Chapter 86 LET THE WORLD KNOW
POV: ELISABETH
Heading towards the publishing house, Patrick, despite maintaining an erect posture, showed evident signs of tension in his body. His sighs were noticeable, as were the beads of sweat forming on his forehead, even in the cold Seattle weather.
“It’s going to be okay,” I whispered to reassure him. “You’re Patrick Morgan; no one can bring you down.”
He nodded, turning back to stare out the window in silence. What didn’t Patrick want me to see?
As we arrived at the entrance of the publishing house, protesters were camped out front. I jumped in my seat, startled, when an egg was thrown at the car window. The CEO held my hands, gently squeezing them to calm me. Amid the shouts and insults accusing him, I heard some people saying:
“Coward, pervert, woman abuser!” shouted the protesters. “Justice for Miss Heloise Forbs.”
“The glass is bulletproof.” Patrick kept his eyes on mine, and I realized I was squeezing his hand tightly, showing my fear.
“This is absurd. Why don't the security guards remove them?” I said it nervously, trying to maintain a professional demeanor.
“I asked them to allow the protests. I’m not going to oppress anyone.” He smiled, leaning back in his seat again.
“Are you crazy?” I asked, shocked, observing his calm expression. “You really have a Trump card up your sleeve.”
Poking my nose, Morgan leaned closer, tracing my lips with his finger. “Red lipstick suits you very well. I like it,” Patrick teased. “Heloise set up her own stage to watch her downfall; let’s give her the attention she craves.”
“Remind me never to be your enemy.” I kissed the tip of his finger that traced my mouth, making him shiver and look at me mischievously. “Behave, Mr. Morgan!”
“You know I can't restrain myself around you, Mrs. Elisabeth.” He smiled, placing a kiss on my lips as the car stopped. “Ready?”
I nodded, and we exited the car, maintaining a professional distance, both wearing vests under our business attire. Security guards walked around us, reporting and evaluating every step. Security was tripled at the location; the press conference would be held within the company’s auditorium, where we held internal lectures for employee awards or conducted courses, workshops, and mentoring sessions.
“A controlled environment,” I sighed, commenting softly.
“Yes, we don’t want a surprise visit from your ex. This is my territory!” The CEO looked at me sideways, maintaining his bossy tone. “I will never put you in danger.”
“I know.” I smiled slightly in gratitude.
We stopped by the office first. I went to my desk, in front of Mr. Morgan's office, to get some folders and documents I had asked the temporary secretary to print. The sharp sound of high heels clicking against the floor echoed through the space. With her majestic posture, Heloise Forbs walked elegantly in a short, tight black dress with a red blazer over it, dark sunglasses, and red stilettos, carrying a shoulder bag and chewing gum. She stopped in front of me, sliding her glasses slightly down her nose, sizing me up from head to toe:
“So the slandering bitch still works at SoundStory?” Blowing a bubble with her gum, Heloise popped it, smiling afterward. “Let’s see how long you’ll have a career once they find out about your past, darling.”
“My past?” I furrowed my brow, raising my eyebrows. “What do you mean by that?”
“I'm saying that mistresses like you should have been beaten more by their exes to learn their place!” When she finished speaking, I felt my blood run cold; I'm sure I turned pale because I saw Patrick frown in his office, coming toward us.
“You know, Mrs. Heloise, on second thought, I think you and my ex would be a perfect match. You both share the same madness!” I smiled smugly, making her wrinkle her nose.
“You bitch, I'm going to teach you a lesson you've never had before!” Heloise shouted, raising her hand to hit me, when Patrick swiftly grabbed her wrists, holding them tightly while glaring at her. “Darling, you're hurting me again.” She widened her smile even more, sarcastically.
“Elisabeth, are you okay?” the CEO asked over his shoulder without breaking his gaze from his ex-wife. “I couldn't believe it when you said you'd come here personally.”
“Yes, I am.” I replied with a trembling voice, watching her relish the situation. “Do you want me to call security?”
“No need, dear.” She pulled her wrist back, rubbing it, getting even closer to the CEO. “Morgan gave me the go-ahead; of course I would come; you know how stunning I look in front of the cameras.”
“Patrick?” I looked at him in shock. What was his game?
“Don't worry, Mrs. Elisabeth.” He turned to me, winking. “Believe me, Heloise, all the spotlights will be on you after today.”
“Is that a threat?” Heloise arched her eyebrows, taking off her glasses and biting the arm of the frame. “You know how much your provocations excite me, baby.”
I clenched my fists, wanting to get up and slap her. When I threatened to do so, Patrick gently placed his hand on mine, shaking his head.
“She's not worth your time.” Morgan smiled calmly. “Heloise?”
Turning to her, he put his hands in his pockets, watching Greg approach.
“Please go with Greg, remember him? Because of you, his brother was murdered in the desert.” Sharp, cold, and merciless, Patrick let that hang in the air.
I widened my eyes, looking from the CEO to Heloise and finally to Greg, who stopped next to her with dark eyes.
“Oh, yes, poor Victor, so innocent.” She turned to Greg uninhibitedly, as if what had just been said about her was nothing. “And where are we going?”
“To the front row of the stage, it's your big day, Heloise!” Greg said it through gritted teeth.
“What are you up to, Patrick? Should I remind you of what I have against your secretary? Think carefully about what you're going to do, unless you want your filthy mistress's dirty past on all the TV channels.” Blowing a kiss my way, Heloise put on her glasses, walking past Greg, who was fuming, containing himself, and pointing the way she should go.
“That woman is a snake, how did she know?” I looked sadly at Patrick, lowering my head.
“Money, contacts, and resources... Unfortunately, Heloise is capable of anything, even playing dirty to hurt me!” Morgan walked around the reception, stopping in front of me, pulling me up, and lifting my chin. “Don't worry, she won't reveal anything about you.”
“But she said...” I sighed, tears in my eyes. “I don't want you to give up your plans because of me, go ahead!”
“I won't, but Greg will have a very deep conversation with her.” With sharp eyes, Patrick kissed me, then pulled away. “Come on, it's showtime.”