76 CHAPTER 76: PANDEMONIUM

FLASHBACK

"Open the television, quick!" The man demanded from the men slouching on the couch. His voice was autocratic, enough to make his companions shudder in fear. One man took the television remote then turned the television on. The Big boss' eyes were glued on the TV screen. Then a young woman came in and stood beside him.

"Looks like we have found our Queen." The big boss uttered with his lip raised in celebration.

They are watching a live interview from a man who was allegedly married to a gangster. When the man entered the hall, the reporter showed the video of a woman fighting with some men, not just one encounter but two times! On the video, the woman was surrounded by big guys but she beat them all!

It wowed the other viewers but not the bounty hunters!

"Prepare our men. We will take her as soon as possible," the big boss ordered the woman who was standing beside him.

"Yes boss." Then she went out.

She disguised herself as a cleaner just so she could enter the building without drawing much attention from the media. That would be her least concern for now.

Aisha knew about the article. That morning Hunter called her to let her know about the media's plan. She doesn't know how hunter got that confidential information but with his skills and abilities, it's not possible. Also, he has some connection all over the country. No wonder.

It was Sophie who waited for her in her office. She was the one who fixed her-- from outfit to make-up-- as always, she's reliable at all times. It was her main purpose when she said to Ethan that she will be a bit late. It's a relief that Ethan took the bait. When she went to get Ethan at his study room, she saw a crumpled newspaper. She has a hint about the content but she shrugged it off completely. She'll be able to handle it, she knew it. If she can't pull it off later, then she'll just go with what fate wants to do. come what may, her mind sang.

*** Aisha held her trembling hands. They must not see it or they will definitely criticize her more. She braced herself. She was holding the microphone. The screen is playing the fight she had with Angel's men before. But the other one was a shock! It was a quick clip from her old fight with a bounty hunter! How did they manage to get that?

"Ms. Stacy, can you tell us what this fight is all about?" One reporter asked.

"Is it true that you are a gangster? Or should we say a member of the Mafia?" another reporter step in.

"Where and When did you learn your fighting skills?"

"Judging on the men who attacked you, it seems that they are as skilled as you. It's just that you are more advance. Can you tell us why were you attack?"

"Is your life in danger? But why?"

"Who do you think are your enemies?"

Aisha didn't know how these reporters were able to enter the hall but it seems that they are as sneaky as her. they were asking her all at once.

"We received an information from a reliable source that you are a gangster, is that true? Are you really involved in an illegal organization?"

"Are you receiving support from a Mafia organization?"

The questioning continues. The people inside is in uproar. Flashes flickers everywhere. Whoa! They are live on TV! They really want to get her since the beginning!

"Don't you think your questions are a little bit off?" The people heard a cold tone coming from somewhere.

"Ethan!" Aisha gulped. He was walking towards her.

"If a woman knew how to fight, is it right to label her as a gangster? Don't you think you're overstepping your rights as reporters? Isn't this a kind of harassment to her as well?" Ethan spoke in an angry but still in a professional manner.

The reporters suddenly hushed. Ethan went near Aisha. one of his arm held her waist, while the other hand took the microphone from her sweaty hands. He gazed lovingly at her eyes, he smiled at her as if giving an assurance that everything will be okay. Aisha's eyes glittered in tears but she held it. She felt secured all of a sudden.

Earlier, when she decided to attend the event, she already prepared herself for any possible conflicts. But the video clip was beyond her wildest imagination, that's why she was caught off guard when she saw it.

But seeing Ethan beside her is a relief. She felt protected. Her strength that was sapped earlier slowly came back. The confidence is being built up. She felt lucky to have a man beside her who acted as her knight in shining armor when she felt all alone at that stage just a while ago.

"I believe we have more women in our society who knew how to fight. Don't you think she should be appreciated for not crumbling in front of this wild men? If she didn't fight for her life, do you think that she'll be alive right now?" Ethan continued to lecture the reporters.

"But how could she be a target of those strong men? Don't you think it's odd?" one of the reporters knit his brow in confusion. "If you study the men's abilities, they are not your typical street fighters. They are mannered. Some are even professional. They look like men ready to murder. I wonder what's with Stacy that she is being targeted by skilled men." The guy seems to implicate something.

"Don't you think this will greatly affect your company Mr. Williams? Having a mafia wife, don't you think your investors will question your management?" another reporter butted in.

"I don't!" Ethan is about to speak but someone from the crowd interrupted. "I don't think I can entrust my children's future to a woman constantly being targeted by some thugs." It was one of their business associate.

"Me too." Another investor raised his hands.

"I think this issue will definitely bring the company down." others started arguing with each other.

Unknown to them, someone in the crowd was enjoying the show. He was loving the sudden flip of the show. Ethan is now being implicated because of the woman beside him.

"We can't afford to lose our hard-earned money because of this simple problem."

"But we have a solution for that.'' Someone from the crowd shouted for everyone to hear. Everyone looked at his direction including Aisha and Ethan.

"Silver!" Ethan's fist balled. "What are you doing here?" he looked at him furiously.

"What else? I thought this event was designed for all investors?" he laughed contemptuously.

"How did you became an inves ----'' Ethan didn't finish his statement when he saw a woman approached the man.

"Ms. Gray?" Ethan was surprised while Aisha looked at the woman indignantly.

"'Ethan Saphiro Williams, I want you to meet my wife, Sherry. Sherry Gray." The man seems like he is enjoying taunting Ethan.

"Since all the investors and some important people are present in this event, don't you think change of management is the best solution for this great scandal?" Silver continued.

"You!!!!" Aisha wanted to go down and strike the man but Ethan shunned her.

"Whohoho! Lady, relax! We can't possibly beat you since we have seen what you can do. what I am suggesting is just for the betterment of the company and the future of the people here, right?" the man was trying to win the people. Babbles filled the hall. Almost everyone was arguing internally and was trying to weigh their options.

"Yes, let's vote instead!" someone shouted. Then others followed like a thread.

Uncle Archie was with the crowd when the uproar happened. He saw it all. He was trying to dial Rio's number but to no avail.

"Come on Rio! Answer the damn phone!" he was already aggravated. Damn! What is happening!?