CHAPTER 304
The next morning, Arianna received the updated itinerary for Selby, shared within her work chat. He was scheduled to speak at a conference at a high-end hotel, marking his only recent public appearance. Anyone aiming to secure an interview with him would need to capitalize on this rare opportunity.
Arianna, Harmony, and two other anchors rode together to the venue in the company car, each intent on achieving their own goals. Once they arrived, they separated quickly, each one understanding that they were competitors and that success depended solely on their efforts.
As the conference neared its conclusion, reporters began crowding the entrance. It was just as chaotic as the scene Arianna had encountered at the university.
Rather than trying to push into the throng, Arianna held back. The press area was packed, making it nearly impossible to squeeze in, and she knew that trying to get her questions heard amid the shouting would likely be futile. She decided instead to observe, waiting for an opening that might give her a better chance.
Soon, the doors to the conference room opened, and Selby stepped out.
A sudden surge of reporters swarmed around him, with microphones and cameras thrust toward him as they fired off questions in rapid succession.
One reporter called out, “Professor Cornwell, do you intend to pursue legal action against the student who accused you of misconduct?”
Another interjected, “The public statement you released was brief and seemed dismissive. Are you avoiding a lawsuit because the accusations are true?”
A third asked, “The student is continuing to make statements online, insisting she’ll take legal steps unless you address her claims. What’s your response to that?”
Arianna stayed on the outskirts, watching the interaction closely and waiting to see if a better opportunity would emerge.
Selby’s face was twisted with frustration as he raised a hand defensively, trying to shield himself from the barrage of cameras. His voice held an unmistakable edge as he snapped, “Move aside!”
But the reporters, sensing his discomfort, only intensified their questioning. One of them called out,
“Professor Cornwell, your silence only seems to confirm the accusations against you. Is there truth to these claims?”
Selby’s anger flared visibly, his gaze locked onto the reporter who had spoken. In a swift, tense motion, he seized the man by his collar, his hand clenched into a fist.
“Say that again if you dare!”
The reporter, however, showed no fear. He seemed to relish provoking Selby further, grinning as he replied,
“Professor, we’re just doing our jobs. If you’re innocent, then clarify things—your silence only adds fuel to the fire.”
“Enough!” Selby’s face turned red with fury, and his breathing grew shallow as the anger visibly consumed him, his eyes blazing with barely contained rage.
Observing the scene from a short distance, Arianna’s expression tightened. This could quickly spiral out of control.
Thinking fast, she spun on her heel and darted toward a nearby hallway.
Moments later, the blare of the hotel’s alarm echoed through the halls.
A wave of confusion rippled through the crowd as the reporters exchanged uncertain glances. Realizing the urgency of the alarm, they abandoned their positions, rushing for the exits.
The tense atmosphere dissolved into chaotic motion as the crowd scattered.
As the reporters frantically pushed their way out, several of them shoved Selby, causing him to stumble and nearly lose his balance. Just as he was about to fall, a steady hand caught his wrist, pulling him back up.
Surprised, he glanced to his side as the hand led him swiftly through the bustling crowd.
They moved together, first blending with the throng and then ducking down a side corridor where few people lingered. After about 50 meters, they slowed, and Selby finally regained his footing.
When he turned, his eyes met a calm, kind gaze framed by a gentle, delicate face.
Arianna gave him a reassuring smile. “We should be safe here, Professor Cornwell.”
Selby’s eyes drifted to the press badge around her neck. The words 'Anchor: Channel 7' stood out, and his expression hardened.
A sceptical sneer crossed his face.
“Safe? With a reporter? Don’t think I’ll open up to you just because you gave me a way out. I know exactly why you’re here.”
Pausing, he crossed his arms, his voice dripping with resentment.
“Let’s be clear—I’m not here to satisfy your appetite for sensationalism. You’re all the same. You’d rather stir up scandal than get to the truth.”
Arianna didn’t flinch, meeting his sharp gaze with steady, understanding eyes. Her tone was gentle but firm.
“Professor Cornwell, I admit I’m here for the truth, but that’s not why I helped you just now.”
She took a deep breath, her voice softening.
“I’ve been in your shoes, accused of things that weren’t true. I know what it’s like to be hounded by reporters who only care about a headline. It didn’t sit right with me to see you treated that way.”
Her gaze softened even further. “I’ve heard from people I trust that you’re a man of integrity. That’s the only reason I stepped in.”
“I never intended to help you just to get something in return,” Arianna said calmly, her tone resolute.
Selby scoffed, shaking his head. “Right. Like I’d buy that.”
He looked exhausted, his face tight with strain. Days of relentless questioning and unwanted attention had worn him down, leaving him with little faith in anyone, especially the press.
Arianna didn’t push further. Instead, she nodded toward the dim corridor.
“There’s a back exit at the end of this hall. It should be clear to any reporters. Take care, Professor.”
Without another word, she turned and walked away, leaving Selby standing there, watching as she vanished around the corner. He stayed rooted in place, half-expecting her to come back, but she didn’t.
After a few minutes, he let out a sigh, realizing that she truly had gone. Her unexpected departure left him slightly off balance, her genuine if unorthodox, kindness lingering in his thoughts.
Meanwhile, Arianna made her way back to the Channel 7 office. As she returned to her desk, she caught Harmony giving her an odd, knowing smile.
Before she could ask what was going on, Clark, her boss, emerged from his office, clearly upset.
“Arianna, in my office—now!” he barked, his face tense with frustration.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
