit behind the podium.
Soon, a staff member took the stage, proceeding with the planned agenda.
A death certificate was displayed on the large screen.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your patience. This press conference is to address the recent speculations surrounding the Percy Group."
"The first and most pressing issue is the situation regarding our overseas branch manager, Zachary."
"With great sorrow, I must inform you that two days ago, we received a call from our overseas branch. After thorough verification, we learned that Zachary was fatally injured in a terrorist attack while visiting a client."
This news had been circulating, and now Charles confirmed the rumor, causing an uproar among the reporters.
As camera shutters clicked rapidly, one reporter stood up and asked, "Mr. Percy, has the perpetrator been apprehended?"
"The case is being jointly investigated by the embassy and local police. Regarding the perpetrator, it's an ongoing investigation, and we can't disclose details," the staff member replied, glancing at Charles and receiving his signal.
The reporter frowned, wondering why Charles remained silent despite being present to host the conference.
Feeling dissatisfied, the reporter opened his mouth to ask more, but the staff member preemptively addressed the crowd. "I understand your concern for Zachary, but the investigation is ongoing, and we can't reveal too much."
The reporter's question was stifled, and others reviewed their prepared questions, realizing that those related to the death's details were off-limits.
The room fell silent for a moment.
Seeing this, the staff member continued, "If there are no further questions, we'll proceed..."
"Wait, I have a question."
A reporter suddenly stood up, drawing everyone's attention.
His face was tense, but his gaze was resolute as he looked at Charles behind the podium.
"I heard Zachary left behind a child. Is this true?"
Two days ago, this information had been anonymously sent to his inbox. Initially, he dismissed it as a prank.
But after waiting so long for the press conference, he decided to dig deeper.
With a heavy heart, he voiced the question.
The room was filled with varied expressions.
Some had received similar anonymous emails but hadn't dared to ask.
After all, this was a private matter for the Percy family, and the child's existence wasn't crucial.
"Where did you get this information?"
Charles finally spoke, his sharp gaze almost piercing through the reporter.
The reporter swallowed hard, barely managing to reply, "The source isn't important. If the child exists, what are your plans, Mr. Percy?"
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