Chapter 3 TO WHAT EXTENT IS THE DAMAGE

Damon banged the door out of frustration and grumbling. "I need to speak with your Head of Department, Mrs Clara. Where is she?" Damon asked Eric as they stepped out.

"This way sir... Let me quickly get her into the second paid room because we wouldn't need early morning attention drawn to you now by the waiting media outside pressuring for an interview." Eric pointed towards an elevator leading to the fourth floor

"Good morning, sir. I'm sorry for delaying. I was having an online meeting with the Titan's industry, addressing every inappropriateness by the media." Mrs Clara stated

"I need to know the extent of damage done or is this a joke?

"I wish it was sir," Clara said. "Unfortunately, these photos have gone viral. It's over the media, sir. The tabloids are eating this up, and our shareholders are already asking questions, which I'm trying to answer sir."

Damon wasn't finding the situation funny at all, years of hard work trying to go down the drain... Peep he snapped his fingers, just like that.

"Let them go ahead and ask because I don't understand how one moment of easing myself of stress and tension got me here; how and why was the media everywhere last night at the club? Your team should have planned and observed the surroundings before asking me to attend that nightclub." Damon flared up hitting his hands on the desk.

"Anyways, what's on the ground now? Because I don't think I can go ahead with Eric's suggestion. This doesn't change anything, let's just release a statement explaining the... misunderstanding. Because I can't deal, I know I have threatened Miss Harper in there already, but the truth is I'm really confused now; I simply can't wrap my head around this; I agree with Miss Harper. We have to annul whatever this is."

Clara exchanged a glance with her team, then looked back at Damon. "It's not that simple sir."

"Why not? It's my cross I'll bear it. Why is it so hard."

Clara shook her head and dropped her now very heavy tabloid. "Sir this has gone beyond just a personal scandal. It's a business one now."

Damon rolled his eyes and leaned on the wall crossed legs. "Explain."

Clara took a deep breath. "Remember you're in the middle of a negotiation with Titan industries. Their CEO's, Greaves Jonathan, is a family man. He values stability and public image. This... Scandal? It could make him reconsider the merger entirely. Not to mention the damage to Blackwood Enterprises' reputation."

Damon's jaw tightened. "So what are you also suggesting? That I stay married?"

Clara didn't shake as he shot glances at her. "For now, yes sir. At least until the deal is finalized. A messy annulment right now would only add fuel to the already burning fire. The media spins it as impulsive, reckless behaviour... Exactly what we don't need sir."

Damon took his coat and wore it. "I think we need to go meet Miss Harper so you can explain the resolution of this to her."

The door to Amelia's room opened and closed, and immediately, she stood up, acting on impulse.

"No matter the number of people you bring here, I'm not given in to that term." Amelia bluntly stated.

Damon was now feeling bad for dragging his assistant into the present issue.

"Miss Harper, please calm down ok... You aren't the only one on this, apologies for blowing out on you earlier on."

"Oh! What a nice strategy, so you think you can make me accept staying in a fake marriage for the sake of your own business, which isn't mine. Hmm, please, sir, with all due respect, dismiss that thought; it won't work." Amelia said plainly.

Clara turned to her with a calm expression.

"Calmness is what you need now Miss Amelia Harper. Look, I understand this is a lot to ask, but yes, going on with the marriage is exactly what I'm suggesting, in fact, what the team is suggesting. It's temporary. Six months tops. Enough time for the meddling media to lose interest and for the merger to push through."

Amelia's eyes were now furious and a bit teary. "This wasn't my mistake. Why should I pulse my life and revolve around business redemption called 'marriage' why?"

Damon, at this point, stopped pacing and looked at her; his frustration was now boiling over. "As your boss, you think I want this? That I planned for this disaster? You were just as much a part of that drunken mistake as I was."

"Don't you dare pin this on me," Amelia shot back, rising to her feet. "You dragged me to that club. I was only there because you insisted it's part of my job description and that I need to keep taps off your schedule. Indeed, I can see how I kept taps off your schedule because my schedule is now included." Amelia dangled her fingers in the air while being sarcastic and blowing hot.

"Enough," Clara interjected with a firm voice. "Arguing at this point won't solve anything. Boss, if we want to save this deal, you need to play along. And Miss Harper, you'd be compensated generously for your cooperation."

Amelia's jaw tightened. "I don't want your money. I have my responsibility to think about, and I can't afford to have any distraction or my life been turned upside down for a corporate deal."

Clara hesitated, then softened her tone. "I understand. But think about the potential benefit. I know you're worried about your work, child and mother's health bills but guess what... Your child's future is secured. She stared at Damon and back at Amelia, We can arrange for financial support, healthcare, education... Whatever you need. And your job, don't worry about it... we know you can't keep up with the everyday eye contact with you, so you'll still be paid. Just consider this six months as part of the job and working from home."

Damon frowned, looking between Clara and Amelia. "Are you trying to blackmail her now?"