As soon as Zachary began to speak, the room fell silent. With a serious expression, he nodded in approval as he surveyed the scene.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he began. "First, regarding the rumors about Zeke and Winona. With supporting documentation from a reputable institution, I confirm that they are not my biological children. As for whose children they are, you'd have to ask Nellie herself. Furthermore, there have been numerous rumors claiming I abandoned my wife and children irresponsibly. However, not only are those two children not mine, but Nellie has repeatedly cheated on me over the years. I have photographic and documentary evidence to support my claims, and I will gladly email it to anyone interested shortly."
Zachary's revelation immediately captivated the reporters. This head of the Chambers family was indeed ruthless; he had all the evidence prepared. The news would tarnish not only Nellie's reputation but also the Smith family's. She had not only cheated on him but had also made him raise her lovers' children. Tomorrow's papers, with Zachary's confirmation, were sure to sell out; the public craved scandalous stories about wealthy families.
Zachary swept his gaze across the excited reporters, giving a slight nod. "I'm sure everyone here is aware of the severe blow the Chambers Group has suffered from the Smith and Carter families in recent weeks. My former father-in-law, Dennis, bribed our suppliers and poached our partners by offering three times the market price, leaving the Chambers family in despair."
He sighed deeply. The reporters were well aware of the turmoil in Seacrity's business world. The true culprits were the Smith family, who had colluded with the Carters to target the Chambers Group, which was merely defending itself. Some reporters already felt sympathy for Zachary. Twenty years of marriage, countless infidelities, and raising his wife's lovers' children—who could endure such betrayal? Many confessed they would have throttled Nellie on the spot.
Zachary's eyes narrowed, a sharp gleam appearing. He wasn't seeking pity.
"But," he stated, "where there's a will, there's a way. The Chambers Group's diligence has finally paid off. Yesterday, Mr. Yates, General Manager of the Sunrise Group, the country's largest investment group, contacted me. He's offering assistance. We finalized a partnership moments ago: Sunrise Group will invest $5 billion in the Chambers Group, and we will jointly develop a new immersive online game with FastPulse Technologies, the world's largest gaming company. We aim to significantly contribute to the domestic gaming industry."
The room erupted in stunned silence. Was Sunrise Group truly investing in the Chambers Group? And developing immersive online games with FastPulse? It seemed unbelievable. Why would Sunrise, with its power and prestige, partner with a company on the brink of collapse? And why would FastPulse, a company known for its secrecy and refusal to collaborate, work with the Chambers Group? Many suspected Zachary had lost his mind.
A young reporter was the first to speak. "Mr. Chambers, are you certain you haven't misspoken? Do you have a contract? Any other proof?"
Zachary smiled, unperturbed by the blunt question. His composure earned him further admiration.
"I believe that's what everyone is wondering," he said. "I assure you, I am not delusional. I've already signed a contract with Howard Yates, General Manager of Sunrise Group." He gestured to Lucas, who approached with a black briefcase.
Speculation filled the room. Lucas handed the briefcase to Zachary and stood back. Facing the cameras, Zachary opened it, revealing a thick stack of documents. The cameras zoomed in, the large "CONTRACT" clearly visible. While the details couldn't be publicly shown, Zachary turned to the last page, displaying Howard's signature and the Sunrise Group's stamp.
The reporters were convinced. The Chambers Group had been incredibly fortunate. With Sunrise Group's backing, they could overcome this crisis, and their future looked promising. The Smith and Carter families, while influential in Seacrity, paled in comparison to Sunrise Group. They would think twice before challenging the Chambers family again.
Zachary's warm smile vanished, replaced by a sharp, eagle-like gaze. His voice was firm and confident. "In closing this press conference, I warn anyone against disrupting fair market competition for personal gain. The Chambers family does not seek conflict, but we will not shy away from it. If anyone dares to challenge us again, bring it on. I'll be waiting for you sewer rats."
The identity of the "rats" was clear to everyone. The Chambers and Smith families were irrevocably estranged, but with Sunrise Group's support, the Chambers family had nothing to fear. A palpable sense of foreboding hung in the air; the dynamics of Seacrity's four major families were about to shift dramatically.
Meanwhile, Dennis sat on a sofa, gripping his cane fiercely. His face was a mask of fury. Nellie and the others barely dared to breathe. They never expected Zachary to expose their secrets so publicly. Dennis hadn't anticipated Sunrise Group's intervention.
Finally, Dennis spoke, his voice raspy. "How did Zachary connect with the Sunrise Group?"
Winona and Zeke trembled. Dennis's wrath was terrifying. Even Nellie shuddered. "Dennis," she stammered, "I truly don't know how Zachary knew Howard Yates. He never mentioned him before."
Dennis swept the coffee cups from the table in a fit of rage. He glared at the three of them. "You don't know? Then what do you know? Howard is at the apex of the business world. His word can obliterate companies! By helping the Chambers Group, he's placing them under his protection. To oppose Chambers, you'd have to defy Howard first. Do you think Howard would entrust his most crucial game development project to the Chambers Group if he intended to abandon them? Are you truly this oblivious after all this time with Zachary? How could you not know their connection? Had I known, I would never have interfered. Useless... absolutely useless..."