Chapter 16 - THE PRESS CONFERENCE|
The press conference was scheduled for eleven in the morning at Briarwood Holdings.
By ten-thirty, reporters had filled the lobby.
The announcement was simple: Briarwood Holdings would acquire a controlling interest in Harrow Coast Hotels through a family-approved restructuring agreement.
Camille's name appeared in the press release.
So did a quotation supposedly written by her.
I believe this partnership represents the best future for the Harrow legacy.
She read it twice.
Then she laughed.
"They didn't even bother to ask me."
Everett stood beside her.
"They're hoping you won't challenge it until after the announcement."
"Then let's go."
Lydia and two members of the legal team followed them into the building.
Russell was already onstage when Camille entered.
Nathan sat in the front row.
Sloane stood near the back, looking pale.
Oliver was nowhere to be seen.
Russell smiled toward the cameras.
"Today marks an important new chapter for two respected American business families—"
"Excuse me."
Camille's voice carried across the room.
Russell stopped.
She walked toward the stage.
"Before you announce my agreement, perhaps you should ask whether I signed one."
The reporters turned.
Cameras rose.
Russell's smile tightened.
"Camille, this isn't the appropriate time."
"You're announcing a transaction using my name. It seems exactly the appropriate time."
Nathan stood.
"Please, sweetheart. Let's discuss this privately."
Camille looked at him.
"You've had plenty of private conversations."
Lydia handed a document to the nearest reporter.
"This press release contains a false statement attributed to Ms. Harrow. She has not authorized the proposed sale."
Russell tried to take the microphone.
"This is a misunderstanding."
Camille faced the cameras.
"My grandmother created Harrow Coast Hotels. She built it from one small inn into a company that employs hundreds of people. Her trust has never authorized the transfer being announced today."
A reporter shouted, "Are you accusing Briarwood Holdings of fraud?"
"I'm saying the documents are under investigation, and I will not allow anyone to sell assets they do not own."
Another reporter asked, "What about the alleged engagement agreement?"
Camille looked directly at the camera.
"There was no engagement. I was invited to an event where my future was treated as a condition of a business deal. I refused."
A murmur spread through the room.
Russell stepped toward her.
"You're making serious accusations."
"Then answer serious questions."
She nodded to Lydia.
The lawyer displayed the disputed authorization, the trust records, and the false quotation.
Then a recording played.
Russell's voice was unmistakable.
"If Camille refuses, we move without her."
Nathan answered.
"She won't refuse."
The recording ended.
For a moment, nobody moved.
Then reporters began shouting questions.
Russell turned toward Nathan.
Nathan looked at the floor.
Camille stepped away from the stage.
She had not expected the truth to feel like victory.
It felt like grief.
Then her mother appeared at the entrance, holding a small envelope.
"Camille," she called.
Camille turned.
Elaine looked terrified.
"I found something in your father's desk."
She held up a photograph.
It showed Nathan, Russell, and Everett Kane.
All three were standing together outside a hotel.
May you like
The date was eighteen months earlier.
The night Camille had ended her relationship with Everett.
