Chapter 16 - The Press Conference
The next morning, the world woke up to the most explosive news story of the decade. The billionaire who had been mourned yesterday was now on every television screen, standing at a podium in the Sterling Global press room.
Arthur Sterling looked powerful, formidable, and entirely unbothered by the media frenzy.
"The rumors are true," Arthur spoke into the bank of microphones. "I survived an assassination attempt orchestrated by Julian Sterling and Clara Vance. I spent months recovering in secret to ensure their guilt could be proven beyond a reasonable doubt."
A reporter shouted from the front row. "Mr. Sterling! How did you survive undetected for so long? Who helped you?"
Arthur paused. He thought about Sarah working double shifts to feed her son. He thought about Toby, bringing him paper cranes when the world had left him for dead.
"I was aided by people who possess a quality severely lacking in this city," Arthur said, a rare, genuine smile touching his lips. "Basic human decency. And I intend to spend the rest of my life repaying that debt."
He concluded the press conference, refusing further questions, and walked off the stage. His head of security met him in the hallway.
"Is the helicopter ready?" Arthur asked.
"Yes, sir. Fueled and waiting on the roof."
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Arthur didn't go back to his penthouse. He didn't go to the bank. He went to the roof, stepped into his private chopper, and ordered the pilot to fly north.
It was time to go home.
