MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE novel Chapter 97

(JARED'S POV)

After Sofia left, I managed to get hold of my phone and went online, my eyes scanning the numerous headlines.

"Billionaire caught drunk at a local bar," "High society's latest scandal." And with each headline, a picture of me half stumbling was attached. My chest twisted in growing anxiety as I scrolled through the articles.

How did this get out? Who could have taken pictures of me without my knowledge and sold it to the media?

Deciding that there was not the time to ask questions, I dialed Enzo's number, my PR expert.

"Enzo," I said, trying to sound calm.

"Sir I was just about to call you."

"Have you seen the news?"

"Yes, sir. I'm on it already."

"Make it go away, Enzo. Call all the platforms that have the news and ask them to take it down. I don't have to teach you your job, you know what to do."

"Yes, sir."

And with that, I dropped the call.

I flung the phone on the bed afterward and headed to the. The mirror reflected a disheveled version of myself with bloodshot eyes and unshaven stubble, and I winced. I felt like shit and needed a thorough cleanup.

After a refreshing shower, I took some aspirin. Arielle used to ensure they were always available in the drug cabinet, even though we had little or no use for it. After ensuring they were not expired, I gobbled two of them, supporting them with water.

While dressing up, I prayed Enzo had already started damage control. My mind was racing with possible worst–case scenarios–the billionaire's board, my business partners, my reputation.

How could I let my guard down like this?

How could I let my guard down like this? I had always been meticulous, private, and controlled. One mistake shouldn't ruin everything.

I took a deep breath and tried to shake off how uneasy I was feeling.

Enzo would fix this.

He had to.

I couldn't afford to have my reputation tarnished.

Not now.

Not ever.

While waiting for a response from Enzo, my phone rang. My heart skipped a beat when I saw my mother's name displayed as the caller.

Reluctantly, I answered.

"Jared, why are you all over the news?" Her stern voice greeted me.

"Mum, I—"

"When did you start drinking yourself to stupor in public?" She cut in, her voice conveying disapproval.

"I'm sorry, Mum. It was just a mistake."

"A mistake?" she repeated incredulously.

"How could you stoop so low, Jared?"

I winced and closed my eyes, bracing myself for the tongue-lash. I deserved it, all of it.

"I'm sorry, it was just some personal issues and l didn't realize when I lost myself," I explained.

Reginald sighed, his expression softening. "Look, I know we're all dealing with different kinds of problems, but what matters is how we don't wash our dirty linen in public. You're a public figure, for God's sake, Jared."

"I know, and I'm sorry. I've already made plans to make it go away."

"Of course, you're sorry, and making it go away won't change the fact that everyone has seen the news," he countered.

I let out a sigh, realizing this was more serious than I thought. "So, what do I do?"

"You do realize we have rules on the board, don't you?" Reginald asked gravely.

"Yes, but –"

"No buts, Jared. There is a consequence for your action. And for getting involved in a scandal, you will be suspended as chairman for a month –"

"No, no, is that not too extreme? I mean –"

"Extreme? You should be happy you weren't removed from the position entirely," Reginald pointed out.

I clamped my mouth shut at that point, knowing he was right. A suspension was better than a permanent eviction from the position.

"Thank you, Sir," I mumbled.

Reginald's expression softened again. "I like you, Jared because I see a lot of potential in you. A thing like this should not repeat itself."

I nodded and rose to my feet, "I won't let it happen again."

"See that you don't."

With that, I walked out of the office, feeling both relieved and anxious. The suspension was a blow, but it was one I could handle.