Chapter 9 - The Press Conference
The grand ballroom of the city’s finest hotel was packed with reporters and flashing cameras.
Beatrice and Richard sat in the back row, wearing smug expressions of anticipated victory.
Clara walked up to the podium, wearing a simple but elegant tailored suit.
She didn’t look like a terrified public school teacher anymore.
She looked like the CEO of a billion-dollar empire.
“Good morning,” Clara began, her voice steady and echoing through the microphones.
“Recently, there have been vicious rumors circulating about my relationship with Arthur Sterling.”
“Today, I am here to announce what I am actually doing with the Sterling fortune.”
The room fell dead silent, reporters hanging on her every word.
“Effective today, I am launching the Sterling Educational Foundation.”
“We are dedicating five hundred million dollars to underfunded public schools across this state.”
The crowd erupted in shocked gasps and frantic typing.
“Furthermore,” Clara continued, looking directly at Beatrice in the back row.
“We are releasing the audit reports that detail how the previous board members embezzled company funds.”
Beatrice’s smug smile vanished instantly.
“Those responsible for the theft have been removed from the company and reported to federal authorities.”
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The cameras immediately swiveled to the back of the room.
Beatrice and Richard scrambled out the doors, covering their faces from the blinding flashes of the press.
