87. Escalate The Scandal
At GK Group.
Lucas sat on the couch in his office, facing a middle-aged man. One could sense the tensed-up anger, from the dangerous and suffocating air that surrounded him.
“That news can greatly impact the GK Group’s upcoming product launches and collaborations. Shut it down as soon as you can.”
“Shutting down the news of your engagement’s scandal won’t be easy, Mr. Harrison.” Mr. Raynold looked dispirited. “GK Group’s influence is vast. Some people are waiting for such kind of news so they can find reasons to withhold the Group’s future success. Unless the masses find something more interesting to talk about, I’m afraid just taking it down from the media agencies is like dousing a small part of the flame.”
“Well, if the news continues spreading, what will be the GK Group’s fate in the next few weeks or months?”
Lucas was greatly disappointed, and he couldn’t help but feel annoyed by one person.
If she hadn’t carelessly declared that it was Grandpa Winston’s orders, he’d never hold any celebration even if Blake Harrison begged on his knees.
Mr. Raynold didn’t need to be assumptive. The GK Group’s fate would be detrimental. “I think the only way to end this scandal is if something more scandalous happens. Once we escalate the incident, people will find something new to talk about and totally forget about the engagement.”
“Is that possible?” Amanda pondered from a corner.
“Yes, that is possible.” Mr. Raynold smiled. “I have spent many years working with various media agencies, and such things are common. Most times, celebrities get into trouble. We usually shut down such kind of news in a simple way: which implies formulating another scandal.”
“If that’s the case, what do you suggest?” Lucas asked. “Phoenix City has been peaceful. There hasn’t been any scandal recently.”
“But there is, Mr. Harrison.” Mr. Raynold smiled. “Currently, there’s a small fashion marketing brand making waves in Phoenix City. When its scandal broke out, people spoke about it all day and night, before someone blocked the news.”
“Do you know the good piece of the news? That brand is a small subsidiary under the AG Group. It is common knowledge that GK Group and AG Group don’t stand on the same ground.”
“We can bring up their scandal again, escalate it so the public will stop talking about your failed engagement. Is there a better way to get back at Zach Olsen for hooking up with your ex- wife?” Mr. Raynold gave Lucas a suggestive look.
“What is the scandal?” Lucas narrowed his eyes.
“Hehe, I have it inside my phone. It was all over the internet on the day it happened.” Mr. Raynold brought out his phone and played a video.
Lucas watched it with rapt attention.
A middle-aged woman was sitting on a rooftop, about to commit suicide.
Fast-forward to where her lies were exposed: A young lady approached her and pulled down her facade.
Lucas frowned, finding the back-view of the lady familiar.
However, what would Heidi be doing in that kind of place?
Once the video stopped playing, he handed the phone back. “Escalate that scandal.”
“Haha! We’ll do it, Mr. Harrison.” Mr. Raynold stood up. “From tonight, no one will speak about the engagement anymore.”
“Mr. Harrison…” Amanda stepped forward, looking conflicted. “Won’t escalating that scandal be advantageous to that subsidiary under the AG Group? Remember AG Group is our enemy.”
Amanda saw nothing but good comments online regarding that scandal.
It would be like helping the enemy to success, wouldn’t it?
“The disadvantage will be far more impactful, especially on Zach Olsen. Because his sister is involved. That small subsidiary is insignificant. Even if it rises back on its feet, it can not possibly contribute to AG Group’s already failing glory.”
Lucas’s answer washed away all their speculations and fears.
“You may leave.”
After dismissing Amanda and Mr. Raynold, the brooding atmosphere returned, and he sank into a deep thought.
Now that he’d seen someone almost similar to her, all that occupied his mind was her.
Heidi.
Where was she at the moment? She must be probably out there, hooking up with rich kids.
Standing up, he approached the floor- to-ceiling window and stared down at the bustling city below. As if he could spot her among the crowd.
Was she in the wrong, however? She was only an orphan and would do anything to survive.
Had he pushed her too much?
“Lucas, my love!” The shrill voice snapped him out of his trance.
Lucas turned around and Tracy ran into his arms, sobbing. “Honey, I missed you so much! Were you busy that’s why you didn’t return to the hospital? You promised me that you’d return in the morning. I patiently waited, but you didn’t show up.”
“Why are you here?” Lucas peeled her off him.
“To see you, Honey.” Tracy smiled bashfully, flinging her arms over his shoulders. “I couldn’t bear being apart from you, so I left the hospital and came to keep you company.”
Without saying a word, Lucas went back to his chair and sat down.
“Why are you so quiet, Honey?” Tracy followed him. “I am here to let you know that I’ve fully recovered. Aren’t you happy?”
Using the opportunity that they were alone in the office, she slowly lowered herself onto the chair’s armrest before sliding onto his lap.
“It seems your employees love making you mad.” Her fingers traveled up to his shirt and she carefully undid the buttons, rubbing herself against him. ” But since I’m here, forget about them. How about we enjoy a good moment-”
“Get. Off.” Lucas’s muscles were tensed up. His expression darkening, he pushed her away.
