Chapter 17: The Press Conference.

After weeks of escalating rumors and speculation surrounding Ava Williams death, Liam had finally agreed to hold a press conference to address the allegations and clear his name. His team had been working around the clock to prepare for the conference, coaching Liam on what to say and how to handle the inevitable tough questions.

As the day of the press conference dawned, Liam's team was in high gear, setting up the conference room and preparing for the influx of reporters. Selene, Liam's secretary, was fielding calls from the press, confirming attendance and handling last-minute logistical details.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived.

The room was packed with reporters, cameras, and lights. Liam stood confidently at the podium, flanked by his team, including Selene, his secretary, and his lawyer, James.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice smooth and confident. "I'm sure you're all aware of the recent tragedy surrounding the death of Ava Williams. I'm here today to address the allegations and speculation surrounding my involvement in her death."

He paused, taking a deep breath before continuing.

"I want to start by acknowledging that Ava was a valued member of our team at L&C Company. She was a talented and dedicated employee, and her passing has been a tremendous loss to all of us."

Liam's expression turned somber, his voice taking on a more serious tone.

"However, I must also acknowledge that Ava and I had our differences. In the months leading up to her death, Ava had become increasingly difficult to work with. She was often absent from meetings, failed to meet deadlines, and was generally uncooperative with her colleagues."

Liam's eyes scanned the room, his gaze locking onto the reporters.

"As a result, I made the difficult decision to terminate Ava's employment with L&C Company. It was not a decision I took lightly, but I believed it was necessary to protect the interests of the company and our employees."

Liam's expression turned confident, his voice taking on a more assertive tone. He paused, taking a deep breath before continuing.

"I understand that there have been many rumors and speculation surrounding Ava's death, and I want to assure you that I am committed to transparency and accountability. I am willing to answer any questions you may have, and I am confident that I can provide the clarity and reassurance that you are looking for."

He paused, scanning the room one last time before concluding.

"I'll take your questions now."

A reporter from the front row stood up, microphone in hand.

"Mr. Liam, can you confirm or deny rumors of a personal relationship between you and Miss Ava?"

Liam's smile never wavered.

"I can assure you that those allegations are completely false. Ava was my secretary and a friend, nothing more."

A second reporter stood up, a woman with a sharp jawline and piercing eyes.

"We've received reports that Miss Ava was seen hanging out with your wife just days before her death. Can you comment on that?"

Liam's expression faltered for a moment, before he regained his composure.

"I'm not aware of any meeting between Ava and my wife. And even if I was, I'm not sure how that would be relevant to her death."

A third reporter stood up, a tall, lanky man with a skeptical expression.

"Mr Liam Chase, can you explain why there hasn't been access to late Ava's email and phone records? Doesn't that seem suspicious?"

Liam's smile began to look a little strained.

"I'm not aware of any issues with Ava's email and phone records." Liam said, his tone firm.

The room erupted into a flurry of shouted questions and camera clicks, as Liam's team struggled to regain control of the press conference.

"Mr Liam, what about the rumors of a cover-up?"

"Why was your name mentioned in late Miss Ava's death note?"

"Can you explain why Ava's body was cremated so quickly?"

"Did you have a romantic relationship with Ava?"

The questions came fast and furious, each one more pointed and accusatory than the last. Liam's smile began to falter, his eyes darting back and forth as he struggled to keep up with the barrage of questions.

 The incessant clicking of cameras, the skeptical expressions on the reporters faces, and the constant bombardment of questions. Finally, he decided that he had had enough.

"We'll end the conference now," Liam snapped, his voice rising in anger.

He turned and rushed out of the room, his team scrambling to keep up with him.

As soon as they were out of the room, Liam turned to Selene, his eyes blazing with anger.

"Get on top of this," he snarled. "I don't want to see one word about Ava and my wife or those ridiculous rumors on the internet. Do whatever it takes to shut it down."

Selene nodded, her eyes wide with fear.

"Yes, sir," she stammered. "I'll take care of it right away."

Liam turned to his lawyer, James.

"I want you to draft a statement denying all of these allegations," he growled. "I want it released to the press within the hour."

James nodded, his face pale. "Yes, sir," he said. "I'll get right on it."

Liam turned Selene again. "I want you to get in touch with Ava's relative," he snapped. "I want to know what she's saying to the press, and I want you to shut her down."

Selene's eyes darted nervously to Liam's face before she nodded hastily, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll take care of it immediately, sir."

Liam turned and stormed out of the room, leaving his team to scramble to clean up the mess. He knew that he had to act fast, to shut down the rumors and allegations before they spread like wildfire.

 He couldn't shake the feeling that he was fighting a losing battle. The press was relentless, and they would stop at nothing to get the scoop.

Liam's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in anger. He would do whatever it took to protect himself and his company. He would not let the press bring him down.