The Rose He Killed novel Chapter 302

Chapter 265: Press conference-1

Bella POV

Before I could step back, another reporter, a man in a loud blue suit near the aisle, raised his voice without waiting to be called on.

“Isabella, are you just supporting a cheating husband because he has money? Is this about protecting your joint business empire?”

The room went dead silent, but I held up a single hand to keep him in place. I looked directly at the man who had spoken.

I scoffed, my voice flat. “What is your name?”

He blinked, taken aback by the direct confrontation. “Mark Vance, Global Inquirer.”

“Well, Mr. Vance,” I said, leaning closer to the microphone, “if you had ever managed to build anything of your own, you would know that my net worth does not depend on my husband’s bank account. I do not need his money to survive, nor do I need it to raise my children. If I am standing here, it is because I choose to stand here. Next question.”

A woman in the second row stood up quickly, trying to capitalize on the tension. “But Isabella, the photos show them at the hotel room together. Are you really that blind, or are you just willing to look the other way to save face in high society?”

I stared at her, my amber eyes locking onto hers until she shifted her weight uncomfortably.

“I am the CEO of a global conglomerate,” I said, my voice cutting through the room. “I spent years running operations, reading contracts, and analyzing data. I do not do ‘blind.’ If I have looked at the facts of my private life and decided where I stand, it is based on reality, not on a cheap, fabricated tabloid story designed to sell clicks to people like you.”

“But the public has a right to know!” a third reporter shouted from the back, a young man with a notepad. “If the head of Black Enterprises is compromised by personal misconduct, how can the shareholders trust either of you?”

“The shareholders trust us because our balance sheets are pristine, our acquisitions are successful, and our leadership has never wavered,” I replied, my voice dropping into a dangerous, quiet register. “My husband’s professional competence is not up for debate here. And as for our personal lives, the public has a right to whatever we choose to share. Today, we chose to give you the truth. What you do with your own headlines is your business, but do not mistake my patience for weakness.”

I turned away from the microphone, leaving the remaining shouting voices behind as Caleb stepped forward to guide me toward the exit. But before we could take a single step off the stage, Caleb stopped. He gently squeezed my hand, then let it go and stepped directly up to the microphone.

The room went dead silent again. Caleb adjusted the stand, his tall frame leaning slightly toward the mic. His face was entirely serious, his gray eyes sweeping over the crowd of reporters.

“I have a few words to add,” Caleb said, his voice deep, calm, and carrying an undeniable weight that commanded the room’s attention. “My wife has stood up here and defended our family with a grace I am

12

Chapter 265 Press conference 1

Clim

not sure I even deserve. But I will not let her stand in the line of fire alone, and I will not let you continue to drag her name into this.”

He leaned in closer, his expression hardening.

“I am a father,” Caleb said simply. “I have small children at home who look up to me every single day. I want to live by example for my kids, I want to show them what it means to be a man of integrity, to face challenges with honesty, and to protect the people you love. Because of that, I would highly appreciate it if the lies stopped today.”

He paused, looking directly at the front row of journalists.

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