Cedric stood in the silent elevator wearing his full disguise. When he was dressed like thi even those that knew who was really under the mask felt intimidated by the aura of the CEO of the Reyes Group.
Dave stood silently as he tapped away on his phone, making sure that Cedric's plan was executed perfectly.
"Are they in the basement?" Cedric asked in a cold demeanor.
"Yes boss." Dave said with a nod. "They are just waiting for my instructions."
"Make sure they are ready to leave at any moment." Cedric said as his voice faltered. He was worried about Alexi and the others. They would be leaving without a security escort as not to draw any attention to the simple vehicle.
"The team is aware sir." Dave said with a nod.
"After this I want a full investigation into this matter." Cedric told his assistant.
"Do you have any suspicions sir?" Dave asked.
"I do." Cedric said.
"I'll make sure to place our best people on this matter." Dave promised.
Cedric nodded in acknowledgement as they descended to the lobby. When they arrived the whole area had been cleared out and Leon was waiting for them.
"Is the car in the driveway already?" Cedric asked Leon.
"Yes sir." Leon said with a nod.
"What will be our set up for this?" Cedric asked. "Run me by the security plan. I want to make sure that all the bases are covered and that we are prepared for any sudden action from the media."
"I will be in the security vehicle behind your car when we leave the hotel." Leon informed Cedric. "You will exit through the main door where the paparazzi and the members of the media will have a full view of your actions and movements. My subordinates will escort you to the car and fend away anyone that tries to get too close. We've already anticipated that they will try to block you just to get a response so a path has been made for you to leave. I've also added security vehicles to your convoy."
"Okay." Cedric said with a nod as Leon called over some of his men. "I want at least two unmarked vehicles to follow my friends at a distance. We cannot risk the media or Jen's camp trying out something while we are distracted."
"I'll have it done sir." Leon said with a nod.
The people who had come to surround Cedric and Dave were Leon's most trusted people, like Leon they had belonged to the most elite levels of various military groups from all over the world. They were also the same set of bodyguards that helped Cedric when they had an altercation at Hype Bar. All of them were quite familiar with Cedric and had been on his team since day one and Cedric felt comfortable being around them.
"Go on ahead Leon." Cedric ordered his bodyguard as he observed that the preparations were enough.
Leon nodded and left. Cedric waited a few minutes to make sure that Leon was already in the tail vehicle and that most members of the media were already where he wanted them to be.
"Have the exits checked and inform me of the situation." Cedric ordered Dave as he observed the growing crowd outside.
The windows at the lobby of Constellations Hotel were like one way mirrors, the people inside could see what was happening outside, but those outside would have no idea that the people inside were watching them.
Dave nodded and quickly dialed a number. Cedric noticed as Dave quickly gave out orders and confirmed several matters.
"Sir, most exits have only a few reporters left." Dave said as he dropped that call.
"Okay, lets go." Cedric said with a nod.
As he moved out over ten bodyguards followed together with Dave. He wanted to make sure that he was seen, it was the best way to guarantee that the paparazzi and the members of the press wouldn't return to watching the different exits.
As he stepped out of the lobby Cedric was unfazed by the flashes coming from the people waiting outside. He heard them calling for him, shouting out questions.
"Mr. Reyes, do you have a comment on what your friend Mr. Sebastian did?" One reporter asked.
"Are his actions acceptable to you sir?" Another shouted over the crowd.
"As a married man do you also believe that rich men should be allowed to have mistresses?" Someone asked.
Cedric was about to get into his car when he heard this question. He looked up and spotted the reporter who had asked.
To everyone's surprise, the intimidating CEO made his way up to the crowd. He was still surrounded by his bodyguards but he rarely came this close to them. He normally kept his distance and avoided speaking as much as possible.
"Your name?" The CEO asked the reporter.
"Scott." The reporter said in a shaky voice.
Under his mask Cedric grinned. They were afraid and intimidated by him.
"Who are you with?" The CEO asked.
"Star News." Scott the reporter managed to say, it was clear that he was now afraid that he had offended the most powerful businessman in the country.
"Repeat your question." The CEO said in a cold and authoritative tone.
"Do you also believe that rich men should be allowed to have mistresses?" Scott bravely asked.
"No." The CEO said as clearly as possible. "Whether rich or poor you remain loyal. Relationships are not a game or a bargaining chip, they involve real people with real emotions. I promise you all this, I will always remain loyal to my wife. I love her with all my heart, she is my life. And I promise you, my friends are the same with their relationships."
His words left the audience stunned. Not only had the CEO of the Reyes Group given a statement on the news about Alexi Sebastian, but he also addressed the long running rumors about his relationship with Adrianna Hernandez.
"Sir, sir, sir!" The other reporters called out as they tried to get his attention, but they were too late.
The powerful man had turned around and walked away before they could even realize the implications of what he had just said.