DARK SIDE OF BECOMING CEO

A New Begining

Priscilla's POV

“Enough!” Dad says. Almost raising his voice. “This…” gesturing with his hands. “Your absurd insinuations are as a result of when truth is buried under headlines. My daughter’s character..”

“Mr. Wright, the public deserves answers. Is Miss Wright romantically involved with Mr. Penta?” Another reporter cuts in.

There’s complete silence. All you could hear are camera clicks. I stand up from my chair, deciding I have had enough of the questions. My gaze steady, looking firmly at the reporters)

“I’ll answer that.” I said firmly, stepping closer to the microphone.

“Mr. Penta has been an old family friend and investor for years. I respect him deeply as a business partner, but I have never had a romantic or inappropriate relationship with him. Those images were taken with someone with a former partner and were deliberately fabricated. Their faces were photo-shopped. I have the real pictures here. ” I said firmly.

“Are you suggesting someone within Tennex framed you?” A reporter asked, looking curious.

“Someone wants me discredited before the board, so I lose my rights to become CEO.” I answered confidently.

Murmurs fill the entire room.

What about the financial withdrawals? The receipts?” Another reporter asks

“Yes,” I nodded. “I’ve seen them. The funds in question were for a personal vacation which was withdrawn from my personal account. The dates from the receipts are dated few days after my trip from Cancun. I have documents supporting my claims. I’ll release it publicly this evening.”

The reporters pause, everyone exchanging looks. I came out of the chair, standing at the center of the stage

“I want everyone what I stand for.” I said confidently My name, My father’s legacy. And I refuse to let gossip define what Tennex means.” I said.

I continued speaking, my voice growing firmer

“I’m not here to protect an image. I’m here to protect a company built on truth, resilience, and vision. If my leadership is questioned, let it be for my ideas, not scandalous images questioning my character and integrity. And I will most definitely never allow them win

I gently walked back to my seat. Dad looks at me, proud but surprised. Dad gets up immediately to speak.

“No more questions please!” He said, grabbing my arm to leave.

We left the conference room, escorted by the security into Dad’s office. I walked with my new found confidence acquired after the press conference. Stares from the staff which initially felt like fiery darts shot at me, doubled my confidence. I enjoyed every stare, whisper, as the realizations that the rumors about me were false, dawned on them. The feeling of satisfaction I felt was unmatched. I wouldn’t trade that feeling for a million dollars. Finally we arrived Dad’s office.