STEEL CITY

Chapter 30

The worst that could happen would be a reporter asking about her arrest ten minutes into the interview and it did happen.

“We will be taking a few questions before the signing commences,” Rosa said.

“Miss Ross the public is divided concerning the question of your innocence, do you have anything to say about this?” a reporter asked.

“Please refrain from asking questions that are not pertinent to the collaboration,” Rosa said, intervening before Daphne could speak.

“It is relevant as Miss Ross’ current circumstance can affect the progress of the project, tainting it and the Cy cooperation as well,” another reporter responded.

“This is unacc…..”

“I’ll take it from here,” Quinn said, interrupting Rosa.

“This press conference is to publicize the cooperation between the Cy cooperation and the ED cooperation belonging to the Ross’. Any question outside this won’t be tolerated as I am sure you have been briefed by your channels on what not to ask, as I can and will take legal action for any breach in our agreement. Any questions concerning Miss Daphne's personal life should be taken up with her, more conveniently if she decides to host a conference regarding the matter. I hope I am clear,” Quinn said, his authoritative voice booming through the hall which fell into silence.

He then gestured for his security to remove the reporters who questioned Daphne from the hall. After a few minutes of silence, the reporters started asking questions concerning the project but it was obvious they wanted to hear from Daphne as this was her first public appearance in a while.

“Why did ED reach out to work with a very demanding company like the Cy’s when there are other good alternatives where ED would even have the upper hand,” a reporter asked.

“I would like to clarify a misconception. I assure you that ED is as demanding if not more demanding than the Cy cooperation. Also ED did not reach out; it was actually the other way around. ED is gaining just as much as the Cy's no one has the upper hand,” Daphne responded confidently.

One thing she couldn't tolerate was anyone undermining ED, her grandfather's sweat and blood. She would defend it anywhere and to anyone even when compared to the Cy's.

Naturally, her response sent the reporters into a frenzy as they were all of the opinion that ED reached out. Daphne's words reminded them of the statement the Cy's released in Daphne's favour.

This alone caused people to ponder on what really happened on the day of her arrest.

After a few more questions the press conference ended.

Daphne and Quinn made their way out of the conference room in silence, which didn't last long as Rosa interrupted.

“Mr Quinn, Miss Clementine is waiting in your office,” Rosa said, her voice slightly wavering.

“In my office," Quinn asked with an edge to his voice.

“She insisted,” Rosa answered quietly.

Quinn immediately glanced at her with a sharp glare. “Do you want to keep your job,” Quinn asked.

“Yes sir,” Rosa responded quickly.

“Deal with it,” he responded then turned to Daphne who was quietly listening to their exchange signalling for her to continue walking.
When they got to Daphne’s car she finally spoke.

“You should have attended to the situation happening in your office, you didn’t have to go through the trouble of seeing me off,” she said.

“This is more important,” Quinn said.

“Well thank you for going the extra mile,” Daphne said.

Quinn simply nodded in response, his expression serene as he watched Daphne. She got into the back seat of her car and left Cy’s premise.

Quinn’s calm facade quickly fell as he exuded a chilling aura, still in the same spot.

He walked back to the elevator with heavy steps which made everyone silent as they felt the shift in his mood. He made his way to his private elevator and reached his floor still silent.

On his way to his office he noticed that Rosa’s desk was empty.

Quinn walked into his office to meet Clementine seated on the sofa Daphne had just been on, unmoving and a very rattled Rosa who was on the verge of tears.

“Get out,” he said harshly, causing Rosa to rush out of the office, almost running. When she finally got to her desk she collapsed on her chair, taking shaky breaths as she recollected her near death experience.

She was his temporary assistant as his main assistant was indisposed due to health related issues. Rosa suddenly felt pity for the man who worked with Quinn 24/7.

Meanwhile in the office, Clementine who was originally glued to her seat was on her feet as Quinn’s harsh voice startled her. Everyone in Steel city was aware of his temper but it wasn’t something that occurred frequently and this was her first time witnessing it.

“Why are you still here,” Quinn asked, still fuming.

“I thought you were referring to that assistant of yours,” Clementine responded slowly, trying to compose herself.

“By the way, where is the other one that follows you around? Did you finally get rid of h....”

“The next time you do something like this I will ruin you,” Quinn said not mincing his words.

Clementine slowly nodded in fear, unable to move any other part of her body like she had been paralysed.
“Get out,” Quinn repeated and this time Clementine fled from his office, startling Rosa who was still recovering but was interrupted as she received a call on the intercom from Quinn.

Rosa slowly made her way to his office with her head slightly bowed. Quinn took note of this but didn’t comment.

“Leon will be back tomorrow, clear your table,” Quinn said, then dismissed her immediately after. Rosa simply nodded and walked back to her desk with a relieved sigh as she would be going back to her old job.

……………..

Daphne sat in front of her vanity with a makeup wipe in hand as thought back to how smoothly the press conference went, obviously exempting the ruckus caused by the reporter at the beginning.

Her thoughts drifted to Quinn and how calm and confident he was. So collected and in control of everything. He was like an island surrounded by troubled water, unbothered, unfazed. She also didn’t miss him bringing more publicity to the press conference that she was planning without necessarily bringing up her case.

Clever. He really surpassed my expectations …….not that It matters

Daphne shook her head,  rubbing her face with the wipe as she realised her thoughts dwelled too much on him.

She had to stay focused as this was just the beginning.