The Secret Heiress: Bound By Deception

Media frenzy

(Sophie)

Two hours after Marcus left the Lawson Enterprises building in disgrace, my phone started ringing. The first call was from Jessica Martinez at Business Weekly. Then David Kim from Financial Times. By the time my assistant Patricia brought me my third cup of coffee, I had seventeen missed calls from reporters.

"Miss Lawson," Patricia said, setting the cup on my desk with steady hands. She'd been with me for six years and nothing rattled her. "Channel 7 News is in the lobby. They're requesting an interview about your marriage to Mr. Sterling."

Of course they were. I'd expected this. When you publicly destroy someone in a boardroom full of witnesses, word spreads fast. Especially when that someone had been bragging about landing the Lawson Enterprises contract.

"Set up a press conference for four o'clock," I said. "The main conference room. And Patricia? Make sure security is doubled for the rest of the week."

She nodded and left to make the arrangements. I turned back to my computer screen, where I was reading the first online articles about what reporters were already calling "The Secret Heiress Scandal." The headlines were predictably dramatic.

"Billionaire CEO's Secret Marriage Ends in Corporate Betrayal"

"From Secretary to CEO: The Sophie Lawson Deception"

"Love, Lies, and Billions: Inside the Sterling-Lawson Divorce"

Most of the articles were speculative nonsense, but they'd gotten the basic facts right. I had been married to Marcus Sterling. I was the CEO of Lawson Enterprises. The marriage had ended in divorce just days before a crucial business meeting.

What they didn't know yet was the whole truth. The extent of Marcus's corporate espionage attempts. The way he and Victoria had treated me during the divorce proceedings.

My phone vibrated with a text from James.

"Saw the news. You okay? Want me to handle the press conference?"

I smiled despite the chaos around me. James had always been protective, even though I was perfectly capable of handling myself. But this was my fight. My revelation. My chance to control the narrative.

"I've got it," I texted back. "But thank you."

The truth was, I felt oddly calm. For so long I'd been living a lie. Pretending to be someone I wasn't. Hiding my real identity. Now everything was out in the open. The deception was over.

Patricia returned with a list of media outlets requesting interviews. "CNN wants an exclusive. So does 60 Minutes. And someone from the Wall Street Journal is being very persistent."

"The press conference will have to be enough for now," I said. "I'm not doing one-on-one interviews until this settles down."

At three-thirty, I changed into a navy blue suit that projected authority without being flashy. I checked my appearance in the mirror of my private bathroom. My reflection looked composed. Professional. Ready for battle.

The main conference room was packed when I walked in at exactly four o'clock. Cameras flashed as I took my place behind the podium. The crowd was larger than I'd expected. Local news, national networks, financial reporters, even a few international correspondents.

"Thank you for coming," I began, my voice carrying clearly through the room. "I'll make a brief statement and then take a few questions."

The room fell silent except for the click of camera shutters.

"As you may have heard, I was recently married to Marcus Sterling, CEO of Sterling Enterprises. That marriage has now ended in divorce. During our relationship, Mr. Sterling was unaware of my true identity as Sophie Lawson, CEO of Lawson Enterprises."

A reporter in the front row raised her hand immediately, but I continued without acknowledging her.

"I chose to work under an assumed name to gain experience in various aspects of business operations. This included a position at Sterling Enterprises, where I met my former husband. The marriage was genuine on my part. I believed we had built a relationship based on mutual respect and affection."

That was the diplomatic version. The truth was messier, uglier, but this wasn't the time or place for all the details.

"Unfortunately, I discovered that Mr. Sterling's feelings were not as genuine as I had believed. Our marriage has ended, and there will be no business relationship between our companies. I will now take a few questions."

Every hand in the room shot up. I pointed to a woman from Channel 7.

"Miss Lawson, how long were you planning this deception? Did you target Mr. Sterling specifically?"

"I wasn't targeting anyone," I said firmly. "I took a position at Sterling Enterprises as part of a broader program to understand different aspects of business operations. I met Marcus in the course of that work. Our relationship developed naturally."

Another reporter, this one from the Financial Times: "What can you tell us about the failed business deal between your companies?"

"Mr. Sterling's company had expressed interest in a partnership with Lawson Enterprises. After careful consideration, we determined that such a partnership would not be in our best interests."

That was putting it mildly. After discovering Marcus's attempts to sell information about my company to our competitors, I wouldn't have done business with him if he was the last CEO on earth.

"Miss Lawson," called out a reporter from CNN. "There are rumors that Mr. Sterling is under federal investigation for corporate espionage. Can you comment on that?"

I paused, choosing my words carefully. "I can't comment on any ongoing investigations. What I can say is that Lawson Enterprises takes corporate security very seriously. We investigate any potential threats to our business operations."

The questions kept coming. About my marriage. About my decision to work undercover. About my plans for Lawson Enterprises. I answered what I could and deflected what I couldn't, maintaining my composure even when the questions became personal.

"Miss Lawson," said a reporter from the back of the room. "How do you respond to critics who say you deceived your husband and that your marriage was built on lies?"

This was the question I'd been waiting for. The one that went to the heart of everything.

"My identity was the only thing I concealed," I said. "I was honest about my feelings, my values, and my commitment to our relationship. I cannot say the same about my former husband."

Before anyone could ask a follow-up, I pointed to another reporter.

"What's next for Lawson Enterprises? Will this scandal affect your business operations?"

"Lawson Enterprises is financially strong and operationally sound," I said. "This personal matter will not impact our ability to serve our clients or pursue our business objectives. We remain committed to our employees, our shareholders, and our customers."

After thirty minutes of questions, I wrapped up the press conference. "Thank you for your time. My office will provide you with prepared statements containing additional details."

As I walked toward the door, reporters shouted final questions at my back.

"Miss Lawson, do you regret the marriage?"

"Are you planning to remarry?"

"What would you say to Marcus Sterling if he was watching this?"

I stopped at the door and turned back to face the cameras one last time.

"I would say that actions have consequences," I said quietly. "And that treating people with respect matters, regardless of who you think they are."

Back in my office, I closed the door and finally allowed myself to breathe. The hardest part was over. I'd controlled the narrative, presented my side of the story, and maintained my dignity throughout.

My phone was already ringing with calls from board members, clients, and family members who'd watched the press conference. But for now, I just wanted a moment of silence.

The intercom buzzed. "Miss Lawson? There's a Marcus Sterling on line one. He says it's urgent."

I stared at the phone for a long moment. Then I picked up the receiver and pressed the button to disconnect the call.

Some conversations were over.