Chapter 41

"What are you going to do about this?" I sighed for the umpteenth time today, as I gazed at the board members who were staring at me with hawk-like eyes. After the article and pictures about James and me coming out of the hotel in the early morning got out, the board members immediately called for a meeting. It was just starting but it seems like it was not getting anywhere. I was getting bashed continuously by them. They kept complaining about how the stocks are plummeting and while I tried to calm down.

Sighing once again, I spoke up, my voice steady. "I understand your concerns, but let's not jump to conclusions here. One article and a few photographs do not define my character or my ability to lead this company."

Board member, Richard Johnson, the man who seems to always have a problem with me scowled, his eyebrows furrowed in disapproval. "Define your character? Silvana, you're the CEO of this company, for crying out loud! You're supposed to be a role model, not some tabloid sensation. What kind of message are you sending to our shareholders, to our employees, to our customers?"

I took in a deep breath, my eyes scanning the room, meeting the gazes of each board member. "I understand your plight, but we shouldn't jump into conclusions. I know my personal life may have caused some damages, but I will fix with it."

A tap on the table made me look in that direction, my eyes coming in contact with Mrs Beverly, the board member who greeted me one time after a meeting like this.

"I'm glad you know your personal life has caused damages, but still, you should I've been careful. You just got divorced months ago. Don't you think going around with men is going to spike harsh reactions?"

"I – "

"Mr James – are you really dating him? We can release a statement about it and all this will be solved."

I bit my lip, taking my gaze to the floor. What do I tell her? I'm in no relationship with James, and I can't say the opposite either. Clenching my fists, I looked up to see their gaze on me.

"I'm sorry, but I don't want to talk about my personal life."

A gruffy looking man snorted. "Personal life? You say you don't want to talk about your personal life but what is getting caught sneaking out of the hotel with a billionaire called? Isn't it your personal life? If you cared so much about it then you should have behaved and not cause this ruckus we are suffering from now!"

"First, I never sneaked out. Second, James is my friend and a business partner like you all are aware of. We had a bit of a situation that we had to stay at a hotel."

"Then explain that to the public." Mrs Beverly said, but I shook my head before speaking, my voice firm. "I don't want to do that. Like I said, it's my personal life not some show the public has a right to criticize."

"What?"

"I will take care of this my own way, please understand."

The room became silent, the board members exchanging skeptical glances. I knew they still had more to say, but they held it in, and the meeting came to an end. They left the room, but I stayed, taking my gaze to Mr Greg who had been quite since. He was just staring at me, and I just stared back.

"What do we do?" His voice came out as whisper after some minutes.

I sighed, and shook my head. "I have no idea." Eve though I was just being confident of sorting this out, I really had no idea of what to do.

I walked out of the room with Mr Greg trailing behind me, and I was just a few meters away from my office when I set my eyes on Xander. My brows creased into a displeased frown. "What are you doing here?"

"I had some business here, and from the looks of things," he turned, motioning at a few board members who were still lingering around. "Things are not okay here."

My brows furrowed. "How so?"

"I think you know." He shrugged and I rolled my eyes. I made to walk into my office, but he spoke up, stopping me in my tracks.

"I see you warned me not to cause trouble, but you are the one who is actually causing trouble."

My frown deepened as we stared at each other. "Did you really come here to work?" I asked after some minutes.

He nodded, tucking his hands in his pocket. "Of course. What else would I be here for? I'm so busy that I don't even have time to spend myself or even go to hotels." He said, smiling. I could detect the mockery in his voice and it pissed me off, but I was not in the mood to exchange words with him.

Exhaling, I smiled. "You should do that. Focus on your work and nothing else." I said, giving him a smile before entering my office.

I loud sigh escaped my lips as I rested my head on the door. I stayed there for few minutes before checking my phone. The comments on the article had increased and was more heated. Insults were thrown at me. It seemed like someone was intentionally fueling it. But at some point, I saw comments supporting me and replying the harsh comments. Just from the tone of speaking, I knew who it was and at that moment, the name popped up on the screen accompanied by my ringtone - Karen. Smiling, I picked up.

"My baby!!!!" I heard her

I chuckled. "What's with the yells?"

"Are you okay?" She asked instead, and I sighed. Am I okay? Of course, I'm not. I am hurt, but I told her I was fine, because I can't stand putting my problems on people. Karen has already done enough by at least supporting me, and I was grateful for that.