The Press Conference - Part 1
"James this has to stop. First thing tomorrow morning, you will leave town and I will hold a press conference to address this. Once you return, one more visit to any of the clubs and I will have you removed as heir and all your accounts blocked," Mrs Haward warned and left the room.
As instructed by Mrs Haward, James left early in the morning the very next day with a decision to go to Mexico. If he needed to lay low and avoid the media for a while, hiding with his friend, Jose was the best option. He disguised himself very well on his way to the airport and also decided to go alone to attract less attention. On his way to the airport, he called his friend, Jose, and informed him about his visit which Jose was very excited about.
Jose and James have so much in common regarding having fun. They both like going to the club, playing with the girls and partying wild. However, it's only James who goes the extra mile by taking the girls home to warm his bed. Even though they are friends, Jose is very hard working and is the CEO of a construction company but James hates office work and hence spends less time in areas like that. He would rather employ people to work and generate revenue while he spends it and having a rich and powerful man like Johan Haward as a father, made that possible for him.
James parked his car and went in a friend's car to the airport to avoid being noticed. He went through all the checkpoints and was soon on a flight to Mexico City.
In Florida, Mrs Haward had called a few of her contacts to help her organize a press conference to clear her son's name. Mirenda finds herself spending more and more time with Henry and hence does not involve herself much in what is going on.
Mrs Haward was, however, not happy about this. As much as she wanted Mirenda to continue chasing after Henry, she needed her to help sometimes. She had just finished talking on the phone when Mirenda entered the living room, all dressed and ready to go out.
"And where do you think you are going this early hour of the morning?" Mrs Haward questioned.
"Going to get my hair done and have lunch with Henry," Mirenda replied smiling.
"Do you realize we have a press conference happening in two days to clear your brother's name?" Mrs Haward reminded.
"I know Mum and I will be ready when the day comes," Mirenda replied fixing her earrings.
"So, you are not going to help me out?" Mrs Haward questioned.
"I don't know anything about a press conference. I will be there to provide moral support. Besides it is not like Brother James is going to change his behaviour," Mirenda replied. "I think you will need more press conferences in the future to address everything he does," she added not realizing Mrs Haward was boiling.
"Mum, I think, it is about time you let Brother James see reason. You let him get away with everything and this is why he would not stop. Please," Mirenda said looking at her mother with a worried expression only to receive a slap across her face.
Mirenda's hand covered her cheek which was feeling hot from the slap looking at her mother in complete shock.
"You know what, I think I made a mistake by involving you. You go and have a nice day," Mrs Haward said after leaving Mirenda still shocked.
Mirenda looked at her mother for a while before exiting the apartment. Mrs Haward left for her room and spent time on the phone getting things together for the press conference. She wanted to ensure; that she left no room for doubt.
In Croydon, Jason had seen the news about the rape scandal involving James. He was not happy about it but he was not surprised. Knowing James, things like this happening in his position as the heir were no surprise. He just hoped it wouldn't continue. Jason sat behind his desk working on some files. An email dropped in his inbox and it was followed by a gentle knock on the door.
"Yes, please come in," came Jason's deep voice, his eyes fixated on the file he was working on.
"Good afternoon Mr Haward," came a female voice.
Jason paused for about 20 seconds hearing a female voice in his office and continued with what he was doing.
"Good afternoon," Jason replied without lifting his head to even look at her.
"I brought the design for the project. I am Britney," she said holding a rolled-up paper in her hand.
"Great, let me have it," said Jason, stretching his hand to collect the rolled-up paper.
Britney took two more steps towards his desk and handed the file to Jason. Jason lifted his head briefly and collected the paper without looking at her with a thank you.
"Okay I will leave now," Britney said.
"Okay," replied Jason still with his eyes fixated on what he was working on.
Britney turned and walked towards the door when she realized Jason was not paying any attention to her. Almost close to the door she tripped and fell. She let out a yap causing Jason to lift his head to find out what was happening. Britney was on the floor face down facing the door and her exposed legs towards Jason. Jason's eyes went back to his laptop.
"Sorry, I will suggest you let one of your friends help you with the first aid kit," Jason suggested not looking at her.
"Thank you," Britney said and got up from the floor, exiting Jason's office.
She headed for the design department but ran into Harry, who quickly pulled her aside and checked if anyone was looking.
"Okay, so how did it go?" Harry enquired desperate for an answer.
"He won't even look at me," Britney replied and walked past Harry and he followed her to get a better understanding.
In Florida, the day for the press conference was finally due. All the reporters were invited. Mrs Haward chose a big conference hall that can accommodate a minimum of a thousand people for this purpose. She walked in with Mirenda trailing behind her and the cameras started going off with pictures. Each reporter took at least ten pictures from different angles. She sat in the space provided for her, together with Mirenda for the conference. She waited for a while for everyone to be ready. She walked to the podium and began to speak.
"Greetings, and thank you all for coming. You have seen the audio going viral accompanied by comments from people. Let me start by saying, that James had a rough childhood but he turned out well," Mrs Haward started.
"Is that why, till now, he is still jumping from one woman to another?" interrupted one of the reporters.
Mrs Haward frowned upon hearing that statement made against James. She frowned and looked at the person who had asked that question.
"What gave you such an impression?" Mrs Haward questioned trying to keep herself calm even though she was boiling inside.