**Chapter 18: Emotional warming up**  

The new dynamic between Ellie and Lucas began with the company's press conference. The conference served as a resolution for not only the company, but Ellie and Lucas too. The simmering tension between them was beginning to shift. 

Ellie did more than just perform her job as a capable assistant. She demonstrated willfulness, astuteness, and a fierce willingness to protect the name of the company. 

Ellie did not anticipate seeing this version of Lucas. One who leads. Who defends what is right. 

But Ellie was unsettled. 

Dissonance is galling, but what Ellie was attempting to ignore was beginning to seep into her reality. 

Ellie was working late at the office when Lucas entered her space. 

"Miss White," he asked, seemingly unconcerned. "What exactly are you still doing here?" 

Ellie was shocked. "I was hoping to complete a couple of tasks, Mr. Hunter." 

Lucas wasn't the type to give orders, and ironically that's not particularly what he expected. All stern Eastwood-like, he stood there with a blank expression. "You've done as much as you needed. Go home." 

Considering her options, Ellie didn't budge. 

"I'm heading out soon, I just have to complete this report first." 

Lucas looked stumped for a moment, but he finally proceeded to her desk. "What is the report on?" 

Ellie blinked as she tried to frame her sentence. "It's a summary about the most recent gaps in sales. I thought it would be beneficial for the meeting tomorrow." 

He nodded his head, deep in thought, and mumbled, "Good. But you don't need to overwork yourself. The company can manage without you for a while." 

Ellie unsurely said, "I suppose, Mr. Hunter. I just want to ensure that everything is flawless." 

He observed her for a second, actively focusing on her eyes. "You've gone above and beyond already." 

Ellie bit her lip to suppress her embarrassment, saying shyly, "Thanks, Mr. Hunter. I'm just making sure I do my work." 

He nodded, but his response was difficult to decode. "Good. But remember, you need to rest." 

Ellie blinked, baffled at what to say. "Uh... Yes, I will, Mr. Hunter." 

He nodded curtly, then set off towards the door before Ellie was brave enough to look at the other man in front of her. 

That was not particularly nice, but there were softer words to tilt the edges of his mouth to a grin, and she hadn't witnessed that in a while.

For the time being, that was satisfactory.

The following days rolled together into non-stop work and stress, but Ellie felt like her skin was starting to fit better every day.

She had always worked hard to prove her value to the company, and now they have seen just how much of an asset she is, her goal was to forge further.

Yet, the business was thickening between her and Lucas and this was something she could not ignore anymore.

One day, while Ellie was trying to make sense of Lucas's schedule, Clara strode to her desk with her usual sharp expression on her face.

"Miss White," she said, curtly. "Mr. Hunter is waiting for you in his office."

There Ellie's heart sank, but she obeyed Clara and followed her to Lucas's office.

When she entered, a stoic looking Lucas was already seated at his desk.

"Miss White," he drawled, his tone soft. "Stand."

Still, Ellie sat stiff as a board with her hands under her palms placed on her lap.

He studied her for a moment before belching, "While we have considerably managed to attend to the public opinion scrutiny, there is yet more that we need to accomplish."

"Understood," Ellie said, her mind racing. "Mr. Hunter."

"I've been putting lots of thought into how to improve the reputation of the company along with restoring its position in the market." "Go on." Ellie inhaled deeply preparing to lay out her plan. "First, let us continue our efforts to reconnect with the public and show them our real face. The social media campaigns, through press releases, and community outreach programmes provide more than enough opportunities to accomplish that. Second, we should emphasise product innovation and development to keep the competition at bay. Finally, we need to foster our relationships with the current clients and business partners to guarantee their ongoing support." "That is a good plan. But that is not enough," Lucas responded finishing his apple. Ellie's heart sank, but she forced herself to stay calm. "What more do you want from me?" He leaned in further maintaining visual contact with her. "We need to go and fight fire with fire. We have to show the public the real Ellie White. The committed, diligent, and talented employee who's been a valuable resource for this company." Ellie's face flushed scarlet from humiliation, but she reminded herself to remain calm and composed. "And how do you suggest we accomplish that?" "He leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful," was all he said.

"This is a case we take very seriously. In light of the allegations made against you, we have done independent research, which I intend to address in our next press conference. Could you detail how exactly you found yourself in this predicament? Where I am willing to help is vouching for your character."

Ellie froze for a moment, but then forced herself to stay rational and calm. "But isn't the whole thing too massive of a spectacle as it is? Wouldn't this do more harm than good?"

She watched him for a moment; she wanted to hear him speak but did not want to at the same time. "Sometimes, the best way to fight fire is with fire. We have to control the narrative and show the people that we have nothing to hide," he replied.

Ellie's head was racing, but she already came to a conclusion. She responded with a sigh, "Alright. I'll do it."

He nodded curtly, then together with a dismissive wave, told Ellie she was free to go as he continued looking at her blankly, as if losing interest.

As she left his office, she felt ready and empowered. She was prepping for war.

The following days were a blur. Ellie worked cross-exhausted to formulate first drafts of her statements, gather relevant evidence to support her claims, and rehearse for the press conference order.

On the day of the conference, nerves and determination clashed within Ellie.

She entered the conference room and was met with a wall of microphones and document cameras focusing on her.

He, on the other hand, cumulus in presence, was already there, coldly staring at the journalists already seated in front.

Ellie inhaled deeply and walked to the podium beside him.

As soon as she started talking, the room was silent.

"Good morning," she said, showing some nerves yet her voice was firm. "I am here today as my name is associated with some sinister allegations that have come up recently. I want to be clear: these allegations are false. I consider them to be intentional attacks on my reputation and the reputation of Hunter Fashion Group."

She took a moment before proceeding, "I have put physical and mental effort for years to achieve success and recognition in this industry. I value my professional contributions and I refuse to allow anyone to rob me of that."

Then she shifted to provide the evidence gathered so far. This included her friend and former colleague's testimonies and documents rebutting the claims against her.

Lucas stepped forward to address the cameras in the direction of his locked eyes. "I want to be clear: Ellie White is an invaluable member of this company. There is no doubt in my mind regarding her professionalism. These attackers are pitiful and the accusations stem from ignorance or hatred, and we will deal with them with a great deal of unforgiving legal resources."

Questions of all sorts came flooding in, instantly, while Ellie and Lucas remained composed while answering just like the rest of the attendees.

Once the conference came to a close, Ellie felt a wave of relief wash over her.

Done and done.

She had battled through the chaos and emerged on the other side.

Lucas, who was walking out of the conference room with her, gave her a look that was impossible to read.

"Miss White," he said in a monotonous voice, "You handled that… well."

"Appreciate it, Mr. Hunter," Ellie replied with little confidence.

With another terse nod, he turned and walked off, leaving Ellie in a daze and him in a soft chuckle.

That wasn't quite a compliment, but it certainly was the closest thing to a compliment that she had received from him for the week.

At least for now, it was more than enough.

She was able to weather the storm of public perception.

She was well on her way towards tackling any challenges waiting in her path.