Chapter 87 THE MASK FELL
“We went down to the area set up for the press. The number of journalists present was more than double the last time, with some representatives from international channels. I began to feel nervous, worried about what Morgan would reveal. This was all on a very large scale, and his statement would define the fate of the publisher.
When Patrick Morgan took the stage, the noise ceased, and everyone patiently awaited his statement:
“Good morning, everyone,” he said, standing tall, his voice firm, and his eyes piercing like an eagle's. “I will start my statement. Questions will only be answered at the end of the announcement. If any journalist interrupts, they will be removed, and their questions will go unanswered.”
Everyone whispered before falling silent again as the CEO cleared his throat.
“I was abroad, in remote lands. As is widely known, I do volunteer work in low-income countries to provide the support their governments don't offer. Because of this, the place I was at was attacked, and I ended up being out of contact for a while, which is why there was no previous statement!” Facing everyone, Morgan analyzed the reactions of the listeners. “Finally, I want to thank the immediate actions of my executive secretary, who stood up in my defense, pointing out some facts unknown to the media and the public.”
“Mr. Morgan, we heard about a recording...” said a new journalist, falling silent immediately when the CEO's cold eyes landed on him.
“NCM will not get my answers.” Patrick drank some water, sighed, and continued. “Before presenting the footage of the day of the alleged attack on Heloise Forbs, I want to share with the world my pain, my greatest pain, and my loss.”
A video from the internal cameras was broadcast, with the screens positioned on all sides in front of the stage, so everyone could see, including Heloise, who turned her body toward the nearest screen, her eyes widening.
“In the fall of 2017, in Seattle, these images were recorded by the security cameras at my residence. As you know, at that time, I was married to Mrs. Heloise Forbs, the mother of my son, Gabriel Forbs Morgan. The video reveals the tragic day of his death, caused by the negligence of his own mother.” I saw Patrick's body tense up, and I moved closer, my eyes wide, not believing what was about to be revealed.
“Morgan...” I whispered toward him, noticing that he shook his head to keep me from approaching.
Everyone's reaction was the same as mine: shock at the scenes. Heloise dismissed the nanny, pulling Gabriel by the arm to the pool, leaving him at the edge intentionally while she used drugs and drank. When the little one fell into the pool, the next scene was even more shocking: she stood at the edge, drinking, watching him drown without reacting.
Throughout the video, Morgan didn't lift his head to look at the scenes. I noticed his body trembling and his hands gripping the wooden podium, losing their color from the force. Tears escaped my eyes when, in the video, Patrick arrived home, jumping into the pool to pull out his lifeless son. You could feel his pain and despair, trying to resuscitate him, until he realized there was no life left. He carried his son's small body to the bedroom, covering him and hugging him tightly amidst tears, trying to warn him.
Sobs echoed in the room from some journalists present, murmuring in shock at the scene. Heloise appeared at the end of the video, stopping at the door, still with her drink, staring and smiling coldly, saying:
“The brat is gone, Patrick... Now you'll have plenty of time to give me the attention I deserve!” Laughing, she turned away, and the video ended.
The journalists turned their cameras to Heloise Forbs, who stood frozen in place, her eyes wide, nervously tapping her feet. When she raised her voice, shouting:
“This is a lie! I was sick at the time, suffering from postpartum depression, not in my right mind.” Heloise ended up giving Morgan what he wanted, her voice drawing everyone's attention.
“I ask you to understand that I am not here to discuss my private life. I will not go into details about the loss of the love of my life or about my past relationship. The reason I am showing this footage is so you know that Heloise Forbs is an unbalanced woman, willing to do anything to bring me down.” The CEO's voice echoed hollowly, making the atmosphere even tenser. “The next footage will reveal what actually happened on the day of the 'assault.' I want to emphasize that I, Patrick Morgan, do not deny that I physically attacked Celdric Forbs and strangled Heloise Forbs. The reason for my actions, although not justifiable, was provoked by Heloise Forbs, who insinuated the name of our deceased son, triggering all my contained fury and pain over his loss.”
Then, the video of Heloise standing on the table, lifting her clothes and tousling her hair, was revealed, along with her advances towards Morgan, up to the provocation where the setup became clear, alongside the employee who photographed her scene, ending the video where all the journalists stared at her. She was red-faced, tapping her heels in fury.
“Mrs. Heloise, do you admit to the crime of murder?” A journalist simply stood up and asked. “Do you feel remorse for what you did?”
“Why did you stage the scene for your ex-husband, Mr. Morgan? Do you still love him?” Another professional queried, triggering a barrage of questions and flashes in her direction.
With that, Patrick Morgan began to leave the stage when she shouted:
“This is all a lie! I was sick. Patrick Morgan made me sick... He's to blame, he killed our son and destroyed my life!” Kicking off her heel, I saw Heloise throw it towards the CEO, restrained by security. “This will come back to haunt you, Patrick, you bastard! It won't end like this, you will pay for it, and I will destroy your lives... Are you listening? You will never be free, neither of you.”
Ignoring her, the CEO walked past me, subtly intertwining his pinky with mine, pulling me off the stage, while listening to reporters in their flurry of questions and judgments against Heloise Forbs:
“So you deny what you did? Mrs. Forbs, are you threatening CEO Morgan's life?”
“Were you diagnosed as a psychopath during your outbursts, or are you schizophrenic like your mother was? Is it a family trait to have mental issues?” The reporter supporting Morgan was loudly questioned, sparking more excitement among the journalists.
Patrick hurried along, pulling me. When I tried to stop him, he turned me behind the door of his office, his eyes heavy with tears, washing his face.
“Patrick... I'm so sorry.Before I could finish speaking, he took my lips in anguish and longing. I could feel, from the wet kiss, that all Patrick Morgan desired was to silence his pain.