Chapter 237

Chapter 237
Queenie's Pov 

I sat on the couch with the remote in my hand, as the screen came to life. Anton’s face appeared, calm and composed, standing behind a podium at the press conference. My heart pounded. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to hear what he had to say.

He has been up against this and preparing for weeks, even if I turned a blind eye I knew what he was up to either way. He promised to bring Michael down. 

I sat upright, ready to watch as the press went and I gently placed the remote down with a pillow to cling onto if anything went wrong. 

“I don't have to be scared. I trust Anton.” I murmured to myself. 

He began, "This press conference is not about me. It’s about the truth." His voice was steady, unrelenting, as he always did. He laid out Michael’s entire dirty history,fraudulent deals, unpaid debts, and settled lawsuits. He presented documents, played recordings, and even brought in a former business partner of Michael’s who confirmed everything. The whole crowd had their mouths opened in shock. If I wasn't the victim, I'd believe Michael too, it's just right that the press knew the truth. I have had enough of Michael’s antics, his bad actions and lies. Everything he laid to the crowd was falling apart slowly, thanks to Anton. 

I sighed as I watched the whole crowd question Anton and he answered accordingly. It was a beautiful thing to watch, I stood up and picked my phone to call Amelia. She didn't pick up at the first ring but the second changed. 

“Hey girl,” her voice over the phone was clear. She was in a good mood. 

“Amelia…” I began. 

“I saw the news and I'm watching it right now. See? I told you you'd win. Just one final step and you have your life back with Anton.” She interrupted. 

“Yes, Amelia. Thank you very much. I love you so much, thanks for standing by me.” I appreciated her and hung up. 

She must have been so excited to know her best friend was getting out of trouble one step after the other. I didn't want to waste time either hoping on something that'd turn out the wrong way, but I was sure at that moment that nothing would go wrong. Anton got it all. He made sure to find everything that couldn't be replaced to be influenced to be hidden. 

“Mr Blackwood, are you sure all these aren't something you're doing just to save your Mrs Andrews? Do you have anything in common?” A reporter asked. I sat up at this point and watched Anton take a deep breath. 

He began, “This isn't about her, it's about Mr Fisher, he is the one with a personality that's absurd and worse. And I'm happy he has been revealed into the world and has seen that the world is far beyond what he thinks.” 

I was proud of his response. I took back what said, “I'm sorry, Anton. I should have believed you could help me. But it was all fine and normal if I gave up anyway. What if he didn't find any evidence against him?” I whispered to him. 

There was nothing more satisfying than the fact that he didn't make the press conference about me, but about Michael. As long as the world's dark space rumor wasn't for me. 

He never mentioned my name, not once, well not unnecessarily. And the message was clear: Michael was a liar, and anything he said was not to be trusted.

I felt so much fear and admiration. Anton was ruthless, exposing Michael without hesitation. The zeal on his face and the way he spoke back, giving every question their right response made me quiver in fear. Why was he so bent on doing this? 

I knew he was in love with me, but I wasn't sure if he meant his forever was forever. The media was shocked, and I knew that the public opinion was bound to shift. People who had believed Michael began to question him. They all murmured every minute the pictures spread around. I wanted to check my phone for posts or comments on the press release. Michael left the press conference and I switched off the TV. I smiled to myself, peace washing all over me. I felt comfortable for once. 

His call came in and I didn't hesitate to pick up, “The conference is done, Queenie. Did you watch it? Did you see their reactions?” He asked excitedly. 

“Yes, yes. I saw it. I definitely did. You were amazing.” I answered. “I've got to go now.” I said and hung up. 

I whispered to myself, "He's fighting for me... for us."

But even with this victory, the gap between Anton and me felt huge. Could we ever go back to what we had? It all felt impossible. What would it be?

Anton's Pov 

The press conference was a success. The world now saw Michael Fisher for what he truly was; a fraud. The defamation lawsuit gained strength, and Michael’s lawyers started to look worried. I felt a grim satisfaction. I had promised to destroy Michael, and I was doing it. I had to make sure he regretted everything he did to Queenie. 

But I wasn't satisfied with the total outcome. The real crisis I had at hand was getting Queenie back. Nothing was so certain that she'd get back with me so easily. I needed comfort that we would go back to the way we were. I sent a text message to Damien. He replied almost immediately. 

“Buddy, I got your message. You should give it time. You're just making progress, don't ruin it by expecting more all of a sudden.” He warned.

I glanced at my phone and smiled. Damien was right. There was no use running around when I knew too well she'd come around if I could get Michael out completely. That was my goal. I needed to get him out of my way without hesitation. 

After the press conference and the other activities that took almost the whole of my day, I took my chances to call the one I had my thoughts on throughout the day. Queenie. 

I picked up my phone and dialed her number. After a few rings, she answered.

"Hello," she said, her voice quiet and still. She must have felt pressured watching the conference. I didn't know what was going on in her mind and wanted to keep things down and comfortable. 

"Hey, Queenie," I began, trying to keep my tone light. "Did you see the press conference?"

There was a pause. "Yes," she replied.

"And?" I prompted.

"The press conference was… effective, Anton," she said, her voice flat. "Thank you. Thank you so much. I saw how it all went down and I hope Michael doesn't make up another story to erase the evidence against him."

“No, no. It can't happen that way. The whole world knew what he did already. He can't change that.” I was assured. 

I wanted to shout, to tell her that this was all for her, for us. But I held back, knowing she needed space. Of course she does, she asked for it. But it felt like I was dying. I just wanted to have her close. I hoped she missed me as I missed her. 

"You're welcome," I said softly. "I'm just glad the truth is coming out. We'll get to the bottom soon enough and you'll have your freedom."

"I hope so," she murmured.

"I should go," she finally said.

"Okay," I replied, swallowing the lump in my throat. "Take care, Queenie. Eat well and rest well. I'll make sure to free you soon."

"You too, Anton. And thank you, again. You should rest properly too. I doubt you've had enough sleep since all these troubles started and it's all my fault…. I'm so sorry.” She sobbed. 

“No, I'm okay. I'm not complaining. Besides, I'm sick and tired of such a jerk running around fooling people and messing up everyone's life.” 

She chuckled, I could hear her faint smile over the phone. “What?” 

“It's just funny, it feels like you're playing a game of war.” She commented. 

“Well, if that's what it seems. I'm glad you smiled.” 

“We should talk later. I need to fix some things. Please take care of Junie.” 

I murmured and hung up. The line went dead.

I stared at the phone, feeling a mix of frustration and sadness. Even with this victory, the gap between us felt huge. Could we ever go back to what we had?

I shook my head, trying to push the thoughts away. I needed to focus on the next step; making sure Michael faced consequences, not just public shame. I wanted Michael completely out of our lives, for good.

I turned back to my desk, pulling up the latest reports from my legal team. There was still work to be done. Everything had to be perfect. If I wanted Queenie all to myself in her usual playful form, then I needed to take Michael out. It was all just a matter of time. I kept clicking the upper side of my lucky pen and stared at the blank papers in front of me, along with the legal documents. 

“All very soon.” I muttered. “It'll all end soon. And I'll take care of you, Queenie. I promise you.”