Engagement
Lotus gave Mrs. Harrison a cold stare. Mrs. Harrison shifted in her chair uncomfortably.
“How could you teach this word to your children?” Lotus asked her angrily.
“This word was not taught to him by me. I’m not sure where he got it from.” Mrs. Harrison denied it and looked at her son angrily.
Lotus approached the boy and squatted in front of him. With a smile, she placed her hand on his shoulder and asked.
“Why did you say such hurtful things to Jenny, dear? Where did you learn that word?” Lotus asked sweetly to that boy. The boy looked at his mom. Lotus could feel he was scared so she gave him a warm smile of assurance.
“Mommy used that word when she was telling Daddy about Jenny and James.” The boy said looking down at his shoes.
“Well, dear, your mother is stupid, but I believe you are a bright smart man, don’t you? So, please refrain from using such words in the future.” Lotus said the boy and he nodded that he understood everything.
“Now you both shake hands and go to your classroom.” The principal said to the boys. Lotus also encouraged James and they both shook hands and left the office together.
“How dare you refer to me as stupid in front of my son?” Said Mrs. Harrison like an angry mad dog.
“Because you are the most stupid person I have ever seen. You not only used foul language in front of your son, but you also taught him to lie just now.” Lotus said in a straight face to her.This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.
“Please calm down, Miss Kent and Mrs. Harrison. The issue has been resolved.” Said the Principal. She doesn’t want any scandal in her school.
“I thought your school had a healthy environment, but what happened today proves me wrong. Keep in mind that if my children are subjected to harassment and bullying at school, I will file a complaint against your school.” Lotus warned the Principal and walked to the door. However, what Mrs. Harrison said next stopped her in her place.
“You are only a mistress of a wealthy man; how dare you act like a queen?” She said to Lotus.
“I’m a queen, after all. I don’t squander my husband’s money; I work hard for it.” Lotus said then with a smile of victory she left the room leaving a raging Mrs. Harrison.
Lotus met her children and talked with them after leaving the Principal’s office, and then she left for the office.
Lotus was working on a sketch in her office when Stanley entered with a tired expression.
“Stanley, what happened? Why do you appear so tense? Is Tom being unkind to you?” Lotus asked him making him shocked.
“How did you find out about Tom and me, Ma’am?” Stanley asked her being surprised.
“Stan, I am not deafeningly blind or stupid. I noticed you were always blushing in front of him. I’m happy for you as well.” She said sincerity. Stanley knew his madam is saying the truth.
“Thank you very much, Ma’am. However, there is an issue with our shareholders and clients. They refuse to do business with us.” He reported to Lotus.
“How come they’re saying this?” Lotus asked being a little shocked.
They believed everything they heard about you in the news. They do not want to work with someone who has personal issues, according to them.” Stanley said this looking down.
“I guess you’re referring to the news where they say I don’t have the qualifications to be a businesswoman because I have a sugar daddy backing me up to help me in business?” Lotus asked him while sketching a building in her sketchbook.
“Your guess is correct, ma’am,” Stanley said slightly ashamed that he had to say this to his boss.
“Do you think the same thing, Stanley?” Lotus asked looking at his eyes.
“No, ma’am, I saw how hard you worked to build this business.” I’ve been with you since the beginning. I know how talented you are at your job.” Stanley genuinely replied earning a smile from Lotus.
“So, what do you recommend I do?” Lotus asked him. Stanley is her most old employee and they are like family.
“Ma’am, I suggest you hold a press conference to clear this up.” Otherwise, it will have an impact on the company.” Stanley replied honestly. He cared for Lotus and the company.
“So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and set up the press conference. And ensure that our investors and shareholders are present.” Lotus ordered.
“Yes, Ma’am. Everything will be completed by the end of the day today.” He replied with enthusiasm.
“Also, sent a driver with Monica to pick up James and Jenny from school.” She said then went back to her sketching.
Stanley nodded and walked out of the cabin. Lotus rubbed her chin with the back of her hand. Peter was leaning against her chair as she closed her eyes. Lotus was watching him through his French window. She appeared tired and exhausted from everything. He wants to go there, but she won’t let him.
Natasha called him right then and there.
“You’re a moron. I left my best friend in your care, and she is dealing with these issues. What are you doing? Why aren’t you doing something?” Natasha yelled at Peter as soon as he received the call.
“I’d like to support her, Nat as well, but she has forbidden me from interfering in her life. What should I do? She even forbids me from speaking to her or the children.” Peter said with irritation.
“You told her the truth,” Natasha asked, it was more like a statement.
“I told her I wanted to marry her and give the children my name, but she wouldn’t listen.” Peter honestly replied.
“She has become stone-hearted as a result of dealing with all of her problems over the last four years. It’s time for her to re-learn how to trust. So go find her. Don’t wait for her approval.” Natasha encouraged her cousin. May this be the only chance to make them a family.
“How am I going to do that?” Peter asked frowning.
“Well, you’re known as a ruthless billionaire, so use your lazy brain,” Natasha said bitterly.
Natasha then hung up the phone, leaving Peter alone in his thoughts. Tom walked into Peter’s cabin with a solemn expression on his face.
“What’s the latest news, Tom?” Peter asked.
“Miss Kent is attending a press conference this afternoon, sir. Because her stockholders and investors are being difficult to work with.” Tom reported to his boss.
“I need all of the press conference details by this afternoon, Tom.” Said, Peter.
“What are you up to, boss?” Tom asked a little tense. He didn’t see his boss this lost ever.
“I intend to bring a wife with me. Please keep me informed.” Peter said while standing up from his chair and walking to the door.
Peter dashed out of his office. He has some important tasks to complete before the press conference.
Lotus walked slowly to her conference room. The entire media is waiting for her. When she walked into the conference room, she was greeted by the flashes of cameras. She walked slowly to the podium and took a seat. There were about fifty reporters in front of her, as well as all of her investors and stockholders.
“Everyone, good afternoon. I’m hoping you’re all aware of the purpose of this press conference.” Lotus said to the audiences who are present in front of her.
“Is it true, Miss Kent, that your father is a high-ranking defense officer?” A reporter asked out of the blue
“Yes, it is correct. He holds the rank of Colonel.” Lotus said trying to make herself calm.
“Are you divorced, Miss Kent?” Asked another report.
“I am divorced. Being divorced is not a crime in my opinion.” Lotus replied and everybody chuckled.
“Is it true, Miss Kent, that your ex-husband divorced you because you cheated on him?” Another person asked.
“No, it’s the other way around. He had an affair with my stepsister. And the reason for my divorce was fabricated, and I have proof to prove it. But that’s my personal issue.” Lotus said.
“Do you have a sugar daddy who helped you build this business, Miss Kent?” Asked the first reporter.
“Are you implying that a woman is incapable of starting a business on her own?” Then I’ll tell you that you’re wrong. No, I don’t have a sugar daddy. Even my own father did not assist me in establishing this business. My mother bequeathed a sizable sum of money to me in her will. Because I was her only child, I inherited the money and used it to start this business. And, if you’re wondering about my credentials, I graduated from MIT with a degree in architecture. I am very familiar with my work. So I don’t think I need anyone’s help to start a business.” Lotus replied confidently.
“How about your kids?” “Who is your children’s father?” asked a reporter making Lotus stiffened in her place.
“We have learned that you are having an affair with your business partner, Mr. Peter Robinson.” Is it true that he canceled his engagement for you?” Asked a female reporter.
“Do you think a successful businesswoman like you needs a dirty trick to seduce someone’s fiancé, Miss Kent?” asked someone.
“Does your child’s father approve of your relationship with Mr. Peter?” came another question.
Lotus stood motionless in the face of their inquiries. She was about to respond when Peter walked in. Lotus’ gaze was fixed on the man in front of her. His cold aura is so intimidating that everyone in the room stopped talking the moment he walked in.
“Good day, everyone. I’d like to respond on behalf of my fiancé.” Peter said to everybody.
Everyone in the room gasped when they heard the word fiancée. Lotus was astounded as well. Peter went to Lotus and stood in front of the microphones with her.
“As we all know, you were engaged to Miss Rebecca for four years and now you’re suddenly saying Miss Kent is your fiancée, isn’t that unbelievable?” asked a reporter.
“We knew each other prior to my engagement to Rebecca. I somehow lost her, and my father required assurance about my relationship, which is why I was engaged to Rebecca.” Peter gave a smooth diplomatic answer.
“So you’re saying you used Miss Rebecca to your advantage?” Asked a lady reporter.
“No, I did not employ her. You could say that we both benefited from this relationship.
Her father’s company grew significantly as a result of her engagement. She became well-known. As a result, it’s a good business deal.” Peter said indifferently.
“Do you have any information about Miss Kent’s illegitimate children? Are you ready to accept them?” Asked the same reporter. Earning a glare from Peter.
“First and foremost, Miss Kent has no illegitimate children. Second, who would refuse his own children?” Peter said sternly.
The entire room was filled with gasps. Everyone was taken aback by this revelation.
“Are you saying you’re the father of her children?” asked someone from the crowd.
“I am claiming to be the father of our children. I knew you wouldn’t believe me, so I brought you a DNA report.” Peter said and gestured to Tom who gave a report of DNA test to everyone present in the room.
“So, when are you getting married? Is that going to happen soon?” asked someone.
“When the date is set, we will send you an invitation.” Peter replied shortly.
“There is no engagement ring on Miss Kent’s finger.” The same lady reporter asked.
“I had planned to propose to her in a romantic setting, but you guys made everything a hassle. As a result, I’ll have to do it here.”
Peter then took a velvet box from his suit pocket and knelt on one knee. When he opened the box, everyone could see the large yellow diamond ring.
“Lotus Kent, let us marry and have a full family for our children.” Peter then placed the ring on Lotus’s finger. Lotus was so engrossed in her surroundings that she didn’t notice the heavy ring until she felt it. The room soon filled with the sound of clapping and flashing lights. Lotus looked around, unsure of what to do. She tried to say something, but Peter stopped her when he kissed her to get her to stop talking.