**Chapter 17: Crisis Public Relations**

Ellie was demonstrating the progression of her plan during the public opinion crisis. After the press conference, she was certain that the people were starting to warm to her side during the dispute as she provided them with specialised facts alongside evidence. The media was beginning to use a softer tone and the general public started questioning previous claims against Ellie.

She was aware that the battle was not over. The character assassination that she suffered had been cleverly planned and she was intent on solving the puzzle behind it.

While Ellie was examining the recent news articles over a cup of coffee one morning, she heard a voice from her laptop. Lucas asked her to report to his office.

"Miss White," he stated flatly, "please take a seat."

Ellie didn't have to be told twice. She quickly sat down and placed her palms over each other on her lap.

After a moment of silence, Lucas spoke. "We've made progress but the situation has not been resolved yet. To put it in simpler terms, we need to know who else is involved."

Ellie nodded. "I sympathise with that view, Mr. Hunter. I have been working on gathering more evidence but the trail is very thin."

"Broad strokes," he cut in softly. "Miss White, I've succumbed to my better judgment and hired an investigator to look into this matter. If getting to the bottom of this is something that is needed, hopefully I can begin to aid."

Ellie's heartbeat quickened but she forced herself to remain calm.

"That's a great suggestion. What leads do you have, if any?"

He moved a folder towards her and slid it along the table.

Ellie grabbed it, her hands shaking as she skimmed the pages.

The folder was filled with investigative documents about each progressive stage of the private investigator's attempts at revealing the truth.

As reported, the smear campaign was invented by the largest competitor of the Hunter Fashion Group, who had been systematically working against Lucas in a more covert fashion for an extended period.

The investigators had connected the fake photographs and documents to a number of people who were already notorious for their association with the rival company.

As she read the particulars, Ellie felt a heaviness form in her chest.

"Th-this is just unbelievable," she said, a faint tremble in her voice.

Lucas's face revealed none of his thoughts. "It's a dirty game, but we're going to win."

Ellie nodded her head, her thoughts running in circles. "What actions do we take from here?"

He leaned forward, his gaze fixating on her. "We initiate legal proceedings. We will sue both the people behind this and the company. We will cover the entire incident in a press conference as well."

As her heart raced, Ellie fought to keep calm. "Okay."

"I will prepare the extant documents and statements," he said, his voice peaking. She curtly nodded before being dismissed with a hand wave. He seemed too busy to care about her. The moment she stepped out of the office, determination coursed through her veins. It was firm, heavy, and most importantly, powerful enough to shake the bubble she had confined herself to for so long. The following days were characterised by Ellie's insane work rate. She was relentless in gathering evidence, drafting legal documents, and preparing for the press conference. It felt like months of work were crammed into a week. On the final day, there was no going back. Timelines set and goals achieved. She entered the hall filled with reporters and cameras pointing their lenses towards her. It was equally terrifying and exhilarating all at once. It was showtime. What was once tension shifted to a strange fusion of focus, determination, and uncontrolled nerves. The moment she turned towards the podium, Ellie saw Lucas standing with his notorious cold glare capturing all the attention. Simultaneously, a wave of goosebumps washed over her body. I hope that's enough motivation for her to actually let her guard down. She savoured the thought. His posture only solidified the anxiety bubbling inside. Goosebumps followed. Stepping towards the podium, she savoured the moment. But only for a split second. The second I get it, the fears will no longer be binding me, I'll have the power. With both hands fixed to the podium, she surrounded herself with the illusion of grip. Gulping for a split second in hopes of calming herself. The composition of the sentence is correct, my voice is trembling which is quite uncommon. I need to sound more like myself, more confident. "Good morning," she provided a bow as the room fell dead silent. "Thank you for being here today. We are here to address the recent smear campaign which triumphs every person in this facility." She smirked, "Myself and Hunter Fashion Group. Initially, claims like those seem scary, but with time and evidence they can be easily controlled." She smiled, only to herself. There is a problem with smirking like that too long. Now the gaze of everyone seemed to be fixed right back at her. She shared her thoughts out loud completely unaware of the consequences it might bring. "During our investigations, we uncovered quite a few discrepancies," her smirk shifted to "strong evidence pointers."

"The smear campaign was initiated by a competing company to damage our standing and distort our success."

She subsequently showed the proofs they possessed, which included comprehensive feeds from the PI, as well as documents that linked the modified pictures and claims to the competitor.

Lucas moved up closer, fixing his gaze on the cameras. "This equates to an act of corporate treachery and it is a matter we will not take lightly. Legal actions are already in place against the people and the company responsible to ensure that this atrocity is dealt with to the farthest boundaries of the law."

The room exploded with too many questions and Ellie and Lucas in the meantime remained collected and logical while they answered every question.

Once the press briefing was over, Ellie was able to relax.

She had done it.

She had uncovered the lie and stood up to those people who tried to bring her down.

As they came out of the conference room, Lucas looked at her with his mouth set into an unsmiling line.

"Miss White," came his voice, flat as he still looked at her for a moment. "You did that just about well enough."

Ellie did not know how to answer so she just raised her eyes. "Thank you, Mr. Hunter."

And now strode away, marching with silent determination, multicultural shoulders and stayed around staring wide-mouthed after him.

It was not quite withdrawn relaxed it was, still however standing approximately close to a compliment and far from an insult in her case.

And, for now, that was enough.

She had made it through the public opinion crisis.

Further, she was set for any other obstacles that lay ahead of her.