Chapter 121 It's Time

Chapter 121 It's Time
Even though Audrey tried to remain calm, she couldn't.

Today was the day the whole world would know she was Elliot Harrington's wife.

Since they'd made this decision, Elliot had repeatedly guided her on what to do and what to avoid once the news about her spread.

"Information these days spreads like wildfire," Elliot had said. "It won't take long for everyone to know about you. Especially the media with bad intentions."

Audrey knew he wasn't exaggerating.

Since she'd suddenly been let go from RNF, the world around them had felt increasingly suffocating. Rumors about her relationship with Elliot had spread wildly, sparking countless speculations—none of them kind.

Now, after this press conference, there would be no more hiding. All eyes would be on her—scrutinizing, judging, and maybe condemning.

She straightened her back, staring at her reflection. The simple ivory dress she wore looked perfect—chosen by Rebecca to be elegant without being excessive. But no outfit or makeup could hide the anxiety in her heart.

From the corner of her eye, she saw Elliot standing nearby in his black suit, radiating his usual cool aura. He looked so calm, like this was just another routine.

As if reading her mind, he said without turning, "Don't be nervous. Take a deep breath, baby."

She blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. "I'm not nervous."

He finally turned. His expression was neutral, but his eyes—soft, knowing—said don't lie to me. He walked toward her with steady steps, standing right behind her. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he looked at her through the mirror.

"Don't pretend to be calm in front of me." He kissed her neck briefly. "You can be scared. Just don't let them see it. Besides, I'm here."

She looked at him, searching for certainty. "I just..."

"Overthinking again." He cut her off, meeting her eyes in the mirror. "Relax. I've prepared everything. No one will touch you."

She swallowed. She wanted to believe—she really did—but the possibilities of what could happen made it hard to feel at ease.

As if sensing her unease, he leaned closer, whispering in her ear. Low. Certain.

"Relax, baby. Today, I'm not just announcing our marriage."

He pulled back slightly, his eyes carrying something she couldn't quite read.

She frowned. There was something in his tone, but she chose not to dwell on it. Her focus was already drained just preparing to face the public.

But one thing was certain—Elliot Harrington wasn't the type to just survive. If there was a threat, he always made sure to strike first.

Slowly, he turned her to face him. "Want something to calm you down?"

She looked at him, confused. "What...?"

Without another word, he kissed her.

She was surprised—but didn't have time to think before his lips met hers. Gentle. Reassuring. Like a promise that whatever happened, he would handle it. That he would protect her.

And strangely, it worked.

The tension in her chest slowly melted, replaced by warmth spreading from his lips through her body. Elliot always knew how to control things. Including her.

When he finally pulled back, those dark eyes held hers. "Better?"

She couldn't lie. Still breathless, she nodded faintly. "A little..."

A small smile curved his lips. "Then maybe I should try again until you're truly calm."

She shot him a look—but before she could say anything, he'd already intertwined their fingers, holding her hand tight. He kissed her knuckles with a tenderness that contrasted with his dominant presence.

"Ready to be Mrs. Elliot Harrington?"

She swallowed. Nerves or something else, she couldn't tell.

"Since when did I have a choice?" She tried to joke, though her voice shook—barely a whisper.

He chuckled softly, pulling her closer. "You always have a choice, baby. But this time, I want you to choose to stay by my side. No matter what happens, don't back down."

There was something in his voice. Deep. Serious.

She nodded. "I won't back down."

He stroked her cheek gently, then glanced at his watch. "Good. Time to go down. Prepare yourself, baby. After this, the world will know who you are."

They walked out together.

\---

Elliot strode confidently toward the stage, looking perfect under the spotlight. The moment he stood at the microphone, the room erupted with reporters clamoring to ask questions.

"Mr. Harrington, is it true this is about your marriage announcement?"

"Are the rumors about Ms. Audrey Clarke being suddenly let go from RNF connected to you?"

"How has your family reacted to this decision?"

But Elliot didn't rush to respond. He glanced briefly at the reporters with a calm expression, waiting for the chaos to settle before speaking.

"Thank you for being here today." His voice was steady, commanding. "I'd like to clarify a few things that may have been speculation out there."

\---

In a hotel room not far from the press conference venue, Henry stood before a mirror, adjusting his tie with confidence.

His clothes were a far cry from his usual disheveled look. A neat gray suit, hair slicked back, and a carefully practiced expression of suffering made him look like a genuinely struggling man.

Everything had been meticulously prepared by Catherine. She knew exactly how to make Henry appear as a "suffering father."

"Audrey... my daughter..." he murmured softly, rehearsing his lines.

He checked his phone, rereading Catherine's last message.

"Follow the plan. Don't be nervous. The media will side with you once you open your mouth."

His smile widened.

Confidently, he grabbed his jacket and walked out.

\---

On stage, Elliot continued, voice resonating through the room.

"I, Elliot Harrington, want to announce that I am married to a woman who means everything to me."

He let the words hang in the air. Cameras flashed, reporters scribbled furiously.

"She's not just someone who has stood by me for years. She's someone with extraordinary courage and strength. Today, I want to introduce her to all of you."

\---

Henry was already on the sidewalk outside the building, walking with purpose. Every step felt like part of the plan he'd crafted with Catherine.

He could imagine Audrey's expression when she saw him. Shock. Panic. And maybe—finally—surrender.

He'd even prepared his speech. Every fact he'd reveal would be more than enough to destroy both Audrey and Elliot.

Who wouldn't be shocked to learn that Audrey was connected to someone like him?

With steady steps, Henry entered the lobby.

\---

On stage, Elliot turned, looking at Audrey seated in the VIP section. His gaze was deep, firm. Then he extended his hand.

"Audrey." His voice carried through the microphone. "Join me."

She held her breath—but his look gave her courage. She rose and walked toward the stage, standing beside him.

He looked at her with pride before facing the reporters again.

"This is my wife, Audrey Harrington."

Camera flashes exploded. Audrey smiled faintly, trying to ignore her racing heart.

\---

In the lobby, Henry strode confidently toward the elevator. He could feel his pulse racing with excitement—this was the moment he'd been waiting for.

But before he could press the button, his steps faltered.

Several large men appeared from different directions, blocking his path.

"What—"

Before he could react, a strong hand gripped his arm.

"Henry Clarke?"

A cold, heavy voice spoke right in his ear. He turned, tense, to find a solid man in a black suit staring at him.

Marcus.

"Who are you?" Henry growled, trying to pull away. Marcus's grip was iron.

"You don't need to know." Marcus's expression was flat. "Your little drama ends here."

"You bastard! Let me go!" Henry thrashed—but two more men grabbed his arms, forcing him back.

"You thought you could just walk in here and cause chaos without consequences?" Marcus stepped closer, voice barely a whisper. "Unfortunately, you're not smart enough for that."

Henry struggled. Their grip was too strong. His breath quickened, rage boiling.

"You can't do this! I have the right to speak!"

Marcus smiled thinly. "Oh, you'll speak. Just not in front of the media. In a place we've prepared for you."

Without waiting, Marcus signaled. Henry was dragged out through a back exit—far from cameras and reporters.

Marcus spoke into his earpiece. "Target secured, sir. We'll make sure he doesn't slip away."

\---

On stage, Audrey calmly introduced herself as Elliot's wife. She had no idea that in the lobby below, her stepfather had just been apprehended.

And at that moment, a small smile curved Elliot's lips as Marcus's report reached his ear.

\---

Meanwhile, across town...

Catherine sat in her luxury apartment, watching the press conference on a large screen. A glass of wine dangled from her fingers.

She smiled, waiting for the chaos to begin. Any moment now, Henry would burst in. The media would go wild. The Harrington name would be dragged through the mud.

She waited.

And waited.

Nothing.

Her smile faltered. She grabbed her phone, dialing Henry's number.

No answer.

She tried again.

Nothing.

Her jaw tightened. She threw the phone onto the couch.

"What the hell is happening?"

On screen, Audrey smiled—calm, poised, beautiful. Elliot stood beside her, protective and proud.

Catherine's wine glass shattered against the wall.

\---

At the venue, the press conference continued without interruption. Reporters asked questions. Elliot answered smoothly. Audrey stood tall.

And somewhere in a back alley, Henry was shoved into a black van, cursing uselessly.

The day belonged to the Harringtons.