Chapter 323 A Play for Sympathy?
While walking away, Fiona suddenly sensed a sharp gaze upon her.
Looking up, she met Darwin's displeased and irritated eyes and challenged him with a defiant, "What?"
He ended the call and asked pointedly, “You've got a press conference at six-thirty?”
"What do you think?" Fiona scoffed. "After the mess you've landed me in, Mr. Solomon, I can't just ignore it, can I? Do you have any idea how much the stock prices of those companies fell during trading today?"
"Aren't there others in the Rhoads family who could handle this? Hasn't the PR department always dealt with major public sentiments before?" Darwin's tone was heavy with concern.
"You thought so, huh?" Fiona retorted, sidestepping him to keep walking.
Darwin clenched his jaw and caught up with her, grabbing her arm to pull her close. "Do you even realize how you look right now? You can see the concern in everyone's eyes from Chicago. Don't you notice that?"
"Really?" Fiona countered, locking eyes with him. "Darwin, have you forgotten why I'm so exhausted? Isn't that thanks to you?"
His expression darkened, a storm brewing in the depths of his eyes.
"You're using this to threaten me? You think by playing the martyr, I'll go easy on you?" he demanded, each word tinged with frustration.
Fiona looked at him seriously for a moment.
Then, dropping her gaze, she said, "Then leave it be. If I drop dead at the conference, it’ll do you good. Without Janna in your way, custody of Charles and Chicago would easily fall into your hands."
With that, she yanked her arm free and walked away without looking back.
Darwin stood there, a fire burning in his chest, pain and a mix of indescribable emotions raging within him.
In the past, Fiona had always listened to him, never defying any of his commands.
She must be trying to drive him to his wits' end.
The press conference was set for 6:30 PM, and Fiona's car pulled up at 5 o'clock sharp at the seven-star hotel owned by the Rhoads family.
It was important to use resources wisely. Of course, she decided to host the press event at her family's hotel…
"Chelsea!"
As Fiona's assistant, Laura had also come to lend a hand.
"Thanks for your hard work," she said as she handed over the script for the event, "Why are you putting yourself through this? People online have been relentlessly criticizing your wealthy background..."
"They'd criticize me whether I show up or not." Fiona glanced at the script and then casually tossed it aside.
"Going off-script?" Laura asked, puzzled.
"The facts for the cases we've investigated are clear-cut, and for those we haven't, there's no need for euphemisms. Just say it as it is," Fiona replied.
"Alright then," Laura nodded in agreement.
Fiona was known to make bold revisions to project presentations even just an hour before they began, so Laura wasn't too concerned about the press conference.
During the preparation time, Fiona focused on thoroughly understanding the three key points about the event that needed to be disclosed clearly, and to avoid being caught off-guard with questions she couldn't answer.
At 6:15 PM.
The conference room was bustling with journalists filling up the space.
Online speculation and interest had surged not only because of the buzz around the event but also because of the anticipation surrounding Chelsea, the upcoming heiress of the Rhoads family, who was making her formal public debut.
Chelsea's online popularity had soared recently, based merely on a few grainy photographs and shots of her profile.
Regarding her public debut.
Those who admired her and those who criticized her were all exceptionally eager.
Therefore, when the live stream of the press conference started at 6:20, the influx of online viewers caused the stream to crash three times in ten minutes.
It steadied slowly as the press conference officially began.
In the live stream.
Chelsea, dressed in a sharp black dress suit with shoulder-length hair, walked confidently to the podium, exuding a strong presence.
Immediately, the live chat erupted with comments like “She’s such a badass!” "True heiress vibes with that aura..."
"Heiress to a financial empire, the rising star in the investment world, wealthy and beautiful—so here comes the question! They say when one door opens, another closes. Which door has been closed for her?"
Fiona approached the microphone and bowed gracefully.
The room erupted with energy.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the press, and viewers watching the live stream, good evening. I am Fiona, the Executive Director of the Rhoads family consortium."
As Fiona spoke, her tone was neither humble nor arrogant. However, her voice was captivating.
The live chat went wild again.
Fiona continued with a solemn tone, "Regarding the trending issues related to the Rhoads family's products and today's negative feedback, I sincerely apologize for the troubles and inconveniences caused to everyone involved." During this press conference, we will address these concerns in detail."
As the minutes ticked by, Fiona meticulously clarified the sorted-out incidents, including the dessert shop and medical dispute controversies.
"The oversight regarding our franchise's signage after the contract's conclusion represents a lapse in our staff management, and I sincerely apologize for that. We will proactively support any customer who wishes to take legal action against those responsible, having patronized the establishment," she said.
"Upon reaching a verdict in the medical dispute case, the Rhoads family will promptly offer a comprehensive explanation to the public."
"The Rhoads family has been dedicated to enhancing consumer experiences for over a century. Regrettably, such events occurred today. On behalf of the Rhoads family, I assure the public that we will learn from these incidents and strengthen the management of our companies and employees. Furthermore, we will soon launch an official direct complaint channel to Rhoads family headquarters, ensuring that consumers who have a poor experience can quickly find a resolution."
As Fiona finished speaking, a voice from the crowd sharply questioned, "So with all these disgusting issues, do you think you can just verbally promise to make things right and expect us to let it slide?"
Fiona faced the questioner, “To the journalist in question, I believe that I have addressed the issues thoroughly. Where do you see any evasion on our part? Or, perhaps, you came here not seeking the truth, but rather hoping to coerce the Rhoads family into taking responsibility for faults not their own under public pressure?”
“Certainly not...” stammered the reporter, evidently taken aback by Fiona's confrontational response.
Without sugarcoating it, if the present journalists don't return and write something positive, Fiona's efforts may appear futile.
"In a moment, we'll open the floor for questions about everything I've explained, so there's no need to rush," Fiona said calmly, turning her attention away from the reporter.
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