chapter 16

Dominic hurried out of the conference room and caught up with Rosie just as she was about to step into the elevator. "Hey!" He called out, and she turned to face him, a smile on her lips.

She stopped in her tracks and waited for him to catch up. "Dear…" She muttered. He reached her side, and she asked, "did I perform well?"

Dominic's face broke into a wide grin, and he gave her a thumbs-up. "Perfect," he praised, his eyes shining with admiration. "You will be a great actress,"

They shared a moment of warm smiles, but then Dominic's expression turned serious, and he gazed at her with concern. "Rosie…" he called softly, his voice low.

Rosie's smile faltered, and she looked up at him, her eyes questioning. "Uhm," she responded, her tone inviting him to share his concerns. Her brow furrowing slightly as she studied his face. "What's wrong?"

"Are you okay?" He asked, his eyes scanning her face for any signs of distress.

She nodded, her smile reassuring. "Yes," she confirmed, her voice calm. "Why do you ask?"

He jerked his thumb over his shoulder, his expression serious. "About what happened inside…" his voice flattered.

Rosie's smile brightened. "I'm fine, Dominic. This is just the beginning; I'm sure there are still more to come,"

She shrugged. "I'm prepared for this, and I will tackle all my fears," she declared, her voice unwavering. "I'll face my fears without fear."

Dominic's face broke into a wide grin, and he looked at her with admiration. "Okay," he said, clearly impressed by her strength. "Staying in the office or going home?"

"Not yet," she replied. "I want to hold a press conference. I already told Hannahto arrange it."

His b rows furrowed. "Press conference?!" He exclaimed, his voice rising in surprise.

Without waiting for her to respond, he closed the gap between them, his hands gently cradling her face as he gazed intensely into her eyes. "All I'm concerned about is your wellbeing. Will you be okay?"

She nodded, her smile reassuring. "Yes," she confirmed. "You said I can't hide myself forever, so I want to present myself to the world and give a brief introduction about myself."

His eyes searched hers, his brow furrowed with worry. "Are you sure you'll be alright?" He asked again, his voice soft.

She nodded. "Yes," she assured him, smiling up at him. "And if anything goes wrong, I have you beside me. If I feel like crying, your shoulder is still available to lean on, right?"

"Yes."

Rosie's smile widened. "Good. Let's go and get ready." She said, her voice filled with a sense of purpose.

He grabbed her hand tightly, and together, they stepped into the elevator, the doors closing behind them as they prepared to face whatever lay ahead.

***

As Rosie entered the press conference room, Collins' booming voice announced her arrival. "Here comes the president of Azel Organization, Wright Rosie!"

The room erupted in a flurry of activity, with everyone craning their necks to catch a glimpse of her. Camera shutters clicked furiously as Rosie strode confidently into the room, Dominic and Hannahfollowing closely behind.

She walked past the rows of chairs, her long strides eating up the distance, and climbed up onto the stage. Dominic and Hannahtook positions to the side, while she stepped up to the podium, her eyes scanning the room.

She leaned forward, her mouth close to the microphone, and greeted the assembled journalists. "Good day, everyone. I am Wright Rosie, the president of the Azel Organization,"

With a hint of humility, she added, "I am sorry for being anonymous all this while."

The room was abuzz with anticipation, and one journalist, Sofia from Three Star Media, an award-winning journalist of the year, raised her hand. "I have a question, ma'am." She said, her voice clear and confident.

Rosie's gaze met Sofia's, and she nodded graciously. "Go ahead."

Sofia's question was direct. "Is there a reason why you've been anonymous?"

Rosie nodded again, her expression composed. "Yes."

"Can you share your reason with the public?" Sofia pressed on.

 Rosie's smile remained, and her tone still polite as she responded. "I'd love to, but it's a personal issue. I'm sorry. I can't share it."

Sofia's next question caught everyone off guard. "Are you married?"

Hannah's eyes widened in shock as she glanced at Dominic, who had reviewed the questions beforehand. It was clear Sofia had deviated from the script.

Rosie's eyes narrowed slightly as she processed the unexpected question, sensing a third-party involvement. She straightened her posture, her lips inches from the microphone, and gazed boldly into the camera.

With a hint of defiance, she declared, "I'm a divorcee. A single mother."

Her revelation hung in the room like, a challenge thrown down, causing the room to fall silent, as the journalists exchanged surprised glances.

Rosie nodded, grinning, "yes. I am blessed…" She confirmed. She placed her hands on her chest and closed her eyes as if sniffing the air. "so blessed."

Sofia's expression remained neutral, her eyes locked onto Rosie's. "You've got a kid?" She asked, her tone professional.

Rosie nodded, a warm grin spreading across her face. "Yes, I am blessed…" she confirmed, her voice filled with affection. She placed her hands on her chest, her eyes closing as if savoring a sweet memory. "So blessed."

Sofia's next question was swift. "What's his name?"

Rosie's smile didn't waver, but her tone turned firm. "Not to be disclosed."

Sofia's eyes never left Rosie's face. "Your ex-husband, can you tell us his name?"

Rosie's expression turned guarded, her voice cool. "A guy from my past. I don't want to talk about it, and I won't disclose his identity."

Sofia's gaze remained steady. "Is your ex-husband the father of your kid?"

Rosie's eyes locked onto Sofia's, her posture straightening slightly as she prepared to respond. "Another private matter not to be disclosed.

Sofia's eyes remained fixed on Rosie's, her question piercing. "Why did you divorced? Or was it from his end?"

Rosie's response was measured, her tone neutral. "Actually, I wasn't the one who filed for divorce, and I can't say he divorced me either. I'd rather say we went our separate ways."

Sofia's curiosity was evident. "Why did you separate? Can you reveal the reason behind it?"

Rosie's smile was enigmatic. "Yes, I can. But, I will not."

Sofia's eyes narrowed slightly. "Why? Was it your fault?"

Rosie calmly shook her head, her voice firm. "No."

Sofia pressed on, her tone even. "Is it his fault?"

Rosie shook her head. "No."

Sofia's gaze remained steady. "Then what happened?"

"I trusted who I shouldn't have."

Sofia's eyes never left Rosie's face. "How do you feel after the separation?"

"Hard at first, but now, I'm relieved," Rosie's response was candid. "Great things are happening to me after our separation. I achieve things I wouldn't have if I'm still his wife till now. I attain a high position."

Sofia's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "Oh… so you left your marriage in exchange for a high position?"

Rosie's expression turned stern. "Don't twist my words. The separation isn't my will; it's just happened. I become a president because I deserve it," she analyzed. "They are different things. Don't mix it up. The first is a coincidence for what comes after, and I do believe it's how life works."

Sofia's questions came rapid-fire. "Your ex… where is he? When was the last time you saw him, and how is he doing?"

Rosie's tone turned detached. "I am no longer his family, so I don't know much about him. We met recently, and as I see him, he is physically fine. Life is just full of pros and cons, and everyone has one or two problems to tackle."

Sofia's next question was direct. "Has your ex-husband remarried?"

Rosie nodded. "Yes."

Sofia's eyes locked onto Rosie's. "And you?"

Rosie shook her head. "No."

Sofia's curiosity was palpable. "Why? Is it difficult to move on, or you still have feelings for him?"

Rosie's response was calm and collected. "I moved on a long time ago, but he is remarried."

Sofia's gaze narrowed. "You are hiding many things. Is your past dark?"

Rosie's expression turned guarded. "Yes, it is. It's so dark that I don't want to talk about it or be reminded of it."

"Did you become the organization president to pass time or for revenge?"

Rosie's eyes flashed with a hint of intensity, her response pending for a moment before she sighed and responded, "being alive offered me this presidential position. All I want is to be happy. No intention to get revenge on anybody."

Sofia's eyes narrowed. "Ma'am, I've just received a report of the late Nelson's interview, where he revealed that Dominic was his only family. He claimed his son died in a car accident, and Dominic was his grandson. Can you please explain how you're related to him?"

Rosie's gaze remained calm, her tone measured. "Biologically, I'm not the late chairman's grandchild, but legally, I am. My name is registered in the family records," 

With a subtle gesture, she pointed to the projector behind her, and it flickered to life, displaying a document from the office of the registrar general. The evidence was clear; Rosie's name and Nelson's signature sat side by side on the page.

Hannahstepped forward, zooming in on the screen to ensure the audience could see the details. She then retrieved the physical document from Rosie and walked to the edge of the stage, holding it up for all to see.

Sofia's expression turned incredulous. "Do you expect us to believe this?"

Rosie turned to her, a hint of confusion etched on her face. "What do you mean?" Her tone was even, but a flicker of curiosity danced in her eyes.

Sofia's eyes locked onto Rosie, her voice sharp as a razor. "What assurance do we have that this isn't a forgery? Is there a witness who can vouch for its authenticity?"

Rosie's smile was serene as she gestured toward Benjamin, who stood steadfast beside Dominic. "That Benjamin, Nelson's trusted barrister and the witness to this document."

Sofia's gaze swiveled toward Benjamin, her tone venomous. "How much did you get paid to fabricate this story?" She accused, her words dripping with malice.

Benjamin's expression turned stern, his voice firm. "That's a baseless accusation, Sofia, and it's libelous. I won't stand for it," he said, his tone warning. He took a step forward, his eyes never leaving Sofia's. "I was a reputable barrister, and the late chairman appointed me because he trusted me implicitly. Rosie didn't pay me a dime for my testimony," 

He pointed to the projector screen, where the document still glowed. "That's the late chairman's original signature. Everything was done according to his wishes, and I can attest to its authenticity."

Benjamin's words hung in the air, and he added, "if you're still unsure, I'm willing to facilitate a visit to the office of the registrar general. Dominic and Rosie can grant you access to clear up any doubts you may have."

Sofia's expression softened slightly, but her determination remained unwavering. "How long has Rosie's name been included in the family register?" She pressed on.

Benjamin's response was straightforward. "It's been over five years. Since then, she's been appointed as the president, as per the late chairman's will."

"Why didn't the chairman announce her as his grandchild before he passed away?" Sofia probed.

"I'm just the chairman,s barrister, Miss Sofia. I only know what he shared with me, and about this particular matter, I'm afraid I'm in the dark," he responded, his expression apologetic. With a slight bow, he excused himself and stepped back, his role in the exchange concluded.

Sofia's gaze snapped back to Rosie, who seemed prepared for the next question, but before she could ask a question, Rosie interjected, "it seems you're quite curious about me. If you'd like to know more, I suggest you contact my secretary to schedule an interview. She'll let you know when I'm available."

Sofia chuckled softly as she crossed her hand over her chest. "Are you dodging questions? Don't you want to reveal more?" She questioned, her tone with skepticism.

Rosie's tone remained even. "I'm not running from anything. I simply have a lot on my plate right now. I've just taken on a significant role, and there are many pressing matters to attend to. There's more to reveal, but it will have to wait."