Kelvin’s POV
The flashes never seemed to stop.
Camera shutters clicked one after another as photographers jostled for the best angle, while microphones bearing the logos of different media outlets stretched toward me.
I maintained the smile I had perfected over the years—confident, approachable and successful. Exactly the image Mercer Technologies needed.
"Mr. Mercer," one reporter began, "Mercer Technologies has received unprecedented public attention over the past few weeks. How has the exposure affected the company?"
I smiled modestly. "Every company appreciates public interest. For us, it’s simply another opportunity to demonstrate what we’re building."
A few reporters nodded as they scribbled notes. Another hand shot up.
"There are rumors that Mercer Technologies is preparing for another major investment round. Can you comment on that?"
"I’m afraid there are certain business matters I can’t discuss publicly." I paused just long enough before adding, "But we’re always open to partnerships that align with our long-term vision."
It wasn’t exactly an answer, but it sounded like one.
Years ago, I would have been nervous standing before so many cameras. Now? I enjoyed it.
People listened whenever I spoke, my opinions carried weight, reporters sought my comments and investors requested meetings.
At only twenty-nine, I was already standing alongside businessmen who had spent decades building their reputations. And I had only just begun.
Another reporter leaned forward. "Mr. Mercer, where do you see yourself—and Mercer Technologies—in the next five years?"
I didn’t hesitate. "I intend to transform Mercer Technologies into one of the country’s leading technology companies."
The confidence in my voice wasn’t forced. I believed every word about growth, expansion, International markets and major institutional investors. The future belonged to people bold enough to seize it.
"I believe every challenge presents an opportunity," I continued. "As leaders, our responsibility isn’t simply to respond to change. It’s to create it."
Several reporters nodded appreciatively. One even murmured, "Well said."
I concealed my satisfaction behind another humble smile. The interview continued for several more minutes before the moderator announced the final question.
Just then, movement near the entrance drew everyone’s attention.
Maya. She walked gracefully into the room wearing an elegant cream dress that complemented her perfectly. The smile on her face was warm and effortless.
The cameras immediately shifted away from me, and the flashes erupted once again.
"Miss Fox!"
"When is the wedding?"
"May we have a photograph?"
Maya answered a few questions with practiced elegance before deliberately lifting her left hand as she brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The diamond engagement ring caught the light beautifully, exactly as intended.
More cameras flashed. I couldn’t help smiling. She looked every bit the woman who belonged beside me, confident, elegant, submissive and supportive.
She had stood beside me and listened to every word I said when others chose to criticize. That alone convinced me I had made the right decision.
I rose from my chair and crossed the room. Slipping my hand into hers, I smiled at the reporters. "Thank you all for your continued support."
Then I glanced at Maya before continuing. "We appreciate everyone’s well wishes, but we will have to excuse ourselves. We still have quite a busy schedule ahead."
A few reporters called after us as we walked away together. More photographs followed us until we disappeared through the exit.
Outside, our driver immediately opened the rear passenger door. I helped Maya inside before taking my seat beside her. The door closed.
Almost instantly, Maya turned toward me with sparkling eyes. "I feel like the happiest woman in the world."
I smiled before lifting her hand and pressing a gentle kiss against the back of it. "You deserve to be."
She laughed softly. "But more importantly..." She looked directly into my eyes. "I think I’m the luckiest woman alive to have you."
Something inside me swelled. I had heard countless compliments over the years. For some reason, hearing them from Maya always felt different.
The car eased away from the curb. Maya reached into her handbag and retrieved her phone before asking me to kiss her hand again.
I laughed. "What for?"
"Just do it."
Shaking my head, I lifted her hand once more and kissed it. A camera shutter sounded. Clearly pleased with herself, she lowered the phone.
She nodded happily. "I’m posting it." A few moments later, she turned the screen toward me. "I’ve already uploaded it."
The photograph captured the moment perfectly. My lips rested gently against the back of her hand while she looked down at me with an affectionate smile.
Below it was her caption with a red heart emoji "Every princess deserves a man who treats her like a queen."
I liked it. I smiled as my ego swelled a little more. People would see it and see us as the perfect couple happily in love, successful and united.
Once Veridian Group invested in Mercer Technologies, that image would become even stronger.
I looked at Maya. "When I bring Veridian Group in as an investor, I’m buying you the Birkin you’ve been talking about."
Her eyes lit up. "Really?"
"Of course." I nodded confidently.
She immediately rested a hand on my shoulder before leaning comfortably against me. The softness of her chest pressed lightly against my arm.
A faint smile formed on my lips. She really did know how to brighten my day.
"But..." she said sweetly.
"What?"
"If you’re already this pleased with me..." Her fingers traced lazy circles against my sleeve. "...why don’t you buy me something smaller first?"
I chuckled. "I should have known."
"What?"
"You always know how to get something from me."
She grinned without the slightest embarrassment. "So..."
I shook my head, laughing quietly. "Fine. I’ll take you shopping next weekend."
She clapped excitedly before planting a quick kiss against my cheek. "Thank you."
Moments later, she picked up her phone again. She scrolled through the screen for several seconds. Then her smile disappeared. A deep frown settled on her face.
"What happened?" I inquired.
"It’s nothing," she said, slipping her phone into her handbag a little more forcefully than necessary. "Just someone trying to act pompous and snub me."
I frowned slightly. "I don’t understand."
She waved dismissively. "It doesn’t matter."
Although I still had no idea what she meant, I reached over and gently squeezed her hand. "Forget about whoever it is. They are not any better than you."
Almost immediately, her expression softened.
"There..." I smiled. "That’s better."
Before either of us could say another word, my phone began vibrating inside my pocket. I pulled it out. The moment I saw the caller ID, my good mood evaporated.
It was my lawyer. I didn’t need him to explain why he was calling. It could only be about one thing. The Hugo family’s legal team.
I wasn’t in the mood to deal with lawsuits or legal strategy today. Without a second thought, I switched my phone to flight mode and the screen went dark.
Maya glanced at me curiously. "Is something wrong?"
I looked at her for a brief moment before slipping the phone back into my pocket. Then I smiled, wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and gently pulled her closer.
"It’s nothing."
Some problems could wait until tomorrow.