Chapter 68

Yesterday, Samuel spent the whole day in silence, focused on thinking about how to solve the ongoing issues. Today, from the moment he woke up, Samuel noticed that Arianna seemed quiet, as if lacking enthusiasm to do anything.

If he had to guess, his wife's expression had changed since last night. Looking back, he confirmed that she appeared sad after the return of her parents.

Samuel was certainly worried. On the other hand, he felt guilty as well because what happened to Arianna now originated from his actions.

"What are you thinking about?" Samuel asked, approaching Arianna, who was sitting in front of the dressing table. He slightly bent his body to give a brief kiss on the top of her head.

"I'm fine," Arianna replied casually, as if intentionally hiding what she was feeling.

"Lie. Just from your face, it's clear that you're preoccupied with something," Samuel said, pulling Arianna's shoulder. He asked her to change her sitting position to face him directly, grabbing her chin to make her look directly at him.

"Why, dear? I've noticed you've been quiet since last night. What are you thinking about? Don't you want to tell me?"

Arianna pulled the corner of her lips to form a thin smile. She grabbed Samuel's right hand and squeezed it gently. She loved it when her husband paid extra attention, especially when he was genuinely concerned like now—trying so hard to be protective and ensuring Arianna's well-being.

"I feel guilty towards Mama, Sam," Arianna whispered softly. Her expression, so melancholic, signaled deep sadness. "She seemed really angry with both of us. Honestly, I don't care about reputation, good name, or whatever it is. I just want Mama's attitude to be warm towards both of us again."

Samuel smiled back. He held Arianna's wrist, inviting his wife to move to the sofa.

"Don't take Mama's words to heart from last night. Seriously, Mama is the type of person who forgives easily. Tomorrow or the next day, she'll be kind to us again."

Arianna sighed deeply. Despite Samuel's attempt to reassure her, she still felt uncomfortable. There was something bothering her, and it seemed difficult to get rid of it until it was resolved or addressed.

"I feel like I've sinned just by lying to Mama, Sam. Yet, Mama has always been so fond of me."

Arianna's face again bowed down in sadness. She was truly troubled by the change in Arabella's behavior, which seemed upset and cold towards her last night.

Throughout her close relationship with Samuel, Arianna admitted that Arabella was the most welcoming figure. She never once questioned her status as an orphan from an orphanage. When thinking about it, what billionaire would marry their heir to a woman from a lower class like herself?

But Arabella was different. Like her own child, her mother-in-law treated her like a queen. Showered with abundant material things. Even genuine love that she had never felt from her own parents.

That's why, when she saw Arabella being stern for the first time last night, Arianna's heart sank. She felt truly guilty and tried to figure out how to make her mother-in-law forgive her and return to being warm as before.

"Enough, don't think about it," Samuel requested once again. Aware that Arianna was still troubled, he felt uneasy himself.

"From the beginning, I was wrong for forcing and involving you directly in the game I created," explained Samuel. He didn't deny that everyone blamed him and saw him as the mastermind behind all the chaos.

"But now both of us are living this marriage correctly," Samuel continued. "Our marriage is no longer a lie or staged, as the media accuses. I know you're worried. However, once again, I assure you that I'll handle everything soon."

Seeing Samuel's unwavering confidence, Arianna, of course, supported whatever steps her husband took. If necessary, she would also stand by him to help resolve all the issues that had arisen.

After reassuring his wife's heart, Samuel then invited Arianna to go down to the dining room. He made her a warm cup of milk and offered chocolate-filled bread, which his wife often ate. Ensuring that Arianna had a hearty breakfast, only then did they both head to the office together.

***

Samuel and Arianna had just arrived at the Pacific building. As soon as they got out of the car, Samuel was led by Axton and Randy to go to the office auditorium to prepare for the press conference. Meanwhile, Arianna chose to go to her office for a moment to retrieve some documents needed for the upcoming press conference.

Navigating through the lobby and the main atrium of the building, Arianna passed and even crossed paths with many Pacific employees. Some of them threw scornful glances her way. When she walked towards the elevator, someone intentionally blocked her path, initiating a conversation.

"Arianna, how does it feel to be the contract wife of the big boss? The pay must be high, right?" said one female employee from the finance division.

"What kind of charm did Arianna use to be chosen as Mr. Samuel's fake wife? Share the recipe," another one sarcastically remarked.

"Probably, Arianna was the one who aggressively flirted with Mr. Samuel. That's why she was chosen as the overnight contract wife."

Arianna tried to ignore them, paying no attention to the rude and harsh remarks directed at her. She thought it was pointless to engage in an argument with her colleagues. Dealing with their comments would just waste her time and energy.

"Speak up, Arianna. Clarify everything to us. What method did you use to become Mr. Samuel's overnight wife? We all want to learn so we can be successful like you," one of them continued.

"Ah, it's probably just Arianna selling herself to the big boss. That's why she was chosen. Logic dictates that if they wanted someone more beautiful and sexy, there are plenty at Pacific."

Arianna's ears burned upon hearing irresponsible remarks from her coworkers. Eventually, her emotions got the better of her. Turning around, she grabbed the collar of her shirt and pushed one of her male colleagues, accusing him without basis and cornering herself. Arianna thought this guy needed a lesson.

"Watch your mouth, all of you who like to gossip and mock here! Do you think I can't make all of you regret it?" Arianna asserted herself with a fiery expression. If she wanted to beat someone up, she certainly could. It would be a waste not to use the black belt in taekwondo she earned during middle school, but she wouldn't use it on someone who clearly behaved disrespectfully towards her.

"Remember this well," Arianna continued with equal intensity. "In Pacific, there may be many who are more beautiful, sexy, and wealthy than me. But, it seems there's no other candidate who is more polite, has attitude, and is smarter than me." She was confident. "And finally, you must know this. I don't care whether you talk or accuse me of anything right now. But remember, once this issue is resolved, those of you who were busy gossiping, mocking my fate, and even spreading slander, get ready to be blacklisted as employees that I will recommend for immediate dismissal."

Arianna's words instantly deflated the morale of the employees who were previously taunting and insulting her. The faces that were full of mockery moments ago turned pale with a mixture of fear.

Seeing them starting to panic, Arianna smiled satisfactorily. Gracefully, she left the foolish crowd that had mocked her.

After reaching her office and obtaining the documents she was looking for, Arianna decided to go and join Samuel. He was now in the auditorium building, preparing for the press conference.

Confident that all the board of directors and media personnel had gathered in the room, Samuel stood up from his seat. He walked towards the podium in front of the room, then asked everyone present to listen to what he was about to explain.

In Arianna's opinion, what happened to Samuel was a personal matter that could be discussed internally within the family circle. However, since this news was spread through the media, inevitably everyone came to know about it. Moreover, the position that Samuel held as a crucial leader in the company meant that if he was involved in a scandal that eventually became sensational to the public, the board of directors had the right to intervene and impose sanctions for all the chaos he caused.

Samuel, with all his courage, began to narrate the chronology from the first meeting with Arianna to making her a contract wife. He also shared the business goals and eventually felt comfortable enough to invite Arianna to be a real wife without the need for any binding contracts like before.

Samuel went to great lengths to convince everyone, including the board of directors, executives, representatives from Pakuwon, and the media. He presented numerous pieces of evidence to support his statements on that day. Arianna and the notary who drew up their marriage contract also testified to assist Samuel in clearing their names.

"I admit that what I have done is not commendable and should not be emulated. With all humility, I apologize to the entire Pacific board of directors, Pakuwon, and the general public who may feel aggrieved by my actions. What is certain is that, from now on, my marriage with Arianna is not a pretense or a setup as accused. If the company executives object to me continuing as the leader, I am ready to resign at any time and hand over this position to someone more deserving and competent."

Everyone in the auditorium was shocked after hearing Samuel's bold decision. Some applauded his responsibility in resolving the issue, while others continued to criticize and even suggest that he be punished.

One media representative asked, "According to Mr. Samuel, with the spread of this scandalous news, is there anyone who dislikes you and intentionally throws these rumors to the public?"

Samuel replied, "Actually, I have identified one person. However, I need strong evidence to take legal action or perhaps bring them to court to ensure they end up in jail."

"If the Pacific executives decide that you should step down from your current position, will Mr. Samuel accept their decision? Or maybe consider filing an appeal?"

Samuel just smiled. Whether or not he remained the head of Pacific, he was confident he could live by running another business without relying on the privileges or facilities that he currently had.

"If the commotion I caused is considered to tarnish the company's reputation and cannot be forgiven, I am willing to step down and take responsibility for what I have done," he replied confidently and resolutely.

Meanwhile, in a separate location, Rama and Valerie, who had just finished watching Samuel's press conference on television, seemed to be preparing. They were once again strategizing, deciding on the actions they needed to take to destroy Samuel and seize what he currently possessed.