Chapter 9 - The Declaration
The press room was packed with hundreds of journalists, expecting Arthur to announce his return to the company or a new PR spin.
Instead, Arthur walked up to the podium, holding Clara’s hand. He didn't wear a suit; he wore a simple sweater.
"For the past month, there has been a lot of speculation about the woman standing next to me," Arthur said into the microphones, his voice steady and resolute. "You call her a maid. You call her a scandal. Let me tell you who she really is."
He looked directly at the cameras.
"When my world shattered, and I abandoned my own children to hide in my work, Clara Hayes was the one who picked up the pieces. She fought for my family when I was too weak to do it myself. She is not a scandal. She is the bravest, most incredible woman I have ever known. And if the media or my shareholders have a problem with the woman I am going to marry, you can sell your stock today."
May you like
He turned to Clara, right there on national television, dropped to one knee, and pulled out a simple, flawless diamond ring.
Clara burst into tears, covering her mouth, and nodded. The flashbulbs exploded, but Arthur only saw her.
