Chapter 3 The Press Conference

Sophia turned her heels towards the account managers officer, to meet her father's best friend who was like a brother from another mother to Sophia's father

As she walked in, she saw Mr. Jackson Wilde. Jackson had a strong grip over numbers, he was with her father since they both settled the first step of developing this world wide firm.

They both had been through thick and thin, facing numerous challenges and celebrating countless victories together. Sophia always admired the bond they shared, like two brothers who had each other's back no matter what.

Jackson stood up from his seat and walked towards her smiling warmly. Sophia felt an emotional apocalypse as the thought of her father not being alive hit her.

Sophia looked up at him with tears warming her eyes, but tight then Jackson wrapped his arms around her, engulfing her in a fatherly hug and she felt a warmness spreading around her.

"I know its hard, but I am here for you, Sophia,'' he whispered, his words full of empathy.

Sophia looked up at him with a little smile and her eyes glistening, grateful for his presence in her life. In those moments she realised that even though her father was no longer with her, he left someone behind him who would stand for her at every step, guarding her like a father.

"Sophia it's really so good to see you here today, taking over as a CEO, your father has made you capable of taking this responsibility and I know you will ace it with perfection," Jackson patted her head lovingly.

Sophia returned the hug with equal warmth and love. "Yes, Uncle Jack I will definitely do everything in my hand to take our company to more and more heights and I can't tell you how grateful I am for having you here by my side today," She said as they broke the hug.

Jackson smiled, taking his seat. "Sophia, daughter, it's my duty to be here for you,"he told her.

Sophia took her seat and drank a glass of water before answering.

"Thank you, also have you checked up on the market since the company was running without the CEO from the past one week," She asked, discussing business.

"Oh yeah, we are in a good situation, everything is in a perfect hold, and a client has requested an urgent meeting and has matters to look into. Richard has been taking care of that, but you had to look at it yourself after the conference," Jackson informed the situation.

"I got it, I will ask Richard to bring me all the files and I will definitely get to work right after the conference," Sophia said smiling.

"Now let's get ourselves to the conference room, the media must be going nuts over it," Sophia said, chuckling as she stood up on her heels.

Jackson followed her out of his office and they headed towards the main conference room. Sophia was feeling a mix of emotions with every passing step, her heart throbbing around her rib cage.

Jackson noticed the way Sophia's posture stiffed and her nails digging her palms.

"Everything is going to be smooth Sophia, don't panic yourself," Jackson said gently, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

Sophia forced a small smile, trying to calm her racing thoughts. She trusted Jackson with all her heart, but the situation they were in was far from easy.

As they reached their destination, Sophia took a deep breath and prepared herself for what was to come. With Jackson by her side, she knew she could face anything.

As they together walked into the room, ready to confront the challenges that lay ahead. With the support of Jackson and her staff, they knew they could overcome whatever obstacles were thrown their way. And as they faced the unknown together, Sophia felt a sense of peace wash over her, the anxiety and restlessness going away.

Sophia got up on the stage and looked around the room, she could feel the chaos and excitement surrounding the event. Reporters were busy setting up their cameras and microphones, while guests and staff socialised.

Sophia took a deep breath and settled to her seat, straightening her posture, ready to face the crowd. She gestured to her manager to start the event. Richard took control over the podium mic greeting all the journalists and media persons.

As Richard finished addressing the media everyone's eyes settled over Sophia, the media was buzzing with excitement, eager to hear the latest news, with their mics settled in front of her.

She greeted the audience with a soft smile yet eyes blazing with desire of doing the absolute best.

She took a deep breath and spoke confidently, "Thank you all for being her today. As many of you know, my father has passed away. I am deeply saddened by the loss of my father, but it's our time to step up with time. I am absolutely honoured to take over my father's position," She began.

"It's a bittersweet moment for me, but I am determined to honour his legacy and continue to build on the success he has achieved," Sophia spoke. As she spoke, Sophia exuded a sense of confidence and determination in her voice that impressed the journalists and left them with no doubt that she was more than capable of leading the company through these difficult times.

She went on to express her gratitude for the outpouring of support from her employees, clients and the community, and assured everyone about the capabilities she holds.

She went on with explaining about the plans and building up about the future of her clients and company.

The press conference further moved with the media putting forward the questions, Sophia answered back with strong words and grace. By the end of the conference everyone was assured the company was in good condition with Sophia at the helm.

Sophia finished her speech and settled back on her seat. She knew that she had big shoes to fill, but she was ready to take every challenge on her way.

After the closing of the conference, Jackson approached Sophia with a proud smile on his face.

"You did amazing, Sophia. Your father would be so proud of you today, we must be smiling from the heavens," he said, patting her on the head.

Sophia smiled and looked at the clouds from the window, the sun shining brightly indeed her father was smiling.