Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 411

Latham Fairchild was well-prepared. He delivered a polished and impressive presentation, but soon enough, it was time for the Q&A session.

As the first reporter stood up, Jared leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. *Here we go.*

"Mr. Fairchild," the reporter began, "this is a major event for Rossi Corp, your first real introduction to the public, and it's being live-streamed to a massive online audience. So why isn't Mr. Rossi here?"

Latham seemed to have anticipated the question. He nodded gracefully. "Mr. Rossi has been delayed by a personal matter, so…"

But the reporter cut him off. "What personal matter could possibly be more important than this press conference? The people of Cresthaven have welcomed your company with open arms and generous incentives. Is Mr. Rossi's absence a sign that he isn't truly committed to this venture? Is his patriotism just an act?"

The accusation hung in the air, and the mood in the room shifted. Everyone knew that in the age of social media, a soundbite like that could take on a life of its own.

Latham seemed at a loss for words. "Mr. Rossi is not that kind of person…"

"It's not about what you say, it's about what you do, Mr. Fairchild. And right now, Mr. Rossi is not showing us any commitment."

Jared watched Latham squirm, a dark satisfaction spreading through him. *So, Rossi, you thought you were untouchable? Look at you now.*

The reporter was, of course, someone Jared had hired. He wasn't from a major news outlet, but in today's media landscape, that hardly mattered.

The host finally managed to intervene, preparing to call on the next reporter. But before he could, the first reporter simply handed his microphone to a colleague—another one of Jared's plants.

"Mr. Fairchild," the second reporter began, "it's been said that Mr. Rossi claimed his return had nothing to do with patriotism, that he was only here to make money. How do you respond to that?"

Latham was stunned. "Mr. Rossi never said that! He has never once said anything of the sort!"

He could have sworn on his life that this was true. Mr. Rossi's return was driven by his mother's desire to come home. He wanted to build a foundation here, a place his mother could always return to.

He looked back at the stage. Latham, surprisingly, had regained his composure. He took the microphone from the flustered host. "Distinguished officials, partners, guests, and members of the media," he said, his voice ringing with authority. "We returned to our home with sincerity and a genuine desire to contribute. Today, we wanted to share our plans with you, to be transparent, and to invite you to hold us accountable. I believe that most of you support our mission. However, it seems some members of the media have a misunderstanding. So let me be clear. First, Mr. Rossi absolutely never said he was only here to make money. If the reporter who made that claim has any evidence, please present it. Otherwise, spreading false rumors has legal consequences. It would be like me saying you borrowed a million dollars from me last year and demanding you pay it back today."

A wave of laughter rippled through the hall.

Amid the laughter, Latham's expression remained serious. "Second, many of you are curious as to why Mr. Rossi is not here today. We had not intended to make this public, but in the spirit of full transparency, we will."

He glanced at the reporter who had made the false accusation. "Some of you may not have evidence to back up your claims. But we do."

Everyone in the room had heard the rumors of the poisoning. They expected Latham to confirm them. But instead, he played an audio file. A conversation echoed through the hall.

"Miss Chambers, please, I'm begging you, leave me alone. Why do you keep coming after me?"