Chapter 27

As I walked back into my office, a sense of purpose coursed through me. "Rachel," I called out to my assistant, "prepare a press conference for 4 PM. It's time to address the public."

Rachel nodded briskly and got to work, making the necessary arrangements.

By 4 PM, the conference room was filled with reporters, cameras, and eager faces waiting for the latest scoop.

I took my seat at the head of the table, the cameras flashing as I settled in. The room buzzed with anticipation, the reporters poised with their notepads and microphones.

"Ladies and gentlemen," I began, my voice steady and authoritative, "thank you for coming today. I have an important announcement to make regarding the recent news about Cross Company."

The room quieted, all eyes on me.

"First and foremost, the allegations of fraud against Cross Company are false. These rumors have been spread by individuals with malicious intent. I am here to set the record straight."

I paused, allowing the weight of my words to sink in. "As of today, I am the new owner of Cross Company. Alexander Cross will no longer be in charge. Instead, he will be serving as my assistant."

The room erupted in murmurs and gasps. Reporters scrambled to capture every word, their pens flying across their notepads.

"Questions?" I prompted, my gaze sweeping the room.

A reporter from The Times raised her hand. "Ms. Tiffins, can you elaborate on why you decided to take over Cross Company?"

I smiled, a calculated gesture. "Of course. Cross Company has potential that was being squandered under its previous management. I believe in its future, and I am committed to turning it around."

A reporter from The Post was next. "How do you plan to address the damage done to the company's reputation?"

"Transparency and accountability," I replied confidently. "We will be conducting thorough internal audits and implementing new policies to ensure that such issues do not arise again. I will personally oversee these changes."

A journalist from Financial News leaned forward. "What about Alexander Cross? How will he fit into this new structure?"

"Mr. Cross will be working closely with me," I said, my tone firm. "His role as my assistant will be crucial in understanding the company's operations and implementing the necessary reforms. This will also ensure continuity as we move forward."

Another hand shot up. "Ms. Tiffins, how do you respond to claims that this takeover is a personal vendetta against Alexander Cross?"

I met the reporter's gaze without flinching. "This is not about personal vendetta. This is about business. Alexander Cross's past actions have led to the company's current state. My goal is to restore Cross Company to its rightful place in the market, and that requires making difficult but necessary decisions."

A final question came from a young journalist in the back. "What message do you want to send to the employees and shareholders of Cross Company?"

"My message is simple," I said, leaning slightly forward. "Change is coming. I am here to rebuild and strengthen Cross Company. To the employees, I say this: your dedication and hard work will be recognized and rewarded. To the shareholders: your investment is in safe hands. Together, we will bring Cross Company to new heights."

The room buzzed with excitement and approval. I had said what needed to be said, and the message was clear. As I stood to leave, the cameras continued to flash, capturing this pivotal moment.

Walking out of the conference room, I felt a sense of triumph. The wheels were in motion, and there was no turning back now. Alexander Cross's era was over, and a new chapter was beginning—one where I held the reins.

★★★ TAFFINS COMPANY ★★★

Teddy sat in his office, eyes glued to the screen. The news was ablaze with the latest developments at Cross Company. His heart pounded with excitement and surprise. He knew Cassandra was determined to exact her revenge, but he hadn't anticipated this—her buying the company outright.

He leaned back in his chair, a smile playing on his lips as he watched Cassandra confidently field questions from reporters. She was in complete control, and he couldn't help but admire her tenacity and strategic brilliance.

Teddy turned off the TV and leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. Cassandra had made her move, and it was a bold one. He couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in her, even as he wondered what her next steps would be.

He knew that this was just the beginning. The real challenge was yet to come, and he was ready to stand by her side through it all. Whatever came next, they would face it together.

★★★ CROSS MANSION ★★★

Meanwhile, at the Cross mansion, the atmosphere was anything but celebratory. Alexander sat on the couch, his face etched with sadness and disbelief. The news broadcast continued to replay Cassandra's announcement, each word driving the reality deeper into his heart. His company, his legacy, was no longer his.

Lily and Rachel hovered nearby, their presence doing little to ease his turmoil. In fact, they were adding fuel to the fire.

"This is all your fault, Alexander!" Rachel's voice was shrill with accusation. "If you had just listened to me and handled things differently, we wouldn't be in this mess!"

Lily, always quick to join in, folded her arms and glared at him. "She's right, you know. You were too soft, too trusting. Look where it's gotten us. You should have been more ruthless."

Alexander clenched his fists, his anger simmering just beneath the surface. "I don't need this right now, mom. Or you, Lily," he snapped. "This isn't helping."

Rachel scoffed, her frustration boiling over. "Oh, so now we're the problem? We warned you, Alex. We warned you that Cassandra was trouble, but you didn't listen."

"She's making a fool out of you," Lily added, her voice dripping with disdain. "And now you're working for her? It's pathetic."

Alexander stood up abruptly, the room spinning around him. "I know I made mistakes," he admitted, his voice thick with regret. "But you two standing here blaming me isn't going to fix anything. We need to come up with a plan."

Rachel threw her hands up in exasperation. "A plan? The only plan now is damage control. The shareholders are going to abandon ship, and the employees are losing faith."

Lily's eyes narrowed. "Maybe you should consider stepping down completely. Let someone else try to salvage what's left."

Alexander felt a pang of betrayal. "You want me to give up everything I've worked for? Just walk away?"

"It's not about giving up," Lily countered. "It's about facing reality. Cassandra has outmaneuvered you, and unless you come up with something drastic, this is only going to get worse."

The room fell silent, the weight of the situation pressing down on all of them. Alexander sank back onto the couch, his mind racing. He had never felt so powerless, so defeated. Cassandra's success was a stark reminder of his failures, and now he was left scrambling to pick up the pieces.

But giving up wasn't an option. Not yet. He needed to find a way to regain control, to reclaim what was rightfully his. And he would, no matter what it took.

Lily and Rachel are the worst people on earth.