Chapter 324 Press Conference
The reporter sat down looking defeated.
Fiona honestly talked about the unresolved issues with the Rhoads family, "For the aspects that are still under investigation, we have some unresolved questions. Until we're completely certain, we won't be making public disclosures. However, I promise that within thirty working days, we will share the findings of our investigation with everyone."
The conversation was everywhere online, with everyone buzzing about the same topic. More people seemed to align with Fiona's side of the story.
"Honestly, I've seen my fair share of press releases and conferences, but Miss Rhoads' was one of the most heartfelt I've witnessed. She left no stone unturned in her explanation."
"As for that medical malpractice issue, I did some digging on the court records website. That guy... he's had disputes with seven hospitals over the past decade, pocketing upward of 2.7 million dollars."
Of course, there were also critics— The usual complaints about overthrowing capitalism.
Some even called for confiscating the Rhoads family's assets. In short, it was complete chaos.
After the press conference came the Q&A session.
Fiona wouldn't just call on friendly reporters; she had no qualms about giving the floor to those visibly bristling with hostility.
With a deft touch, she'd manage to give them a taste of their own medicine.
The thing was, after she'd had her say, they'd be left speechless, swallowing their sorrows like a bitter pill.
They were completely thrown off their game.
"Miss Chelsea, did Mr. Darwin come with you to the press conference today? How's his recovery going?" someone blurted out, taking advantage of Fiona sipping water to louden the room with their question.
Laughter spread through the crowd at the inquiry.
Laura instinctively wanted to intervene.
But Fiona gave her a reassuring shake of the head, put down her glass, and responded with a thin smile, "Today's press conference is focused on the Rhoads family's product issue. We'll address other matters at a later date."
The reporter sat down, looking visibly defeated.
The press conference, which started at 6:30 PM, didn't wrap up until after 9.
At the end of the livestream, Fiona looked visibly tired.
Backstage, she checked the latest sentiment analysis for the Rhoads family. The negative feedback had plummeted from 86% before the conference to just 24%.
"Way to go, Chelsea!" Laura flashed her a thumbs-up.
Fiona collapsed onto the couch, managing only a weary smile, "I'll leave the follow-up to you."
"Sure!" Laura nodded. "Go get some rest."
"I'll just sit for a moment longer. You guys go ahead."
Laura quickly organized the team to tackle the aftermath.
Leaning back, Fiona rubbed her neck, clearly in discomfort.
Knowing Darwin as she did, she understood that today's events were just the appetizer.
When he really started to stir the pot, it wouldn't just be bad press.
Fiona hadn't anticipated what came next.
In the brief moment she zoned out, trouble brewed anew. It was related to the livestream, but not today's press conference.
A marketing account suggested that Chelsea's responses to questions about Darwin during the live session were evasive.
This sparked speculation that there might be trouble in paradise for Chelsea and Darwin.
Suddenly, a video exploded across the internet.
"Was just at the hospital with a friend and caught this moment~"
The video was short— Darwin catching up to Fiona, grabbing her arm, pulling her close with a fierce demand that she not attend the press conference.
As soon as this footage was released, the web erupted with chatter.
"Mr. Solomon's reputation as a romantic is totally shot now!"
"I always knew this was his true color. He was atrocious to Secretary Woods when she worked for him! Total sleazebag! Run, gorgeous heiress, run!"
"Poor heiress looks so ill, and that jerk is still being harsh with her while she's sick!"
"Why do all these stunning women fall for him like they're under a spell? First Secretary Woods, then a childhood flame, and now this top-tier heiress. What's so special about Darwin?!"
"Let's get some justice here. Any man who uses violence should be burned at the stake!"
"The fight really got intense, the heiress held her own though - Mr. Solomon didn't seem to have the upper hand!"
Fiona quickly glanced through the comments. Annoyed, she chucked her phone away.
In this day and age, nothing you do escapes being captured on video, but worse was yet to come.
Moments later, her phone rang again.
She glanced at the caller ID and resignedly answered, "Sweetheart..."
"I'm out for just three days at a closed-door conference, and all hell breaks loose back home?"
It was Thalassa's call. Sounded like she was on the move.
"What are you doing?" Fiona inquired.
"I'm dashing for a plane, got the next flight out. I'm just at the airport - the plane's almost taking off!" Thalassa's voice was tinged with haste.
"Hey, take it easy, honey!" Kenny's voice was faint in the background.
"Kenny, hurry up! We're about to miss our flight!"
Fiona felt a lightness in her heart.
"Then focus on catching your flight. We'll talk when you land," Fiona said softly.
"If Darwin dares to look down on you again, kick him to the curb!" Thalassa's tone was sharp.
"Got it."
After hanging up, Fiona took a deep breath.
Grandma Carey's birthday was in a couple of days.
Thalassa was meant to bring Kenny, but her return would mean Charles's illness couldn't be kept secret anymore.
She could only imagine Thalassa's distress.
"Chelsea, we should head back now." Stuart knocked and entered with a gentle voice.
Fiona was visibly exhausted, a fact clear to anyone.
"I'm ready."
She got up, removed the high heels she had worn to the press conference, and put on a pair of hotel slippers before leaving.
By the time they returned to the hospital, Charles and Chicago had fallen sleep.
Darwin hadn't left yet. As Fiona entered, he was tidying up Chicago's art supplies.
"Chicago doesn't like it when people touch her supplies," Fiona said from the doorway, a gentle warning in her tone.
Darwin, hands paused amid the paints and brushes, hesitated before placing them back as they were.
Having spoken at a press conference earlier, Fiona was exhaustively tired, not wanting to utter another word. She dropped her bag, washed her hands, and then headed for Charles' hospital room.
Charles and Chicago were huddled together in sleep. Chicago was curled up, holding onto her brother's arm.
Seeing them like that, Fiona's fatigue vanished.
She moved closer and peppered kisses on both Chicago and Charles' cheeks. Then she settled herself at the bedside.
Meanwhile, Darwin was lounging on the couch outside, his mind racing with the expectation that she might want to discuss his revenge plans with him later. But time ticked away for half an hour, and then an hour. However even nearing midnight, Fiona still hadn't emerged.
Darwin pursed his lips, his patience wearing thin, and finally, he rose to gently push the door open.
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