*Chapter 16: The Events Set In Motion Framed the Recent Disclosure**  

The press conference had filled a significant gap in public opinion with the display of Ellie's logical and bold response through the use of evidence as it enraged reporters, making them concede. As things turned favourable from a negative perspective, citizens began to put the allegations into much deeper perspective than before. Yet, Ellie was aware that the battle had just begun. She was relentlessly determined to discover which direction the smear campaign had been devised from. Lucas stood up and pointed at the door, signalling Ellie to enter his office while she was going through the latest headlines. "Miss White," Lucas spoke in a monotonic voice, "I want you to take a seat." Ellie took her seat while intertwining her hands before her lap. Before Lucas commenced his statements, he glanced at Ellie for a brief period while settling further into his chair. "We made some advancements. Nonetheless, the situation is still dire; we need to uncover the individual behind this." Ellie was perplexed and blurted, "I understand, Mr Hunter. Although my search for additional evidence is ongoing, I have been hitting a dead end for the source." He locked his stare on Ellie's and leaned closer to her. "A private investigator has been brought on board to deal with the matter. It is crucial that we pinpoint those responsible, now more than ever." Ellie quaked but managed to keep her heart from racing as it wanted to."That's a promising approach. Are there any leads?"

He pushed a folder forward, letting it rest on the desk between them.

Ellie picked it up, fingers trembling as she hurried through its various pages.

The folder included the furthest advancements made by the private investigator with his VOE and the analysis report they had on the case.

As the reports indicated, one of the major competitors of Hunter Fashion Group had executed a smear campaign which had resulted in setting fake scandals around their publicity. They had to do this in an attempt that has been aimed at Lucas for years.

The investigators had identified the source of the fraudulent documents and photos gathered by the allegations to associates of the other company who rightfully boasted about their successful projects.

Ellie's chest felt tight as she read the details.

"This… this is insane," she said, her voice quivering.

Lucas nodded, his expression emotionless, "It's a dirty game, but we are going to win."

Ellie nodded, breathless, trying to pace her mind. "What is to be done next?"

He leaned on the table, gazing deeply into her eyes. "We pursue the case. Us, the company, and everybody else who has been affected like us. And holds us at a wrong angle. Also, the truth will have its place at the press conference."

Ellie's pulse raced. But she made an effort to remain focused. "All right."

"I will initiate the procurement of relevant documents and statements."

He nodded curtly, then dismissed her with a wave of his hand.

As Ellie exited his office, she felt a shift in her emotions. A wave of determination flooded over her.

She was definitely ready to fend off attacks.

The few days that followed were dedicated to preparation. Ellie was relentless in her efforts to collect evidence, draft legal documents, and set up for the press conference.

Once it did finally arrive, Ellie found herself feeling particularly odd. It was a strange combination of nerves and determination.

Reporting cameras and press members crowded the conference room as Ellie entered.

Lucas was already at the podium, staring blankly into the distance with his characteristic cold, disinterested expression.

Ellie took a deep breath and stepped up to the podium next to him. The nerves turning into determination.

The room went mute as she uttered her first words.

"Good morning," she proclaimed. "Thank you for attending this morning's address. We are here today to counter the recent smear campaign that has sought to damage my personal reputation and that of Hunter Fashion Group."

"I will break these statements into two parts. To commence, I would like to pinpoint one part of the FBI report that positions these claims as utterly baseless."

"The harm was done under our name with the help of a fake advertisement which was bought through a private investigator to place it on social media. That is the reason why everything started to fall apart."

After which she showed the details of the work they had managed to find. Reports by the private investigator included elaborate documents on the fake photographs and false claims that linked back to the rival company.

Lucas moved closer to the cameras, focusing on them. "We will make sure this act is brought to justice as it is quite literally an act of corporate terrorism. We are currently investigating the Company as well as the people behind this forward, as such a case will be taken to court."

Ellie and Lucas were bombarded with several questions, but to their surprise remained composed and focused on each one of the queries.

With the conclusion of the press conference, Ellie experienced a huge sense of relief.

She did it. 她做到了.

Against all odds, she stood up for herself and uncovered the truth behind her opponents.

Once they left the conference room, Lucas faced her with an expression that told her nothing at all.

"Miss White," he said, indifferently, "You did that very well."

Feeling confused, Ellie sent him back a blank stare. "Thank you, Mr Hunter."

He turned back and with a particularly curt nod, started walking away, leaving Ellie gaping at him in utter shock.

It wasn't strong, nor did it bear much impact, but for the remainder of the week, that compliment changed how she saw him altogether.

And at that moment, that was satisfactory. 

She weathered the storm of public opinion. 

And she was prepared for the subsequent hurdles that awaited her.