Chapter 244
"Cassie harbored her doubts, but the sincerity in David's voice made her question her own cynicism. David was a man of integrity, and she found it hard to believe that he could have had a hand in disseminating those compromising photographs.
""David, he's livid at the moment. I fear your call might only exacerbate the situation,"" Cassie responded, a sardonic smile playing on her lips. ""Didn't you assure me that the camera had been dealt with? How then...?""
""I did destroy it, even double-checked afterward,"" David confessed, his voice heavy with regret. ""I suspect the footage was live-streamed to Olivia; it was an oversight on my part. In addition, I discovered that the photos circulating online were the handiwork of Olivia, who had been in contact with some reporters.""
A bitter laugh escaped Cassie. She had clearly underestimated Olivia. The pictures were indeed far too explicit.
""I'm truly sorry,"" David apologized sincerely. ""For a man, it's one thing, but for you, it could severely tarnish your reputation. If there's anything I can do to assist you, please let me know. I'll do everything within my power to rectify this.""
""Thank you, David. I've just received a call from my company; I need to take it. We can continue this conversation later.""
Abruptly, Cassie ended her call with David and answered the incoming call from her assistant, Locco.
""Cassie, you need to come to the office as soon as possible. The rumors about you are spreading like wildfire; the press has been bombarding our phones all morning. We need to address this situation immediately.""
""Understood, I'm on my way.""
Cassie quickly got dressed and hurried downstairs, her mind racing.
Stepping outside, she was taken aback to find her usual bodyguard missing. The absence of her usual protector, appointed by Joseph, was unusual. A chill ran down her spine—was Joseph planning to abandon her, was that why Joe was gone?
Upon her arrival at the office, she found a horde of reporters swarming the entrance. However, she managed to slip in through the parking garage.
Once she reached her floor, she found several executives waiting in her office.
""Cassie, the online comments are quite ruthless..."" The manager stumbled over his words, visibly flustered. ""Essentially, the situation is dire, and our stock plummeted at market open. As a board member, we can't afford to have your reputation tarnished.""
Cassie's mood, already dark, grew even darker. She was all too familiar with the vitriol directed at women on gossip sites.
""Do we have a strategy from PR?""
Charles interjected hurriedly, ""We've been in meetings since the early morning. The consensus is to officially announce that you and David are a couple. Wit Group has been flourishing in recent years. Despite David being born into wealth, he's handsome, has a stellar image, and possesses leadership skills. You're both in the same age bracket, a perfect match, it'll be well-received.""
""Absolutely!"" Alan from PR chimed in, flashing a grin. ""This could be a colossal PR opportunity for Peace Group. Positioning you as the face of the company could enhance our image tremendously.""
The executives all nodded in agreement with the suggestion.
Cassie listened, her frustration mounting, ""No, that's not an option. I have a boyfriend.""
Charles looked embarrassed, ""Then... how do we explain those photos with Mr. Foster that seem rather incriminating? Denying it could further damage your reputation, inciting backlash about your personal life. If we don't handle this delicately, it could severely impact Peace Group.""
""I was drugged; just issue an official statement on the website clarifying that.""
Cassie stood up, meeting the disapproving gazes of the executives unflinchingly.
""We're a real estate firm. as long as our properties are solid, we'll be fine. We can always hire a celebrity with a clean image for endorsements. If there's still fallout, so be it. I won't sacrifice my relationship for the sake of the company, just as some of you wouldn't abandon your spouses for profit. Everyone has their boundaries.""
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