Chapter 16 - The PR Briefing
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By early afternoon, the executive boardroom was completely full. Clara sat at my right hand, alongside the foundation's chief communications officer, Sarah, and the head of our legal department, Evelyn. The tension in the room was palpable, but the team was highly disciplined and ready for action.
"Willis reached out to our press office an hour ago," Sarah reported, projecting a copy of the incoming email onto the smart board. "He is requesting an official comment regarding allegations of elder abuse and financial abandonment made by Julian Vance. He gave us a deadline of eight o'clock tonight to respond, or they publish the piece as is."
"Classic extortion tactic disguised as journalism," Evelyn scoffed, adjusting her glasses. "Arthur, we can crush this. I have a defamation suit drafted and ready to file in federal court."
"Hold the lawsuit for now, Evelyn," I instructed gently. "I want to address this head-on."
Clara leaned forward, her eyes sharp and focused. "Arthur, the foundation's reputation is built on empowering vulnerable people. A headline accusing you of abandoning your own mother is incredibly damaging, even if it's completely false. How do you want to play this?"
"With radical transparency," I said, standing up and walking to the head of the table.
"Sarah, draft a brief, factual statement. Confirm that my mother passed away, and state that I anonymously paid all funeral expenses to ensure she rested in peace. Do not defend me against Julian's emotional attacks. Simply state the facts. Then, contact the producers at the Global News Network. Tell them I am willing to sit down for a live, unfiltered primetime interview tomorrow evening."
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"A live interview?" Sarah asked, her eyes widening. "Arthur, that's incredibly risky. You can't control the narrative on live television."
"I don't need to control the narrative," I smiled, feeling a deep, unshakeable confidence. "I just need to tell the truth. Julian thinks I am ashamed of my past. It's time I show the world exactly why I walked away."
