Chapter 197: A perfect double hook!

Nolan

The cameras flashed like a rush the second I stepped into the conference hall.

I could tell from the energy that they’d been waiting and ready for me.

It’d been a while since I made a public appearance. I liked it that way because it keeps people guessing, which was how I preferred it. The unknown keeps them curious, and curiosity keeps them cautious.

“Mr. Kane! Over here!”

“Nolan, is it true you’re part of Elixir?”

“Is it a partnership or a buyout?”

They all shouted at once, their words overlapping, bouncing off the walls of the hall. I raised a hand slightly, and just like that, they all went silent. Power didn’t need to be shouted, it only needed to be understood, and I know just how to go about that.

“Good afternoon,” I began, adjusting the mic in front of me. I made sure I was relaxed, so my voice would also be calm.

“I’ll keep this short as I know you all have deadlines to chase, and I have an empire to run.” I added while a few of them laughed quietly, and I also let out a soft smile too.

“Yes. The rumors are true. I’m officially joining the Elixir project,” I said firmly, and there was instant chaos. The room buzzed again, journalists throwing questions across the room like fireworks. I waited, letting them feed off the energy before I cut through it again and continued.

“Elixir is more than just another tech innovation. It’s the future, one that will redefine how the world connects. And I plan to make sure that future has my name written on it.”

I didn’t mention Victor’s name and I didn’t need to. Everyone already knew he was bidding for it too, and he was so sure he was going to get the contract. They also know that if I am in, the game has just changed.

A reporter in a blue suit raised his hand, and I signaled him to go on.

“Mr. Kane, sources say Victor Whitmore is also in the running for Elixir. Does this mean we’re about to witness a face-off between the two of you?” he asked while I leaned slightly on the podium, fingers drumming once before I smiled.

“A face-off?” I repeated lightly.

“No. Let’s just say… the best man always wins,” I added firmly while they all burst into laughter, and beyond the amusement, I could tell they were impressed. They could sense the confidence and that gave them the clarity they wanted.

Just then, another voice piped up and this time, it was a woman from one of the lifestyle magazines.

“Mr. Kane, it’s also rumored that you’re no longer on the market. Care to confirm?” She asked, and there it was, the question I knew would come.

I let a slow smile spread across my face before I lifted my left hand, letting the light catch the simple but heavy platinum band around my finger. The flash of cameras exploded again like fireworks.

“Rumors travel fast,” I said, my tone playful but firm.

“Yes, it’s true. I’m officially off the market,” I affirmed while the crowd cheered with excitement.

“How does it feel knowing that half the women in the city will be heartbroken tonight?” The woman asked, leaning forward eagerly while I chuckled under my breath, shaking my head slightly.

“Then I suppose I owe them an apology, but what can I say? I went for my heart,” I replied, and there was a collective gasp.

“So if I may ask, who is the lucky woman?” someone asked from the back.

I straightened again, letting my gaze sweep over the crowd.

“Yes, you may ask, but that will be revealed at the official launch of Elixir, where the winning team will also be announced. I guess it’s going to be a double story for you guys after all.” I let the words roll out smoothly.

It was a perfect double hook and I knew they were going to take the bait. Even this meeting will be analyzed and talked about for days. It’s the perfect incentive to make them anticipate the launch day. They will all want to find the answers and not just that, they will want exclusivity.

I watched with satisfaction as the reporters whispered among themselves, scribbling notes like they were recording history. I had given them exactly what they came for, and it’s enough to talk about but not enough to conclude.

“That will be all for today then. See you at the launch, or maybe not.” I let out and then turned to leave.

As I stepped away from the podium, a few more questions echoed about my plans, my rivals, my mysterious wife, but I didn’t answer. I didn’t even stop or waste another glance on them. I was done and that’s it.

When I reached the exit, my assistant, Leo, handed me my phone.

“That went perfectly, sir. The networks are already picking it up,” he said.

“Good,” I said, slipping the phone into my pocket.

“Let them talk. The more they talk, the less they’ll see coming.”

As the car door closed behind me, I glanced down at my ring again. It gleamed softly in the afternoon light. I couldn’t help but think about Sonia and how far she’d come in such a short time.

A small smile tugged at my lips.

They can call her anything they want… a scandal, a risk, a mystery. But soon, they’d call her what she was meant to be. Mrs. Kane. And by that time, I’ll have it all. She’s the key to my plan, and she doesn’t even know the whole plan. Some things are better not be explained, so for now, she will remain in the dark. Maybe later when she’s proved herself to me, I’ll tell her.

And when the time comes, she will truly understand how much power she has…