Unforeseen Chemistry

Chapter 114: Susan's Shame

Back at the Police Headquarters, Mr Anderson had finished narrating the whole issue to Darren.

"My daughter is innocent. Here is some information we have which clearly shows the inconsistency in the investigation. An indication that something is not right," Mr Anderson said.

"I have heard everything you have said. I will assign one of my men to monitor the investigation going on at the central police station. I will let you know how we will proceed based on what we find," Darren said.

"Thank you so much," Mr Anderson appreciated and Darren walked them to their parked car outside.

At Diamond Corporation, a controversy has already started following the news about Bryce and Susan being in a relationship which goes against the company's rule on relationship. The accompanying images to the news made it undeniable that Bryce and Susan had something going on. The company's rules against relationships among employees are one of the reasons why Bryce kept his marriage with Angela a secret. He was waiting for a perfect time to review that rule and make some changes so he could freely announce his relationship with Angela but he never got the chance and all these issues started. Susan, was now a shareholder and being Devon Moore's favourite, employees could only murmur among themselves about what they had heard on the news.

Susan strode in half an hour after the hour 8 in the morning, holding her shoulder high and her head lifted with pride. The employees she met going about their business had their heads turned as they stole glances at her. Susan was extraordinarily dressed like she was the wife of the state's president.

"I would like a cup of black coffee, sent to my office by the time I get there. And moving forward, that will be your task," Susan said to the receptionist before entering the elevator.

She exited on the floor leading to her office. She walked past several employees and she yelled at those who walked past without greeting or bowing to her.

"I used to have so much respect for this company. I never knew the leaders would break their own rules while they force us to follow them strictly," an employee said to another after bowing to Susan who walked past them heading for her office.

"Congratulations once again Susan," Eva said excitedly to Susan as soon as she entered the office.

"Thank you," Susan appreciated with a smile and sat behind her desk.

"So the idiot didn't bring my black coffee?" Susan said returning her gaze to Eva after finding no coffee on her desk.

"Already giving orders as Mrs Moore?" Eva asked smiling.

"They must feel my presence," Susan said and a knock was heard at the door.

"Your coffee, Ms Susan," the lady Susan spoke to placed the coffee on Susan's desk.

"You are late. Take the coffee and get out," Susan said to the lady. "In the future, act this slow again and I will have your appointment terminated," she added.

The lady was surprised but they had all seen the news, what could she say to Susan?

"Get out and stop staring at me like a stray dog," Susan yelled at the lady and she quickly exited the office making Eva laugh.

"These employees, need to double up now. Anyway, you look amazing," Eva praised. "You look like a CEO's wife-to-be," she added and Susan smiled.

"Well, unless Bryce wants to ridicule his family, with this news out there, he has no option than to marry you," Eva said boldly.

"Bryce could easily organize a press conference to clear this up or even have the news pulled down as fake," Susan said sounding serious but with a smile on her face. "His father is the one I am counting on. He would make sure Bryce goes through with what has been announced," she added.

"That is great," Eva said. "I wish we could have a joint wedding. So we can make it grand," she suggested.

"No, I want to be the centre of attraction on the D-day," Susan said. "We can have a couple after party. A grand one," she suggested.

"Okay," Eva accepted and sat behind her desk.

In the garage, Bryce got out of the car and headed for the elevator with his two guards trailing behind him. He entered the elevator and pressed for the eighth floor. The guards pressed for the ground floor and exited the elevator at the ground floor while Bryce continued to the eighth floor.

On the eighth floor, Bryce walked past what used to be Angela's office and entered his. He recalled pieces of the events that took place the night before. He had also looked at the pictures carefully and with what he recalled from memory, he knew he didn't kiss Susan. The image was taken from a false angle. He also began to question Marcus's loyalty. He had trained his employees to respect and carry his orders through. His family are not even able to go against an order he had given to his employees to carry out. So how did he end up at Susan's place? This was a question on Bryce's mind, but there were two important things he needed to take care of. The first is the news about his relationship with Susan; the second is getting evidence to prove Angela was innocent so he could get her out of prison.

"Hello, I want all employees at the auditorium within half an hour for an important briefing," Bryce said over the phone after dialling the receptionist extension.

"Yes, Mr President," the receptionist acknowledged and the call ended.

Bryce picked up his phone and called Marcus next.

"Come to my office now," Bryce said and ended the call without waiting for a reply.

He had a lot on his mind the night at the premiere and this is how he ended up drinking the water from Susan. Even though he didn't think ill of Susan, he knew better not to accept anything edible from a woman who desperately wanted to be his wife. He quickly came to the realization of his mistake after drinking the water when he was thirsty but it was too late, he started feeling funny so he decided to leave. Unfortunately, he couldn't get far and Susan caught up with him. His expectation was for his guard to protect him but Marcus didn't and for that, he needed answers.

There was a knock on his door and Marcus entered his office after he invited him in.

"Come with me," Bryce said and stood up.

Marcus followed Bryce out of his office thinking Bryce had invited him over to talk about the findings of his investigation on Angela. Marcus had already prepared some answers in mind to share with Bryce which he intended to put in the report he had kept for weeks based on Susan's orders.

Marcus entered the auditorium with Bryce and found many employees already seated. The room which was filled with murmuring went silent as soon as Bryce entered. Bryce walked towards the stage and was soon behind the podium with Marcus standing to his right.

"Good morning," Bryce greeted and the employees responded. "Is everyone here?" he questioned the receptionist who was sitting on the second row.

"Everyone is here except Ms Susan and Ms Eva," the receptionist replied but just then Susan and Eva entered the auditorium.

The receptionist sat back down and Bryce waited for Susan and Eva to sit too.

"Once again, good morning. I have called this meeting to make a very important announcement," Bryce said and Susan smiled. "I believe if not all of you, some of you have seen the news trending on social media," he said.

Susan's smile broadened and Eva smiled at her before returning her gaze to Bryce.

"As your president and CEO of Diamond Corporation, I stand here today to inform you that, there is no intimate relationship between myself and Ms Susan McClean," he said and the smile on Susan's face vanished.

"This news is all false and it will be taken down before the close of business today. The attached image showing myself and Ms McClean behaving inappropriately was a picture taken from a false angle. Ms Susan only aided me to my car after I had a small health issue," Bryce said. "I called this gathering to clear this up. I respect the rules of this company and I will not disrespect all of you here. There are plans to review the rule on relationship but until then, we hold on to the old rule," he added. "Thank you for your time," he said and the session came to an end.

Susan bowed her head in shame and hurried her way out of the auditorium. She could not return to her office but went straight to her car with Eva.

"How could he do this to me?" Susan questioned almost in tears once inside her car inside the garage.

"Calm down Susan, you know Mr Moore, call his father," Eva suggested and Susan pulled out her phone and dialled Devon's number.

"Dad, Bryce humiliated me in the office today in front of everyone," Susan complained as soon as Devon answered the call.