Barely three minutes after sitting down, I heard a knock on the door, “come in,” I called out.
Juliette walked in with her tabs, soon I’ll start thinking it’s actually attached to her arm, cause she’s always walking with it.
I raised my brows at her, signifying I was actually paying attention.
“Press conference updates,” Juliette announced, her eyes fixed on her tablet.
“Go ahead,” I replied, leaning back in my chair.
“Public Relations has scheduled a press conference for tomorrow morning,” she said.
I raised an eyebrow. “Purpose?”
“To introduce you as the new CEO to the general public,” Juliette explained. “The media has been speculating about Mr. Beaumont’s succession.”
I nodded thoughtfully. “Good timing. What’s the agenda?”
“Introduction, brief statement, and Q&A session,” Juliette outlined. “We’ve prepared a statement highlighting your vision and goals for Kings Land.”
“The schedule time has been confirmed,” Juliette said. “9:00 AM sharp, in the main conference room.”
I nodded, making a mental note.
“Public Relations has also prepared a statement,” Juliette continued. “They’ll brief you shortly.”
“Review the statement with me,” I requested.
Juliette handed me her tablet, displaying the prepared remarks.
As I scanned the text, Juliette added, “We’ve also arranged interviews with key financial and industry publications.”
“Schedule them after the press conference,” I instructed.
Juliette nodded, typing notes on her tablet.
“Expected attendance?” I asked.
“All major news outlets, business journals, and industry representatives,” Juliette replied.
I took a deep breath, mentally telling myself that this is my new life.
“Any specific concerns or topics I should address?” I asked.
“Industry analysts are eager to hear about your vision for Kings Land’s future,” Juliette said. “And, of course, the expansion plans you outlined in today’s meeting.”
I nodded thoughtfully. “I’ll emphasize our commitment to sustainable energy solutions.”
Juliette smiled. “That will go well.”
At that point something crossed my mind.
“Juliette, will the conference be broadcasted live?” I asked.
“Yes, ma’am,” Juliette replied. “It’ll be streamed on our website and social media channels.”
My anxiety grew. No pictures of me existed online, and only the shareholders had seen me in person and I preferred it that way.
“Can we limit the camera angles?” I requested. “I’d rather not have my face plastered everywhere.”
Juliette’s expression turned understanding. “I’ll speak with the production team. We can focus on wide shots and avoid close-ups.”
I nodded, “that will be perfect, I think it’s too early showing the general public who I am.”
“I understand ma’am.” She said, closing up her tablet. “I’ll take my leave now.
As she turned to leave I couldn’t help but ask, “Juliette, how do you think the press conference will go?”
Her expression turned confident. “I think it will be a walk in the park for you. You’ve prepared well, I don’t think anyone can do it better.”
I smiled, appreciating her confidence in me.
The moment she stepped out of my office I went into a mini panic attack.
Everything is moving so fast that I barely have the time to pause and process it.
I’m not ready to allow the general public know me.. from here the information will get to Boston and everyone will know.
I want to be the one to tell them myself and explain how it all happened, not them seeing me on Tv, drawing conclusions is Emma’s second name.
Is funny how I find myself missing them lately.
I ran my hands through my hair from frustration, the last time everyone on the net knew about me, it didn’t go well, I have to thread more carefully this time.
I placed a call through to Juliette reminding her to remember to tell the media team I want my face blurred.
I packed up my stuffs after a while and left.
This time I walked alone without Juliette throttling behind me, I got the chance to admire and take in my surrounding as I made my way to the entrance.
Surprisingly my ride was already waiting for me, it made me wondered if I was being watched.
How did the driver know I was making my way downstairs.
He got down from the car and opened the passenger seat for me,”Bonne journee Mademoiselle.. where will you like me to take you to ?” The driver asked the moment he got back in.
“An ice cream shop please, I want to get some for my kids.”
“Okay Ma’am.”
“What can I call you ?” I asked him, relaxing my back on the seat.
“Laurent Ma’am.”
“Alright Laurent.” I said smiling at him..
The car took off however I noticed we were being followed.
“Laurent, is it just me or we’re being followed ?” I asked looking behind us.
“You’re right ma’am, those are your personal bodyguards..”
“Is that necessary ? and why was I not consulted before they were put in place.”
“The letter that got to the security team from Monsieur Beaumont said you and the children have to be protected at all times. It was an instruction from Monsieur Beaumont himself.”
I was shock to hear this, just how long has Mr Beaumont been preparing all of these.
Did he know he was going to die ? Cause how else is everything so detailed.
I didn’t argue with the driver and just choose to pick up my phone and check for any mails.
Juliette had already dropped the information regarding the press conference, I was going through it when Laurent’s voice interrupted me. “We’re here ma’am,” he said pulling to a stop.
“Oooh, thanks Laurent.” I got down and went in to purchase the ice cream and few other things.
The kids were excited when I came home with the ice cream, we all sat down at the sitting room watching Mickey mouse clubhouse on the Tv when Mason turned towards me.
“Mum..” he called staring at me, making sure he had my attention.
“Yes dear,” I answered scooping a spoon of ice cream in my mouth, still staring at the TV
“Now that we have the house to ourselves, can Dad come leave with us ?”
I didn’t know ice cream could choke someone, cause I’m currently choking on mine.
Mia who wasn’t paying attention initially became interested in my response.
They both stared at me waiting for my response.
Coughing to clear my throat hoping it will atleast get him distracted, however he continued.
“Everyone in the day care lives with their mum and Dad, but we don’t..” he said, his last words tinged with pain.
They’ve never really questioned why they’re so different.
Even when they did they never asked me directly, my tongue was tied cause I didn’t know how to respond or what to say.