CHAPTER 46: WIPE YOUR TEARS

"For now, don’t do anything. I’ll get my own team on it. Inform the PR department that whatever news agency, or private media calls, their response should be, no comment." Alrik replied.

Eliza looked up from the video to her husband. "We should be the ones handling this. If we don’t release a statement soon, it will really look like I’m guilty."

"Don’t worry about that. I have the best investigative team in the country. They will find evidence that will prove your innocence. How anyone could believe that someone as sweet and kind as you would commit murder, and even of a baby is just crazy." He replied, and hugged her because he saw that she was close to tears.

"I knew my family was vindictive, but I never guessed they could do something this awful. How could my own mother sit there, and tell thousands of people I’m a murderer, when they framed me. How could... I wish I didn’t bother going back home that day." She began to cry now, tears rolling down her face.

"Shh. This isn’t your fault."

"I really thought she was in danger, and this is how they repay me for bothering to care. I’mm sorry I dragged you into this mess. You wouldn’t have gone there if not for me, and now your company will be under fire too, especially after the event’s publicity."

"Don’t waste your pretty tears because of your family. And definitely don’t cry for my sake. I promised never to make you cry, didn’t I? You’re making me break my promise, darling. I said I will handle it, and I will. Don’t you trust me?" He asked and she sniffled as she tried to hold back her tears.

He wiped tears off her cheeks. "Your sweet heart is what made you go there, because despite the fact that your family hurt you over and over, you still never wished them harm. You would never stand by and watch one of them suffer just out of spite. I know that, and I’m proud of you for that. I would never be angry because my wife is kind, and loves even those who don’t deserve it. Because if you weren’t who you are, you wouldn’t love me too."

"Don’t say that. I never saw you as less worthy even when you didn’t have a dime." She said and he smiled.

"Exactly, my love. It’s that sweet heart of yours. It’s mine to protect now, so don’t cry, and don’t dare think of being afraid or ashamed. Hold your head high. I’ve got your back. Understand?" He asked and she nodded.

Michaela, who was standing by, watching them was nearly moved to tears. She just had to hold them back because she was at work, and she needed to be professional. She wished she could find a love like this. Hearing all of this, there was no doubt in her heart now that Eliza could never have done such a heinous thing. In fact, like Alrik had said, it was actually crazy if anyone believed Eliza was the culprit.

"Go to work now, and leave the rest to me." He said and kissed her.

She smiled now, her heart was longer heavy. Alrik always knew the right words to say to make her feel better, and she was glad he insisted on coming to work with her.

"I’ll wait in your office as instructed, Mrs CEO." He said with a chuckle and she blushed.

She nodded, and watched him go, then turned to Michaela.

"I’m ready now. Let’s go meet the board members. Most days, it’s always a hassle to get them to agree to early meetings, but today, they even arrived before me. How nice." Eliza said sarcastically.

"I think this was planned in advance, Ma’am. I also thought it was weird that they gathered so early, and they seemed to have been discussing without you. Now that I think of it, they were here shortly before the rumour even began to circulate online. No matter the crisis in the company before, no meeting has ever been held this early."

"Do I need to prepare anything? Did they make any requests when you were asked to inform me of the meeting?" She asked and Michaela shook her head as they paused by the door. She opened her purse, and took a few seconds to dab some powder on her face to conceal her crying episode earlier.

"Before we go in, Ma’am, I have a confession to make. Earlier, I had doubts after seeing that video, and I’m sorry for doubting you."

"No need to be sorry. It’s easy to get swept up in scandals like these. Just do your job and keep your loyalty to me, that’s all I require. As for the accusations, you heard my husband, he will find proof of my innocence. I trust him more than anyone else on the planet, and he has unlimited resources."

"He loves you a lot. He looks at you like you have stars in your eyes." Michaela said with a smile, and Eliza chuckled, then she wiped all expressions from her face and stepped into the board room.

"How very out of character for you all to gather so early." Eliza said as she walked into the room.

Francis was seated at the head of the table, where she was supposed to be, so she walked straight to him.

"This meeting is of the utmost..."

"Pause whatever you want to say till I’m seated." She interrupted the board member that was speaking, then faced her brother.

"That’s my seat. Move to yours."

Francis scoffed. "Have you seen the news? Your arrogance must know no bounds if you think you assumed you will remain CEO after such a scandal."

"Why would I feel anything at all? You know as well as I do that it’s all nonsense. And my husband has promised to find evidence to prove it’s all false. Now, will you willingly get out of my seat? Or should I call security to drag you out of it?"