Burning Your Lies (King and Queen Duet #2)

47

Xavier

I lean back in my seat as I watch the show she’s putting on for the world. I almost applaud her performance. The tears and crack in her voice are worthy of an award. She thinks doing this is going to strengthen the police’s investigation into me. But here I am, sat on my throne in my office, on the highest floor; completely and utterly free and untouchable. It was a smart move to murder Henry and try to pin it on me. But she failed because ultimately she did me a favour by discarding of him. And then there is the obvious – I didn’t kill him and they can’t prove something that never happened.

I dial the extension number for Francesca and patiently wait for her to answer.

“What can I help you with?”

I smile.

“Please notify all the big news broadcast channels that Xavier Rivers will make a statement outside of XR Securities in the next ten minutes.”

There’s a slight pause.

“Yes, sir,”

she mumbles.

Closing my laptop, I stand up and tuck my chair in. I stand in front of my office door and run my finger over the engraved letters of my name and title. Savannah can pull whatever stunt she wants. I never got here at ease. My rightful belongings are constantly targeted by vultures. Whether that be the women in my life, my money, my business accolades, my intellect, ideas, or my reputation. None of them have ever succeeded.

Because I always win.

I make sure of it.

In the glass's reflection, I smooth my hair over. I straighten my tie and ensure my suit sleeves align with the cuffs of my shirt. I smile at myself. I’m going to enjoy this.

Opening the door, I walk across the floor with my head held high. I call the elevator and patiently wait for the doors to open. As I walk through the foyer, all eyes fixate on me. As expected, crews are already outside waiting. This is what happens when you yield actual power.

No words are needed to have all their attention and cameras on me. My presence has a blend of fear, anxiety, and excitement in their eyes. I smile.

“Good afternoon. Over the past few months, news organisations around the country and parts of the world have continued to make speculations about me. I have always maintained a level of privacy to protect those near to me. However, I am being forced to break those boundaries and refute these allegations from individuals who live their lives to tear others down. Please allow me to introduce myself.

My name is Xavier Rivers. First and foremost, I am a father to a beautiful child. I am the founder and CEO of a multi-billion-pound company known as XR Securities. I am a widow to my late wife Emery Rivers, who tragically passed in an accident two years ago. But let me be clear, I am not a murderer. These allegations are purely fictitious and slander. I have paid no attention to the public propagation of these falsehoods. Nevertheless, if they choose to carry on, I will not hesitate to take legal measures against those individuals for defamation, together with my team of lawyers.

In response to the accusation of murder against my mother, I would like to make the following statement. During her marriage to my father, my mother was involved in an act of infidelity with Henry Pruitt. The affair persisted for many years, and upon my father’s discovery of it, my mother departed the country. She completely cut off all contact with us. Following the demise of my father, my intention was to reconcile with her. However, I discovered she had already passed away the previous year because of natural causes.

Regarding the murder accusation against Henry Pruitt, I must clarify that neither myself nor my father had any knowledge of the identity of her lover until XR Securities was established. Henry Pruitt’s life took a turn for the worse when his wife discovered his infidelity. In an act of desperation, he made contact with the intention of extorting me by revealing intimate details of my childhood. To shield my father from harm, I faithfully continued to provide him with financial help until his tragic murder a few weeks ago. Payments were consistently conducted through online transfers. Until recently, I had not visited him. However, with the commencement of this witch hunt initiated by Scottie Noel, I became concerned about his safety.

This brings me to the accusation of stalking and murder involving Caitlyn Noel. Without a doubt, this accusation caused considerable distress. Caitlyn was the first woman I truly loved. We were young and had big dreams for the future. Our friends and family were witness to our affection. The relationship ended amicably when she was given an opportunity to work abroad that would have been unwise to decline. Despite the potential consequences of the relationship, I urged Caitlyn to take advantage of the opportunity. As XR Securities expanded, finding time for one another became more and more difficult. It was mutually agreed upon that we would prioritise our dreams and seek each other out if the opportunity presented itself. I am prepared to furnish the police with all the evidence at my disposal, showing that Caitlyn departed my premises unharmed. Moreover, I will disclose the scarce communication we had over several years.

I would like to formally withdraw my earlier assertion that Scottie instigated this witch hunt. The person responsible for all of this is none other than Savannah Hayes. The woman who has just completed a live interview beseeching the world to rescue her from my clutches. I met Savannah when she worked at EspresSoul. She was kind and provided a supportive presence as I discussed the fertility issues affecting my marriage. I can attest to her role as our surrogate, however, I firmly refute her assertions of an affair or any form of relationship after my wife’s passing. There was no hint of romance in my relationship with Savannah.

She is a woman who harbours delusions and poses a risk to the safety of myself and my child. Hence, in response to her request for joint custody, I have persistently opposed and will continue to do so. Despite her malicious behaviour, I never disputed her request for supervised contact with my child. The courts have overlooked the true magnitude of the danger she represents. I am in no position to blame them, for I too once held the same mistaken belief. However, it should be noted that Savannah Hayes has been admitted to the hospital because of her schizophrenia. She was involuntarily admitted at my insistence because of her reclusive behaviour, erratic actions, and persistent belief of being stalked. It is my belief that she contrived this delusion, knowing that I would feel compelled to safeguard her. I made efforts to assist her, but they proved to be ineffective, compelling me to intervene when she attempted to leave the country with my child.

I will never fully comprehend the reasons behind her decision to harbour animosity towards me, and I will not endeavour to do so. This is a task meant for mental health professionals whom Savannah declines to engage with. She is a troubled woman, and my ongoing endeavour to aid her remained even after she was set free. However, I find myself fatigued by this perpetual cycle. I secured a position for her after she was fired from EspresSoul. I failed to fulfil the policy’s requirement of conducting thorough background checks. Had I been informed, I would have realised her need for financial help. Upon her eviction from her residence, I allowed her to live with me. She took advantage of my generosity and attempted to sabotage my marriage by manipulating my wife and seducing me. I consciously ignored the violation of clauses in the surrogacy agreement. Since meeting Savannah, I have continued to lie to protect her. But that stops now. Savannah, I know you are listening to this. So, please hear me. This game ends here. I am done carrying your lies.”

I take a deep breath and mentally pat myself on the back for my performance. No doubt, the world will believe me. My tone and posture convey transparency. I showed enough vulnerability to gain sympathy. After seventeen years of being extremely private, the public will be too obsessed with the few details I shared to question the gaps in the story.

“Just to confirm, you say there was nothing romantic between you and Savannah?”

The female journalist stares at me like she doesn’t believe me.

I turn on the charm and let out a soft laugh.

“Nothing at all.”

“You never slept with her?”

“Not even once.”

She’s having a staring match with me.

“Why should we believe you?”

Was this bitch on Savannah’s roster or something?

“I could ask why you believe Savannah.”

“Because she provided proof of your affair. And if you lied about that, who’s to say anything else you said is true? How are we supposed to believe you?”

I can feel my smile slipping away. I clasp my hands tight.

“What proof?”

“Your sex tapes are all over the internet, Mr Rivers.”