Chapter 159: Trouble at the Press Conference
The afternoon sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Azure Palace Hotel's conference hall, casting dappled shadows on the floor.
I stood in the presidential suite on the top floor, watching everything in the conference room clearly through the surveillance feed.
The reporters were already seated, and Mira was waiting with the company staff.
Atlas squeezed my hand and said, "I've already sent people to watch near Natasha's house. As soon as their car moves, I'll get the message."
"Good."
I picked up my coffee and took a small sip. "It doesn't matter if she doesn't come, but if she really doesn't show up, then I can cut ties with her family and stop their living expenses from John's family."
Of course, that would also eliminate any chance of John going after Henry.
But I was betting that John's family would definitely show up, because they hadn't achieved their ultimate goal yet.
As soon as I finished speaking, Atlas's phone rang.
After hanging up, Atlas said, "They're here."
I sneered. I guessed right.
I sent a message to Mira: "Get ready, Natasha's almost here."
"Yes!"
Mira responded.
Through the surveillance, I saw her walk to the stage. After taking the microphone, the reporters below instantly quieted down.
"Sorry to keep you all waiting. Today's press conference is to respond to the false rumors about Helena that have been circulating online recently."
"The other woman involved in this matter is here today - Natasha, who is now Knox's fiancée."
As soon as Mira said this, the reporters below immediately turned their heads to look for Natasha.
"Where's Natasha? I don't see her."
"Yeah, where is Natasha?"
Seeing the reporters turning around and making noise, Mira made a gesture for silence, waiting for the venue to quiet down again.
Only then did Mira slowly speak again: "Please be patient, everyone. Natasha will be here soon."
After these words, everyone finally settled down.
Just as I was getting impatient, the conference hall doors slowly opened, and Natasha appeared with Willow by her side.
The moment she appeared, camera flashes lit up the entire conference hall.
Today, Natasha was dressed particularly low-key, in a black suit that perfectly concealed her figure.
When she got closer, Mira asked, "Natasha, are you ready?"
Natasha looked up, her brows slightly furrowed, her eyes innocent. "Yes, this has hurt Helena too much. I will definitely help clear her name."
She walked toward the podium, her steps deliberately slow, appearing troubled yet strong and restrained. The reporters' cameras all focused on her, and the flashes began to flicker.
"Everyone, thank you for coming despite your busy schedules." Natasha's voice was soft and controlled, with a hint of choking. "Today, I want to clear up some things for Helena."
She paused, lowering her eyes just right, taking a deep breath as if gathering courage. The sound of shutters clicking filled the room.
"The recent false reports about Helena being a 'homewrecker' have caused great damage to Helena and the Lockwood Group's reputation."
Natasha's voice trembled slightly. "In fact, when Helena and Knox were together, Knox and I weren't familiar with each other, and it wasn't like what was reported online."
"Later, after Helena and Knox broke up, Knox and I got together. In this relationship, there was no third party!"
She raised her eyes, which were already red. "Helena has always been an upright and ambitious person. She would never do anything to destroy someone else's relationship. Those slanderous reports not only hurt her but also hurt us, the Lockwood family."
"Natasha has gotten quite a bit smarter."
Atlas's voice came from beside me. I sneered - that's because she was afraid I would really cut ties with her.
If she really hadn't been willing to cooperate this time, what awaited her would be the story between her and Knox appearing in the public eye again.
"These false reports may have come from some misunderstandings."
Natasha continued, her voice even more choked up. "I'm begging everyone here to stop spreading these rumors and give Helena back her innocence."
She looked down at her script, her shoulders trembling slightly, as if holding back tears.
This protective attitude instantly won her quite a bit of favor.
Soon the press conference moved to the Q&A session.
A reporter raised their hand and asked, "Natasha, there are rumors that you and Helena aren't on good terms because of Knox. Does your clearing her name today mean you've reconciled?"
Natasha was slightly taken aback, then showed a bitter yet tolerant smile. "Family members inevitably have some friction, but blood is thicker than water. In my heart, Helena will always be my family."
That answer was perfect. It seemed Natasha had really improved this time.
At this point, the press conference seemed to have no suspense. It was just a pity that these reporters didn't get to see Natasha throwing a tantrum.
I stood up and looked at Atlas. "Let's go."
As soon as I spoke, Natasha in the surveillance suddenly said, "I've done what you asked!"
She suddenly screamed, her voice piercing. "I held the press conference! I read the statement! I just hope Helena can forgive me!"
As soon as she said this, the whole room fell silent.
Soon, the sound of shutters clicking continuously filled the room, afraid of missing this spectacle.
"Helena, please let me go. Knox and I finally got back together. Please don't hurt me. If not, I'll kneel down for you!"
With that, Natasha knelt down on stage.
"Damn it, what is she doing!"
I rushed to the surveillance monitor in anger and called Mira.
On the other end, Mira was frantically helping Natasha up while taking the microphone. "Today's press conference ends here. Thank you all for making the trip. Thank you, thank you."
"Don't leave! What did Natasha mean just now?"
"Did Helena force you to do this today?"
The reporters' questions became sharper and sharper, and some even chased after Natasha asking questions.
"Security, stop them!"
At Mira's command, the security guards immediately rushed over and blocked the reporters.
I had just stepped out of the elevator when I saw Natasha right in front of me. The moment I saw her, I raised my hand and slapped her hard across the face.
A scream rang out. Natasha covered her face. "Helena, are you crazy? How dare you hit me!"