Ex at the rescue

Amelia’s POV

THE NEXT DAY: DURING THE PRESS CONFERENCE

A faint smile plastered on my face as I watched the massive hall filled with reputable business people.

At the far end are many press reporters with their devices on their tables.

I was beyond overwhelmed with pride as the announcer called my attention to the podium, offering various praises of my achievement within a year and for being capable enough to be the first woman to control the 'West' industry.

A resounding clap overbalanced the place, and I waved in return.

After waiting for the thrilling noise to go down, I gave my speech which I guess impressed everyone, judging from their smiles and applause.

The launch of a new bank application with advanced functions was introduced by the expected employees, and the next moment arrived, which was the press questioning.

I walked over to the lectern with my chin raised in confidence even though my palms were sweaty.

The world was watching, and my response surely would determine the composure of my reputation.

"As you have said earlier, you were able to get to this position because you have proved to be focused and determined. You were able to empower yourself with a good education, and are ready to use that knowledge to build a country worthy of your boundless pride. No offense, Mrs West, but a comment from the live-stream pointed out that you might be educated, but it still doesn't change the fact that you were privileged because you were the secret wife of Liam West whom some of the relatives do not know about. How true is that?" A reporter threw the question at me with a rude tone.

A distinctive murmur erupted in the room.

My eyes automatically switched to Gregory West. He had a satisfied smirk on his face. These reporters wouldn't have the guts to ask such a question in a 'West' conference if they didn't have a backup.

I smiled calmly in return.

'The West isn't a simple lineage as you might have assumed. They are filled with reputable men and women who are also seated here. Surely, I might have been the secret spouse, choosing among those who were more experienced would have been preferable, but I was directly selected by the united family, those you said they don't know about me chose me as the one capable one. I hope my response clears their questions," I replied, knowing fully well that none of the West relatives would want to display to the press that I lied.

The fake smile on their faces made my inner parts feel warm.

"Rumors had been circulating that you rejected the newly rising 'Golden Hall construction company partnership because it's owned by your former boss." Another reporter said.

Like seriously, who gave them such a rumor?

"My personal life has nothing to do with business. I hope you can refrain from such statements," I snapped.

"Why did you reject the company? According to an insider, they are qualified." The first reporter paused and continued again, "Another person mentioned that you've been having a secret affair with Ashton West, and that you are scared of him telling your secret or maybe you don't want the world to think that you've been obsessed with people with the names West. This assumption shouldn't be disgraceful but cleared up. How true are those claims?" That first reporter asked in a harsh tone again.

What?!

The hall was dead silent as everyone focused on me like a hawk ready to pounce on its prey.

I prayed to be buried at the depth of the soil. I was about to cry because all that he had said was true, except that they didn't have any evidence. I was the only one who knew the truth, because even Granny West had no idea that Jason was Ashton's child.

I almost walked out of the spotlight with my head bowed in shame when a voice echoed, piercing through the threatening silence.

"All rumors are false, Mr reporter. Not on behalf of the chief executive officer, but I will be arresting you for defamation and disruption of my personal life. You have trespassed!" Ashton declared, coming in with cops, they rushed into the room to take the reporter away.

I bit my lips to keep tears from dropping when other reporters began to apologize on behalf of the arrested one.

I smiled and replied when the room became silent again, "Things like these were bound to happen. Professionally handling them is the only solution. Thank you for your understanding. Also, we are working towards more advanced abilities. Once again, West Banking and Finance appreciates your effort."

The claps went on until I stepped out of the hall, walking towards a secluded region of the building. "Call Mr. Gregory, please," I told Stella.

Patiently waiting for his arrival, I walked to and fro, trying hard to lower the rage that was disturbing my thinking. I halted once I saw him coming.

"You summoned me," he muttered simply.

I walked towards him with the weight of my hatred overpowering my tolerance. "You were behind that silly reporter."

"Why…" He tries to defend himself.

"I wasn't asking, old man. It was the truth!" I fired.

Gregory West staggered backward in shock at my response. I had never raised my voice at him.

"You have crossed the line by involving some so-called affairs in your childish game. This is my warning…" I looked at his eyes without blinking, showing him how angry I was.

"If you try this one more time, even if it was a mistake, I will show you who the boss is. Your inability was the reason why your mother ignored you!" I lashed out disrespectfully, walking out on him.

I heard him gasp in fright.

Throughout my ride back home, I wondered why that foolish Ashton had come to my rescue.

I will warn him to shun my existence. I would rather die than dine with that devil of a man.

My heart clenched painfully as I recalled that night. The day he divorced me and left my bleeding self on a cold night.

Pain washed through my body as I hoped for a day when I would be able to live in peace.

I was distracted by my miserable thoughts when my chauffeur halted the car at the car park.

Feeling tired, I walked into the villa towards my son's room.

"Amelia," Mrs Pat called. She was the lady who was present in the room the day I first regained consciousness in the Granny West villa. She turned out to be the family's long-time housekeeper.

"We will talk later. I need to meet Jason," I said, moving to where I was going.

“There is both bad and good news,” She said, holding herself from breaking down in tears.

“Granny West was visited by her eldest son, Gregory West a few minutes before the press conference. He told her that her illegitimate grandson is fighting to take over the company, that he would tell the world who he is. Since then, she's been rushed to the hospital due to a heart attack.” She nibbled on her lower lip, her eyes now shiny with tears.

My bag slipped from my hand, and my mouth hung open in horror.

“Yes dear, but the doctor visited today and said Liam is responding to treatment.” She dropped another word that rang through my brain, my legs shook, and I ended up falling on the marble floor.

I was in that position, trying to settle my brain from accepting everything that had happened today alone.

I stretched my hand up, signaling for her to leave because I didn't want her to look at me strangely at what I was about to do next.

Yes, my leg was so weak that I began to forcefully drag myself towards the direction of my room to lie my head down a bit.

What have I gotten myself into?