**Chapter 20: Sweet Daily Life**  

Public attention, family demands, and hostile corporate competition finally started to dissipate. Ellie and Lucas's bond had become stronger, both as individuals and as a couple. As challenging as the problems they went through were, they had been able to bring the two closer together. 

The office was coming back to life and Ellie was starting to get into some sort of a… ahem… routine. 

One morning when Ellie was detailing Lucas's calendar, Clara came up to her desk looking no less stern than usual. 

"Miss White," she spoke, in the same annoyed tone as before. "Mr. Hunter would like you to come to his office," 

There was a moment of shock, which was quickly suppressed. Ellie nodded and followed Clara to Lucas's office. 

When she entered the office, she noticed Lucas sitting behind his desk. His expression remained a mystery. 

"Miss White," he said, revealing nothing. "Please take a seat." 

Ellie sat down with her hands resting firmly on her thighs. 

"While there has been major movement regarding the public opinion crisis", Lucas wondered, "where do you think you stand?" 

"I have been formulating a strategy to repair the reputation of the firm and augment our standing in the market." 

His eyebrows slightly shot up, suggesting mild amusement. "Let us hear it." 

After taking a deep breath Ellie explained her approach. "There are three broad components to my approach. First, we have to keep the public relations effort actually showing the real side of Hunter Fashion Group. This can be done through social media activities, press statements, and even public relations community work. Secondly, we need to emphasise new ideas and increase the level of output to outshine rival companies. In the end, we have to expand our network with clients as well as other businesses to request their ongoing support." 

For a moment Lucas observed her without speaking, his face showing no emotion. "That is great in theory, but they are points of theory." 

Ellie felt utterly defeated, but in order to control the situation, she tried to remain composed. "What other options do you have?" 

He adjusted his seat, leaning forward slightly as his gaze turned more intense. "The public has to see that what truly differentiates us is what makes the company great. The hardworking, highly skilled, and unparalleled Ellie White is quite the asset to the firm." 

Ellie's embarrassment made her cheeks red but unconsciously forced her to concentrate. "What mechanisms do you suggest?" 

His body language appeared thoughtful as he sat back in his chair. 

"We'll set up a press conference. You'll refute the allegations and present the evidence we have. I'll be there to back you up and confirm your integrity." 

Ellie's heart skipped a beat, but she paced herself and remained calm. "Isn't that a bad idea? Is it not going to bring more scrutiny onto the matter?" 

He examined her for a second, his expression blank. "Sometimes the best way to handle fire is with fire. We have to seize the initiative and shape the discourse so that it is clear we are willing to defend the truth." 

Ellie nodded, her head was on fire. "Alright. I'll do it." 

He replied with a curt nod, then waved his hand to dismiss her. 

As Ellie exited his office, she experienced a new sense of determination. 

She was prepared to push back. 

The following days were a blur of initiative. Ellie was non-stop focusing on obtaining proof, editing her statement and getting ready for the press conference. 

When the day finally came, Ellie felt this odd sensation of anxiety mixed with resolve. 

She stepped into the conference room filled with reporters and cameras. 

Lucas was already there, standing at the podium with his usual cold and detached expression.

With a deep breath, Ellie walked over to the podium next to him. 

"Thank you very much," she said to the audience and instantly the gathering became silent. 

"I want to make sure everyone understands that these accusations are totally unfounded. All they are, are attempts to smear my name and the Hunter fashion group brand," her voice obscurely wavering as she continued. 

Having gleaned powerful insights from the gathering, now she was ready to share it. She stubbornly rejected any claims that these stories were true, which earned her the satisfaction of having addressed innumerable rebellions via her stance. 

"The evidence harboured against me was truly laughable," she said while casually pointing at some of her colleagues. 

An urgency stirred as Lucas walked forward and scanned the room, grabbing the attention of the audience. He directed his piercing words to the cameras: "I want to be clear on one point and no further ambiguity will be lexiconed. Ellie White is a key personnel in this forum. My trust in her character and integrity shields no boundaries over what meagre consequences she evokes on me. These accusations are so stupid," his face contorted to simultaneously embody disgust and concern, "and I have no shame in saying that we will not seek out the individuals who made these claims." 

Ellie and Lucas collected their materials and stood ready to converse at a distance. As the speakers returned focus to the audience, a scatter of questions was thrown at them, for which the gathered exposure to the bounding duo stayed unshaken.

Ellie could finally relax after the press conference. 

So she had done it... 

Headed directly to the eye of the storm, and emerged more powerful than ever. 

After they left the conference room, Lucas's face was blank when he looked at her. 

"Miss White," he said in an indistinct tone. "You did that… very well." 

"Thank you Mr. Hunter," Ellie said still confused about how to react. 

Lucas's response was a curt nod. He chose to leave, which resulted in Ellie staring after him feeling rather baffled. 

It wasn't really a good word, but one could argue that it was the only nice thing she heard from him in the entire week. 

That compliment was ample for now. 

She was able to overcome the outrage of the public's opinion. 

Now she felt geared up for anything life threw at her afterwards.