My CEO Ex: Let Me Go.-Chapter 64

"Oh, FUCK, this is insane."

The camera zoomed in close to Alexander’s face. His expression remained calm, his eyes deep and unreadable.

Under the gaze of the crowd, he walked up the stage and stood beside Isabella. She was wearing high heels, making their height difference almost a full head.

The media photographers snapped away, capturing every moment.

The director kept the camera trained on them, occasionally cutting to Vivienne in the audience.

The host, smiling widely, asked, "Now, I have a question for Miss Isabella from our viewers. You mentioned that when you first met Director Vivienne, she was sixteen. Can you tell us where you two first met?"

The question was fed to her through the earpiece by the director.

Isabella pressed her lips together, glancing briefly at Alexander by her side.

"Since Miss Isabella doesn’t wish to answer, that’s perfectly fine. But I think we all get the picture. I know I do. What about you, dear fans watching at home? Do you get it?"

The comments section exploded with countless “YES” and “I KNOW.”

"Next question is for CEO Hawthorne. When did you first meet Miss Isabella?"

Alexander paused before answering, "College."

The host let out a knowing "Oh," raising an eyebrow. “So, you’ve known each other for quite a long time.”

The comments went wild again.

Although they hadn’t officially announced their relationship, to the online audience, this was practically a public declaration.

The OTP (One True Pairing) was reignited like magic.

The planning was clearly designed to guide the fans.

Just moments ago, the OTP fans had felt their hearts shatter watching Vivienne and Alexander’s interaction, but now, they were back on their feet, fully alive again.

"Without further delay, let’s move on to the next interactive game."

The game I had prepared for Alexander and Isabella was a balloon-popping challenge.

They were supposed to hug each other and pop the balloons in front of them by squeezing.

There were only three balloons prepared.

Together, Alexander and Isabella managed to pop each one.

The host started clapping, leading the audience in applause. "Thank you, CEO Hawthorne and Miss Isabella. You may both step off the stage and take a rest."

They walked off the stage, one after the other.

As Isabella descended the stairs, Alexander turned back to steady her.

The director, ever skilled with the camera, quickly switched to this moment for the live broadcast.

After the press conference concluded, all the guests gathered for a group photo.

The guests stood up and began making their way to the stage.

Everyone searched for their places.

Amidst the mild chaos, with staff moving around, I made my way up to the far corner of the stage. Just as I was about to reach my spot, Isabella passed by, and her skirt was accidentally stepped on, nearly causing her to fall.

"Be careful," Alexander said, reaching out to steady her.

Isabella regained her balance and gave me a quick glance before telling Alexander, "I’m fine."

Alexander returned the glance, then lowered his head to Isabella. "Let’s go take the photo."

"Okay."

Alexander walked ahead, and everyone made way for him and Isabella.

In the group photo, they stood shoulder to shoulder at the center of the stage, the most prominent position.

As for me, I was relegated to a corner, the lighting dim, feeling like an outsider.

Later, the photo was shared on Twitter, sparking a wave of excitement from the OTP fans: The positioning said it all without a word.

As the press conference came to a close, some guests exited, while others stayed for a final round of interviews.

A reporter approached Alexander, "CEO Hawthorne, are you and Miss Isabella in a relationship?"

Many expected Alexander to seize the moment and confirm the rumors, but instead, he replied, "This is a V&R product launch. Let’s focus on the product itself. Personal matters are not something I can discuss. If you’d like to ask me about financial or business matters, I’d be happy to answer."

Though he refused to answer the question, his high emotional intelligence made the interview incredibly charming, drawing in even more fans.

I didn’t have any further interviews planned and spent the rest of the time assisting the staff with the wrap-up.

A reporter and a photographer from a media outlet came to speak with me, hoping for an interview, but I turned them down.

The reporter didn’t press the matter; after all, the press conference had been quite fruitful.

The buzz around V&R was everywhere. It had been trending at the top of Twitter and TikTok’s recommendations, remaining at the top for an entire day after the event ended.

Once the event wrapped up, I instructed my staff to head home early.

With today marking the end of the promotional phase, the product was about to officially launch. There was still no room for complacency.

As I stepped out of the studio, I received a message from Alexander on WhatsApp: "I’m waiting for you in the underground garage."

I raised an eyebrow upon reading it.

I hadn’t seen Alexander earlier when I wrapped up; I assumed he had left with Isabella.

Others might not have noticed, but I could tell from the look on Alexander’s face during the event that he was already upset.

Among the wealthy heirs, Alexander was the more low-key type.

Even though he had countless fans, he still didn’t have a personal Twitter account.

When netizens criticized him for infidelity, he paid no mind, letting them talk. His personal life didn’t require any explanation to the public.

But today’s event had clearly treated him like a celebrity idol, making him participate in ridiculous game interactions with fans, like any star would on a variety show. This was something Alexander, the CEO of Vanguard Global Enterprises, could never tolerate.

Once might have been bearable, but twice? And with two different rumored partners?

The fact that he managed to hold his temper and get through the interactions on stage was already a favor to me.

I could already feel the anger boiling inside him.

But sooner or later, I would have to face him. I took the elevator down to the underground garage and walked toward the spot Alexander had pointed out.

Just as I turned the corner, I overheard Isabella’s voice, which made me stop in my tracks.

“Alexander, would you have dinner with me tonight? I finally got off the set, and I haven’t seen you in so long.”

“You go ahead. There are reporters around tonight. It’s not convenient,” Alexander replied.

“But—”

“Isabella, listen. I promised Pop-Pop I’d spend this time with Vivienne. I can’t be seen with you too much, especially with reporters around. Pop-Pop’s health can’t handle the stress.”

Isabella’s voice cracked as she said, “I know you’re worried about Pop-Pop, but... but, Alexander, I’m so scared. What if one day you really fall in love with Vivienne and stop loving me? I can’t bear to lose you.”

“Isabella, didn’t you always feel guilty about Vivienne? Didn’t you think it was wrong to come back? If that day ever comes, I’ll send you abroad to live comfortably, without a care in the world.”

Isabella’s face froze for a moment, her expression crumbling.

At that, I almost laughed.

Isabella had always played the fragile, kind woman in front of Alexander, but now she had nearly dug her own grave.

Then I heard Isabella say, “Alexander, I really can’t live without you. Don’t abandon me. I know I’ve wronged Vivienne, but I just can’t let you go. Every night, I dream... I dream of being dragged into an old van and thrown into a small, dark room... they...”

Before she could finish, Isabella collapsed into Alexander’s arms, sobbing.

Alexander’s voice softened as he comforted her. “It’s all in the past. Don’t think about it anymore. I’ll call Eliza and have her take you to see a doctor.”

At this, I frowned slightly.

When Alexander said, “It’s all in the past,” did that mean it had actually happened?