Chapter 38
At TT Fashion House, paparazzi and reporters from all the major news outlets had gathered in front of the building, waiting to speak to Thalassa.
Ever since the real footage was released, public opinion had shifted in Thalassa’s favor, but she knew she could take more advantage of this. That was why she’d called for this press conference. As soon as she stepped out of the building onto the street, cameras began flashing, and all the reporters began throwing their questions at her simultaneously. She was accompanied by Luisa, who stood beside her.
“One at a time, please,” Thalassa said calmly but loudly enough to command respect.
“Miss Thompson, what do you have to say about the anonymous video accusing you of mistreating Linda Miller and her family members?” a reporter asked.
Thalassa elegantly flipped her hair before answering, “As has already been proven by the original footage I released, those claims are nothing but false. It was obviously posted by someone who wanted to hurt me, but the truth will always prevail”
“By ‘someone,” do you mean the Miller family? There are rumors that they released the video to sabotage your .brand, Do you agree with these rumors?” another reporter asked.
Thalassa smiled. “I can’t point fingers without proof, but if it was them, it wouldn’t be the first time they’ve done something like this.”
Excitement churned among the reporters as they all began throwing questions at the same time again. Thalassa remained unresponsive until they quieted down.
“Are you referring to what happened three years ago when you were the daughter–in–law of the Miller family?” the first reporter asked. “Isn’t it true that you betrayed the Miller family, stole several million, and cheated on your husband, Kris Miller?”
Thalassa’s smile didn’t falter; she had expected the question. The corner of her lip twitched. “Isn’t it amazing that years ago, when it happened, everyone jumped to conclusions without caring about the other side? Nobody looked for me to ask any questions. Now you want to hear my side of the story?”
The reporters looked stricken with embarrassment before one said, “Yes, we’re ready to listen to your side now, Miss Thompson. What do you have to say about it?”
“The only thing I would like to say is that the full truth will come to light soon because the truth can never be buried forever.”
At that moment, a white Porsche pulled into the parking lot Behind the wheel was Kris, and Alden was sitting in the front passenger seat.
“What’s going on here?” Alden wondered out loud.
“She called a press conference,” Kris said as he opened his door and stepped out of the car. Alden did the same.
“Miss Thompson, what does your ex–husband think about your return?”
Thalassa shrugged. “How would I know about something I don’t care about? Thank you for coming. That’s the last question I’ll answer.”
“Isn’t that Kris Miller?” one of the reporters said out loud, immediately, almost all the reporters rushed toward Kris and Alden, who were approaching.
“Mr. Miller, what do you have to say about the conflict between your mother and your ex–wife?”
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“In the footage, we saw that your mother slapped your ex–wife first. What do you have to say about that?”
“How do you feel about your ex–wife’s return?”
“Are you two getting back together?”
“Mr. Alden Richards, do you have any comments?”
Kris responded to none of the questions, nor did Alden as they pushed their way past the reporters and their
camera crews.
Seeing Kris, Thalassa remembered what he said yesterday. Her face hardened before she turned and walked back into the office building, with Luisa following. By the time Kris and Alden entered, there was no sign of Thalassa or Luisa in the foyer, indicating they had already taken the elevator to the top floor where their offices were.
“Who was that woman standing beside Thalassa?” Alden asked.
“I don’t know. Perhaps her friend,” Kris responded before his eyes narrowed slightly. “Why did you ask?”
Alden shrugged. “Oh, nothing, I was just curious.”
Kris grunted as they made their way into one of the elevators and rode to the top floor. When they got there, Thalassa had already entered her office.
“Please inform Thalassa that I need to speak with her,” Kris said to the secretary at her desk.
“I’m so
‘m sorry, but she’s busy and can’t receive you,” the secretary said.
Kris pursed his mouth grimly. “I’m sorry.”
With that, he grabbed the doorknob and turned it, making his way into Thalassa’s office. The secretary didn’t attempt to stop him, indicating Thalassa had given her that instruction,
“Did you not learn some manners?” Luisa asked churlishly
Kris was a bit caught off guard by her audacity in speaking to him that way, but he gritted his teeth and focused on Thalassa, who still hadn’t taken her seat yet.
“Thalassa, we need to talk?”
“Why are you here, Kris? To deliver more insults like yesterday?” Thalassa questioned, her voice calm and her expression unreadable.
Kris winced silently. “No.”
“Why then? To criticize me for exposing your mother and your family’s lies?” she scoffed.
“Can we talk? Alone? Please?”
There was something about the way he said “please” that made Thalassa pause: She stared at him for a few seconds before nodding at Luisa.
“Lassa, are you sure you want me to leave you alone with this man?”
“I’ll be fine,” Thalassa said.
“I’ll be right outside in case you need me,” Luisa said and finally walked out, but not before sending Kris a hard glare.
Once they were alone, Thalassa raised a brow. “What do you want?”
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Kris dragged in a breath. “First of all, I want to… apologize for what my mother and siblings did to you.”
“I didn’t know that you’re now your whole family’s spokesman. Congratulations.” Thalassa rolled her eyes. “Your apologies don’t mean a thing to me, so don’t bother. Is there something else?”
“Yes,” Kris said, his voice mellow with guilt and anxiety. “I know the truth now. I know that you were truly pregnant three years ago.”
