Chapter 11 - The Press Conference
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By two o'clock in the afternoon, the lobby of Sterling Enterprises had been transformed into a massive press arena. Dozens of news cameras, bright lighting rigs, and a sea of aggressive journalists packed the space. The story of Victoria Sterling’s dramatic arrest had dominated the global news cycle for the past twelve hours.
Maya stood behind the velvet curtains, adjusting the cuffs of her sharp navy-blue blazer. She felt a brief flutter of anxiety in her stomach, but she quickly pushed it down. Her father had built this company, and she was the only one who could save it.
"You look ready," Leo said, offering an encouraging nod. "Just stick to the talking points. Total transparency, a new era of corporate responsibility, and full cooperation with the authorities."
"I know what to do, Leo," Maya smiled.
She took a deep breath, parted the curtains, and walked out onto the raised platform. A blinding barrage of camera flashes erupted instantly, accompanied by a deafening roar of overlapping questions from the reporters.
Maya stepped up to the podium, adjusting the microphone. She raised her hand, projecting an aura of absolute, unwavering authority. Surprisingly, the chaotic room slowly quieted down, waiting for her to speak.
"Good afternoon," Maya began, her voice steady and echoing clearly through the lobby speakers. "Last night, the authorities apprehended Victoria Sterling on multiple charges of fraud, embezzlement, and corporate espionage. I want to make one thing entirely clear to our shareholders, our employees, and the public: the era of corruption at Sterling Enterprises is officially over."
"Ms. Sterling!" a reporter shouted from the front row. "Is it true that six members of your board of directors resigned this morning?"
"Yes, it is true," Maya answered without hesitation. "We are conducting a massive internal purge. Anyone who was complicit in Victoria's crimes has been removed from this building. Furthermore, I am officially assuming the role of Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately."
"What about the investors who lost their life savings in Victoria's fraudulent hedge fund?" another journalist called out.
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"That is my first priority," Maya stated firmly, looking directly into the main television camera. "I am announcing the creation of a comprehensive restitution fund. Every single cent of Victoria’s seized assets, along with my own personal dividends for the next five years, will go directly into compensating the victims of her greed. We will rebuild this company on a foundation of absolute honesty and relentless determination. Thank you."
Maya stepped away from the podium as the reporters erupted into a frenzy of questions, her head held high, ready for the war ahead.
