Turning away from the computer screen, Yelena let out a breath. The time had come and just now, the whole world heard her name.
This already happened a few days ago when she takes over TR Group but now, it was declared to the whole world that she was the fiancee of the Crown Prince of Edeladon!
The Edeladon royal family were one of the most famous royals in the world. As such, her life won't be easy anymore. However, she didn't care as long as she had Felix. Only him matters.
She shifted her attention back to the screen and listened to the countless questions of the reporters. It was a miracle that Felix could still maintain his composure! What would he say next?
"How long have you been with the Acting Chairwoman?"
"Does it mean you're marrying her soon, Your Highness?"
"Did the culprit attack her because of some grudge towards you?"
"Can you please explain it further, Your Highness?"
"You asked me if the culprit is someone I know," Felix uttered and the conference room became quiet again. "Yes, I know him. Not only me, everyone in this room know him."
What did the Prince mean? Everyone who watched the press conference was now filled with curiosity at the highest level. The Crown Prince had already revealed unimaginable facts in such a short time. Now, it all comes down to one question. Who was the culprit?
The press conference was broadcasted even in the streets of Edeladon and in those streets, people flocked together, forgetting everything else. Some stared at the screen which was displayed up high, some watched it through their phones yet everyone murmured one question. Who might be the culprit?
"The culprit... " The Prince paused, making everyone hold their breath. It made it harder to continue for him! Then he finally opened his mouth again after a few seconds. "My cousin, Prince Alonzo Vasari is the one behind all the incidents I mentioned."
The declaration shook the whole country to the core! People who watched the conference at their homes, streets, restaurants or workplaces all had the same reaction.
No freaking way! Did the Crown Prince said that his cousin the carefree and playful Prince was a murderer?! On top of that, the victim was the Crown Prince's lover at that time! Abduction of his fiancee? This was crazy!
The reporter's reactions were the same yet they quickly do their work. Bombarding the Crown Prince with countless questions but... the Prince shut them up by speaking again.
"That's all the information I can reveal for now. An investigation will be held and the court will schedule a hearing soon. When that time comes, everything will be revealed to the citizens. So, I beg for your understanding."
When the last thing he was about to say crossed his mind, Felix took a deep breath and straightly glanced at the cameras. "All the things I revealed today are personal. However, the royal family represents this nation. As such, this big of an issue shouldn't be kept hidden from the citizens. I sincerely apologized for the tarnishing of our country's reputation caused by the royal family."
"The royal family members should preserve the honour and dignity of our country but... we failed to do that. As such, after discussing this matter with my parents, the King and Queen of this nation, we decide to request for legislative reform and abolish the monarchy, so that this country will become a democratic country as a whole."
Abolition of monarchy? The citizens were at a loss for words. Ever since the constitutional monarchy was established in Edeladon around 60 years ago, the approval rate of the monarchy was never below 90%! People admired the royal family to that extent!
The reporters were also aware of this. Besides, not just the citizens but the Members of the Parliament also cherished the monarchy. That's why almost everyone asked the same questions.
"Your Highness, do you think it would be accepted?"
"The people won't agree to this. Do you think you can push through?"
However, Felix ignored their questions. "That's all I can say for today's press conference. Thank you all for being patient until the end." He bowed and left the conference room though the questions never subdued.
Yelena was also in a daze because the last information given by Felix was news to her. Was that what he really wanted? She didn't think so. She remembered him saying that he wanted to follow in his grandfather footsteps and give his all for the people and the country. Will Alonzo's actions end everything?!
She stared at her phone and wondered if she should call him. She picked up, trying to call him but... she wasn't sure of her decision. Maybe she should give him time. He will call her when he was ready.
Meanwhile, Felix sat still in the waiting room just beside the conference room. The flashing of camera lights, the endless questions and the look on their faces; it lingered in his mind. He shut his eyes and put his hands on it.
"Your Highness." Matthew walked to him and bowed. "All the reporters have left now." He informed the Prince.
Felix slowly turned to Matthew but he narrowed his eyes the next second. "The whole country... No... The whole world will be talking about my family right now." He muttered.
"However, you made the right choice, Your Highness. But... in case of the abolition, the reporters are right. The people won't approve of it." Matthew remarked.
"They already heard the truth. I'm sure that they won't tolerate such a disgrace. They will change their mind after some time." Felix said and glanced at his phone. "You can go now. I will stay here for a while."
As soon as Matthew left, Felix lifted his phone and called Yelena. Though he felt a bit hesitant, he at least wants to check how she was doing. Did reporters already flock to her workplace? This one question made him heavily sighed.
"Yelena, I just finished the press conference. How are things there?" He promptly asked her as soon as she picked up the call.
"I watched your press conference," Yelena said. "Things are still calm here. Don't worry. What about you?"
"I'm in the palace, so they can't do much. Please be careful. From now on, even reporters from my country might fly all the way there. I know you will be able to handle them but... I'm concern for your safety."
Growing up in the limelight, Felix knew how troublesome and overwhelming those reporters could be. He still felt guilty for putting her in such a dire situation. However, he needs to remain here to handle Alonzo's case.
"I will be fine. I even have a guard now. Besides, there are security guards in the company and I already move back to my family mansion. You also know that the security there is very tight." She calmly assured the Prince.
Felix fell silent for a while and then said, "Don't you have questions for me? About the abolition and all."
Yelena narrowed her eyes, glancing at the ring on her finger. "I trust your decision whatever it is. I'm not sure how things will go on but... let's hope that in the end, everything will fall to its rightful place." She slightly smiled when she was reminded of their past. "Besides, we always agreed to talk about important matters face to face and not through a phone call. Let's save it for the time we meet."
"You said that you will come to me once everything is settled but... I want to be the one who does that. When you are ready, allow me to come to you. That's all I want." She added.
"You look after the biggest corporation of your country now. You won't have time to come here." Felix replied. His voice was still low but it had greatly improved compared to before and that made Yelena smiled a bit.
"You're so dumb," Yelena said as she shook her head. "I'm a businesswoman for now and that's why I have many business trips in my schedule. Many of my mother's business partners have their Headquarters there in your country." Her lips curved into an amusing smile. "Who knows? I might even have to travel there for business purpose."
Felix's face brightened up in the slightest bit not because of what she said but because of her tone. She seemed to be doing well than he thought and he was glad for that. Come to think of it, he had neglected his work for so long and his father will be very busy. He should really compose himself!
"Does it mean I have a chance to have a meeting with you as a business partner?" He asked. The possibility had never once crossed his mind!
Yelena opened her mouth to respond but... the door of her office was knocked and Julia Corell hurriedly made her way to her. "Chairwoman, many reporters gathered outside the company!"