CHAPTER 170
Arianna bit her lip, her voice trembling with sadness as she asked, “What do you want me to do to prove I’m serious, Dad?”
Simon, having anticipated her question, wasted no time in responding, “I want you to hold a press conference. You need to admit everything publicly and apologize—not just to the world, but to me and your mother as well!”
He knew that if Arianna confessed and apologized publicly, it would leave a permanent stain on her reputation, ensuring she would be forever dependent on the Larssons and under their control.
Arianna’s breathing grew heavier, clearly struggling with the demand. After a long pause, she finally whispered,
“Alright.”
Simon grinned with satisfaction. “It's good to see you're finally seeing things clearly, Arianna. You're my daughter, and as your father, I’ll always be here to guide you in the right direction.”
“Thank you for giving me another chance, Dad,” Arianna replied, her voice filled with genuine gratitude.
Simon was elated. After all the struggles and humiliations Arianna had caused him, he was finally back in control. He wanted her to understand that he was the one who held the reins of her life.
In a decisive tone, he commanded, “Now that you’ve come around, we need to act quickly. The press conference will be tomorrow!”
Arianna didn’t hesitate. “Alright, Dad. Go ahead and make the arrangements.”
Simon hung up, clearly pleased with himself.
Arianna put her phone down, lifting her gaze to the sky once more. A faint smile played on her lips, but her eyes remained cold and distant.
After a moment, she turned and headed to the bedroom.
In the dressing room, she sifted through Rochelle’s sportswear, picking out an outfit, along with a hat and sunglasses. Once she was fully dressed, she checked her reflection in the mirror, ensuring her disguise was flawless.
Satisfied, she grabbed her bag and quietly slipped out.
News of Simon’s upcoming press conference broke later that evening, with the event scheduled for ten the next morning at a five-star hotel.
By early morning, the hotel was swarming with reporters, all eager to secure the best spot.
By 9:25 a.m., the conference hall was packed to capacity. Those who couldn’t get in were gathering at the entrance, creating a buzz of anticipation.
Simon and Margaret had already arrived, but Arianna was nowhere to be seen. Concerned, Margaret leaned in and whispered to her husband,
“You don’t think Arianna will bail at the last minute, do you?”
"If she doesn’t show up, it’ll only make the accusations against her stick even more. Plus, with so many reporters here, they’ll be furious if she doesn’t turn up. Just think about the kind of stories they’ll write if she pulls a no-show!" Simon replied, completely unconcerned.
In a time when public opinion could sway almost anything, the power of the press was not to be underestimated.
Margaret, reassured by his words, began to consider how best to exploit Arianna’s situation to their advantage.
With just ten minutes left before the scheduled start at ten o’clock, Arianna had still not arrived.
The reporters were beginning to grow restless and annoyed. They remembered how she had managed to evade them last time, and if she tried to do the same again and waste their time, they wouldn’t be so forgiving this time.
Reporters knew all too well that every second of their time equated to money.
Finally, the clock hit ten.
Arianna entered the conference room, dressed simply, immediately drawing the eyes of everyone in attendance.
She had finally arrived!
The energy in the room surged as the reporters quickly turned their cameras toward her, capturing every step she took.
The rapid clicking of cameras echoed through the vast conference hall.
Arianna walked up to the stage where a microphone stand awaited her. She positioned herself behind it, took a moment to survey the crowd, then offered a calm smile as she began,
“Good morning, everyone. I’m Arianna Johnson. First and foremost, I want to express my sincere gratitude to all the journalists and reporters here today for making time in your busy schedules to attend this press conference.”
She took a small step back and offered a slight bow, her gesture exuding politeness and respect.
It’s hard to stay angry at someone who approaches you with such grace. Arianna’s courteous demeanor had a soothing effect on the reporters, easing the tension in the room.
Straightening up, Arianna returned to the microphone and continued,
“Before we proceed with the press conference, I have a small request.”
Arianna shifted her gaze to her parents, who were standing among the audience. She spoke clearly, “I would like my parents to join me on stage. After all, it’s thanks to them that I’m here today.”
Simon and Margaret exchanged a glance, a sense of triumph flickering in their eyes.
They knew that Arianna was about to publicly apologize to them, and by joining her on stage, they would ensure everyone had a front-row view of their moment of vindication.
Simon wasted no time, replying, “Of course. Your mother and I will stand with you.”
Margaret linked her arm through Simon’s, and the two made their way onto the stage with an air of self-importance, as though they were gracing the red carpet at a grand event.
They positioned themselves on either side of Arianna, ready to bask in the spotlight.
