Anya looked at Rob, then Alvin and Ean. In three of them, the mastermind was Alvin, Rob was the disaster controller, and Ean was the executor. And the three complemented and coordinated with each other, making an amazing team.
Everyone's attention shifted back to the stage when Ean announced, "Let's resume."
There was loud applause when Alvin held the remote over Anya's hand and he clicked the button with her, to keep her more at ease.
Skylark, the logo of the blue flying bird with their name and date was on the milestone and the screen displayed the official launch of the website, social media platforms, and entry to the share market.
Ean smiled brightly as everything was going smoothly. The small ruckus won't be published so he didn't fret over it. He announced cheerfully, "Let the party begin."
A piece of soothing music started playing in the hall. The waiters who were standing in a line at the wall entered the hall and spread out to serve the drinks and starters.
Anya ignored the tense air in the hall and watched the milestone that had 'Anya Owen' as a special guest with 'Alvin Matthews' as the founder. She couldn't believe her name was going to be well known to the thousands of employees of the company.
She gently punched Alvin, "You should have asked Elder Collins." She could still feel her heart beating erratically in her chest. It was a kind of fear and also happiness she couldn't express, "You better work hard."
Alvin chuckled, wrapping her in his arms. She would know what to do in a dire situation to save herself or to save hundreds of people. And here she was worried about superficial thoughts. "Let's go home." He knew she was worried about Zane and he was bored there.
Anya vigorously nodded her head. Then she glanced at Casper. If her plan has to go smoothly, they will have to save Casper's face. "Let's greet my father-in-law and seek blessings."
Alvin was inarticulate seeing her cheering him. He wondered what could be her plan, anyway, he gave in. "Goofball."
….
Alvin had to meet the foreign investors who were also leaving. Ean was tired of their display of affection, so he fled before their gaze could fall on him. Linus congratulated them and joined the business people to extend his network.
Rob was leading the couple without letting anybody approach them. He paused when the couple went in front of Casper, sending others away.
Alvin smirked looking at helpless Casper. Wherever Casper went, he was always the focal point. Now he was standing like a nobody, yet he couldn't leave the event.
He jeered at Casper, "Smile Casper Matthews. You don't want others to know your shit. Do you?"
Casper tried his best to come up with a natural smile and pretended to be a good father by patting his shoulder, "Don't even think you could get Matthews Industries." It was a little test to know what was in Alvin's mind by buying so many shares.
Anya furrowed. Casper proves that giving birth doesn't make one a father. All Casper cared about was his company. She was glad Alvin wasn't like him and she will make him a father, maybe not the best but the affable one who would have his son to support him.
Wait, her darling son is Alvin's partner in crime. Anya smiled at her thoughts and ignored Casper for now.
Casper saw Anya smiling. He had tasted Anya's power and chose to be quiet with her. Little did he know she wasn't merciful. She wasn't going to let him off with a warning for sending the corruption control team to her new home. He was going to face the consequences very soon.
Alvin snickered at Casper's words. "Your company?" He wants to have no connection between himself and the Matthews family, why will he wish to have a company?
"Casper Matthews, I would rather choose to ruin your company." Then he suggested, "If you want to save it, run away." He was indirectly asking Casper to retire and let Liam take care of the business.
Casper fumed. How dare his son talk that way? "You-"
"Enough." Anya cut off Casper. Both weren't the ones who would compromise. Instead of useless arguments, they better mind their business. "If you want to be flooded by other people, stay back." She was asking him to leave the event.
Casper was annoyed hearing her asking him to get out of there. Anyway, when he saw those two were leaving too, he walked out elegantly.
But as soon as he stepped, he was stunned when the camera kept flickering on him and the reporters paused from asking questions to Alvin and Anya.
"Chairman Matthews, what do you say about your son's achievements?"
"Chairman Matthews, were you aware Skylark belonged to your son hence you didn't take any actions?"
"Chairman Matthews, which son are you proud of?
"Chairman Matthews, will Skylark stay separate from Matthews Industries?"
"President Matthews, since you bought the shares of Matthews Industries, do you plan on merging the company with Matthews Industries?"
"President Matthews, did you open a new company to compete with your brother?"
"Where is your brother? Are you two on negatives?"
"Mrs. Matthews, are you the reason Matthews and Daltons broke their relationship?"
"Did you have an affair with Alvin Matthews?"
"How long have you been together?"
The questions at the three were unstoppable. Although Anya knew Alvin and Flora weren't in a relationship, she flinched hearing their question. Alvin who had instinctively pulled Anya to his arms, wrapped his arms tight looking at the one who directed dirty questions at Alvin. He was offended but he held his annoyance.
Alvin turned to Casper and flashed him a warning smile, "Chairman Matthews, why don't you tell the reporters about me and my wife?"
Casper gritted his teeth. If he tells the truth, he will have to accept Zane was born out of wedlock. So he smiled apologetically at the media, "My son has been with his wife for six plus years. They have an adorable son. I hope you don't ask such questions to my daughter-in-law and hurt her."
The reporters were shocked but digested thinking they might have an infant son. Another reporter probed, "We heard Mrs. Matthews inaugurated the Skylark. Why didn't you bring your son to the program?"
"Or are you again lying about having a son just like engagement?"
"President Matthews, did your wife blackmail you to marry her?"
"Is this a publicity stunt to keep Mrs. Matthews's image clean?"
Anya never had to face the media. Her work was always in the shadows. So hearing them firsthand, especially about her personal life, she wanted to smack their faces. She could understand why celebrities have scandals.
Alvin noticed only three were getting aggressive over Anya instead of focusing on the Skylark. He responded to them with a question, "Did somebody pay you to ask these questions?"
Anya tugged his hand. Alvin was terrible at handling the media and the public. So she responded, "Our son will make an appearance at the evening party at the Majestic Clubhouse."
"Mrs. Matthews, would you mind giving us your introduction?"
Anya had waited for it. "I'm Anya Owen, an ex-officer."
The reporters looked at each other, finding the name familiar. "The thief?"
Anya glanced at Alvin who pretended to be unheard. He stole the hard disk and his wife was called a thief. Anya responded, "I was an undercover cop. I was working as a spy at the secretariat. I had to resign from my job as my identity was leaked."
Alright, his wife announced her fake resignation. It's time they leave. He took her away ignoring their questions. However, Casper was trapped between them with more questions.
–––––
In the Matthews mansion,
Gianna smirked hearing Anya had resigned from her job. If Anya had resigned, Anya couldn't do anything to her, right?
Or did Anya resign to take the dean position?
She wasn't going to let Anya get her position. So she focused on controlling Alvin and separating Anya and Alvin.
Anya wasn't a cop anymore. Zane was attending the evening party. So her plans will be successful, won't they?
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