Chapter 226
#230 “Sophia, Love, it’s Over.”
Sophia read the diary in one sitting, tears streaming down her face as each page revealed more heart- wrenching truths. By the time she closed the book, her resolve was fortified with the knowledge needed to save Alexander and also to confront the mysteries surrounding her father’s death. Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.
Sophia’s heart had toughened over the years, each new challenge reinforcing her resolve. Now, armed with the concluding revelations of her grandfather’s story, she was determined to confront those who had wronged her family.
She turned on the television, her eyes catching a live news broadcast where reporters were aggressively questioning Alexander’s credibility.
“How long will you postpone the conference? In our opinion, you are already inventing excuses,” one reporter sharply accused.
On-screen, Sophia saw the moment realization dawned on Alexander’s face; they could delay no longer. His response was firm and clear.
“Tomorrow afternoon. I have nothing to hide.”
Sophia felt her heart rate accelerate. She knew that he and Michael had managed to extract a confession from Nelson, but that alone wasn’t sufficient. Clutching the diary, now a tangible piece of evidence, Sophia made a decisive move. She immediately booked a flight back to America. She could not afford to miss the press conference; too much was at stake.
Sophia’s actions marked a pivotal turn, not just in her mission to aid Alexander, but in her personal journey from a bearer of burdens to a wielder of truth. As she prepared for her return, she knew the battle ahead would be fierce, but she was ready to face it head -on.
The atmosphere at the press conference was electric as reporters filled the room, their voices buzzing with anticipation and skepticism. Alexander stood confidently at the podium, scanning the room filled with eager faces. Before he could formally introduce the session, the air was thick with questions hurled from every direction, probing and insistent.
“Mr. Stone, can you clarify-”
“-are the allegations about the financial discrepancies true-”
“-how do you explain the leaked documents-”
Alexander raised his hand, signaling for silence. “Before we continue with this barrage of questions,” he began, his voice steady and commanding, there’s something I need to show everyone here.” 11
He clicked a remote, and the lights dimmed as a video began to play on the screen behind him. The footage was clear: Nelson, caught in a candid moment, incriminated himself with boasts and confessions that implicated him in a series of deceitful acts against Stone Enterprise.
The room fell into a stunned silence as the recording ended, but the reprieve was brief. The reporters quickly regained their composure, their initial shock morphing into renewed vigor.
“Mr. Stone, while this tape certainly exposes Mr. Nelson’s character and possibly his motives, how does it address the authenticity of the documents in question?” one reporter asked, piercing the brief calm.
Just as Alexander opened his mouth to respond, the doors at the back of the conference hall swung open. All eyes turned as Sophia made a dramatic entrance, wheeling a suitcase behind her. She was slightly disheveled from travel, her presence stark against the formality of the event.
“Excuse my appearance,” she said with a wry smile, her voice carrying across the room, “I’ve been traveling all night. But I believe I have the answers to all your questions.”
Sophia walked confidently to the front, placing the suitcase on the table and opening it to reveal stacks of documents and the diary.
“Sophia, love, it’s over,” Alexander whispered, his voice tinged with a mix of exhaustion and concern. He reached out to gently touch her arm, urging her. “Go away, you don’t need to get involved in this.”
Sophia looked at him, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of determination and a hint of amusement. “Oh, honey, didn’t I tell you that I haven’t lost a case in my entire career? I’m not going to start now.”
“Do you really think you’re going to make it…” Alexander began, his voice trailing off as doubt crept in.
“Trust me,” Sophia whispered back, her smile broadening, radiating confidence that seemed to fill the room.
Alexander took a deep breath, admiring her resilience, then turned to the audience gathered at the press conference. “The podium is yours, Miss Johnson,” he announced, his voice steady but filled with pride.
Sophia stepped forward, her posture straight and poised as she approached the microphone. The room fell silent, all eyes on her, awaiting the revelations she was about to unfold.
“As fascinating as my travel itinerary might be,” she continued, the light humor fading from her tone, replaced by the gravity of the situation, “the contents of this suitcase are even more so. These documents and my grandfather’s diary not only refute the allegations but also shed light on much more than Mr. Nelson’s personal misdemeanors.”
The room, once filled with the chaos of doubt and accusation, now buzzed with a different energy as Sophia prepared to unveil the truths that could potentially clear her family’s name and restore the integrity of Stone Enterprise.