Mr Billionaire's Regret Chasing His Irresistible Wife (Jared and Arielle) novel Chapter 97

(JARED'S POV)

After Sofia left, I managed to get hold of my phone and went online, my eyes scanning the numerous headlines.

"Billionaire caught drunk at a local bar," "High society's latest scandal." And with each headline, a picture of me half stumbling was attached. My chest twisted in growing anxiety as I scrolled through the articles.

How did this get out? Who could have taken pictures of me without my knowledge and sold it to the media?

Deciding that there was not the time to ask questions, I dialed Enzo's number, my PR expert.

"Enzo," I said, trying to sound calm.

"Sir I was just about to call you."

"Have you seen the news?"

"Yes, sir. I'm on it already."

"Make it go away, Enzo. Call all the platforms that have the news and ask them to take it down. I don't have to teach you your job, you know what to do."

"Yes, sir."

And with that, I dropped the call.

I flung the phone on the bed afterward and headed to the. The mirror reflected a disheveled version of myself with bloodshot eyes and unshaven stubble, and I winced. I felt like shit and needed a thorough cleanup.

After a refreshing shower, I took some aspirin. Arielle used to ensure they were always available in the drug cabinet, even though we had little or no use for it. After ensuring they were not expired, I gobbled two of them, supporting them with water.

While dressing up, I prayed Enzo had already started damage control. My mind was racing with possible worst–case scenarios–the billionaire's board, my business partners, my reputation.

How could I let my guard down like this?

How could I let my guard down like this? I had always been meticulous, private, and controlled. One mistake shouldn't ruin everything.

I took a deep breath and tried to shake off how uneasy I was feeling.

Enzo would fix this.

He had to.

I couldn't afford to have my reputation tarnished.

Not now.

Not ever.

While waiting for a response from Enzo, my phone rang. My heart skipped a beat when I saw my mother's name displayed as the caller.

Reluctantly, I answered.

"Jared, why are you all over the news?" Her stern voice greeted me.

"Mum, I—"

"When did you start drinking yourself to stupor in public?" She cut in, her voice conveying disapproval.

"I'm sorry, Mum. It was just a mistake."

"A mistake?" she repeated incredulously.

"How could you stoop so low, Jared?"

I winced and closed my eyes, bracing myself for the tongue-lash. I deserved it, all of it.