14.Please stop hurting our baby

Braun was engrossed in reading the new contracts when his Personal Assistant entered his office. 'Mr. President, Madam Briella's Press Conference has begun," the assistant informed him. He stopped what he was doing and looked up. 'Turn on the TV," he ordered. He wanted to see how his wife would handle the harsh media. Both knew how the media could ruin an artist's reputation in their industry. If you couldn't stand up for yourself, you wouldn't succeed in the media. 'Did you send a lawyer to T-Trends?" he asked Luigi seriously while keeping his eyes on the TV. The camera focused on his wife's beautiful face. He noticed the corner of her lips lifting as he saw her remain calm, not showing any signs of nervousness or fear. That's my woman. 'Yes, Mr. President, they already did what you've told me to do. At this point, I'm certain Mr. Cayab is already negotiating with our lawyers," Luigi replied. He nodded. Even though he had promised Briella that he wouldn't interfere in her struggles, he couldn't let anyone mistreat her. He knew she could handle her problems, but he was her husband, and as a husband, he wouldn't allow her to be mistreated, especially when he could see how people she thought she could trust were turning against her. She doesn't deserve to be treated like that! Luigi quietly observed his Big Boss, who was focused on Briella Montañez. He still couldn't understand why his Big Boss chose to marry her. Many more accomplished and famous women were interested in President Braun, but it seemed like none of them caught his attention as Briella did. 'Luigi..." Braun called his name. 'Yes, Mr. President," he quickly responded. 'Do you know why I chose her to be my wife?" Braun asked, giving him a sidelong glance. He stood up straight. 'The first time I saw her, something told me she was not worth all her pain. She's tough but gentle inside. She's smart, brave, and unafraid to be herself around anyone. It doesn't matter if people have a negative opinion of her. As long as she's honest, she doesn't care about others' thoughts. In short, she's one of a kind. A rare shining diamond. Her brilliance might not be visible now because of the trash surrounding her," he explained. Luigi nodded and looked at the woman who had captured the attention and admiration of people all over the country. When it came out in the media that Braun El Cueva was praising Briella Montañez, the blocklisted model who had been left behind, the entire country was sure to be in turmoil. Madam Briella's Press Conference concluded with Cecile Damian taking over to answer the questions Briella should have addressed. After the conference, Xander Madrigal escorted Briella, and they no longer saw her. 'Luigi, make a background check of Cecile Damian. I want it ready tomorrow morning," he instructed. 'Noted, Mr. President," Luigi replied with a nod. He noticed Braun stand up and place the contracts he had been studying into his attaché case. He discreetly checked the time on the large clock hanging on President Braun's office wall. It was still too early to go home. Where could he be planning to go? 'Take this to my car. We're leaving," Braun said, leaving the office ahead of him. Despite his surprise, Luigi quickly caught up. He didn't ask where they were going since he had an idea of their destination. 'Let's go take Briella home," Braun said once they were in the car. Home. He secretly smiled; it was the first time he had heard President Braun say something like that. Even after all this time being with him, it was the first time he had heard him utter those words. Ms. Briella Montañez, you're an angel. I hope you're the woman for my Big Boss. ***** 'What just happened, Xander?" Matilda asked in frustration as they entered his office. The Press Conference had ended, and she didn't like the outcome. Cecile even boasted about supporting and having the stockholders sign Briella's contract with the agency. Damn them! Shouldn't they be supporting me since they've been profiting from my modeling for a long time? 'I don't know; even I was surprised by what Cecile did. I never mentioned anything about Briella signing a contract with them," Xander replied. 'Well then, you better find a way and talk to those damn stockholders. You're the CEO of this Agency, and you should know everything shits they're doing! Don't they have any shame? They're supporting that insignificant btch!" Matilda exclaimed. Xander's eyes widened, taken aback by what she said. 'I don't want to hear you say that kind of shit, Matilda. It would be best if you weren't talking like that about our investors. Remember, without them, I wouldn't have been able to establish this agency," he countered, raising an eyebrow at her. She didn't back down and met his gaze with determination. 'Then do something, Xander!" she said firmly. 'What do you want me to do? That's their decision, and I can't change what Cecile said in front of the Press," he retorted. She clenched her fists, frustration building up, and punched her stomach without warning. 'Ugh! I hate this life!" she exclaimed, hitting her abdomen again. 'What the hell are you doing?!" Xander asked, his voice rising, and he quickly caught her hands. 'This is all your fault! If you don't do anything to defend me, this baby should die inside me! Can't you see? They're ganging up on me, openly insulting me!" she said through tears, struggling against Xander's grip. 'You promised me that you'd make me one of the most famous models in the world, but how can you do that if you can't even handle such a small problem?! I hate you! I should have just let you rot in Briella's arms!" 'I'm sorry, Babe. Please stop hurting our baby. You know you and our baby are my whole world," he said, hugging her tightly. "Alright, I'll call for a meeting and find a way to enhance your reputation further." A deceitful smile crossed her face. She wrapped Xander around her finger as long as she carried their child. That was also why she didn't attend their wedding and chose to be with him. She wasn't injured that day but had to stay in the hospital because she felt dizzy. Xander took her to the doctor, and she pretended to be unwell, believing Xander's lies. She had planned to sabotage the event but didn't expect it to escalate like that. 'You need to talk to Briella, Xander. It would be best not to let the major contracts go to her. It would be best if you focused on promoting me and our agency. It should only be me!" she said, her voice wavering as she wiped her tears away. Xander wiped the tears from both cheeks and was about to kiss her forehead when they heard a knock on the door. He stepped away, and she quickly composed herself, secretly wiping her tears. 'Come in," Xander said formally. She sat on the sofa not far from Xander's desk. His secretary entered first, and her face darkened when she saw that Briella was following. 'What do you want?" she couldn't help but ask Briella. Briella raised an eyebrow and then turned to Xander. Rude! 'Xander, I need to talk to you," she said. 'Aren't you being—" 'Alone..." she continued, giving him a meaningful look. He stood up in extreme annoyance, wanting to storm over and slap some sense into her! Her audacity and lack of manners were getting out of hand. Maybe if she received a good slap from him, she would behave and return to being submissive like a dog with its tail between its legs. But before he could approach her, the door swung open again, and in walked Cecile, along with another man he recognized but couldn't remember the name of. He wasn't great with remembering names, but he did recognize the face. 'Good afternoon, Mr. Puerto," she greeted the man politely, but he didn't even acknowledge or spare her a glance. His face heated, and he felt embarrassed for what she did. Particularly when he saw the teasing look, Cecile shot her way. He clenched his jaws, feeling his molars grind, and wanted to strangle that smug smile off her face. 'We're here to talk to you... in private," Cecile replied, turning her gaze back to him. 'Alright, I have something to discuss as well," Xander responded, shifting his attention between her and Briella. 'Briella, whatever you want to say, we'll handle it tomorrow. You can leave; Matilda will stay. She's part of our conversation." Ha! What now?! Get lost, and you're not needed here! She flashed a victorious smile. The timing of Mr. Puerto's arrival was perfect; Xander was likely to recommend her to him and assign her the significant contracts that needed models and endorsers. 'No, Matilda can leave now, and Briella will stay," Cecile retorted firmly. 'What?!" she exclaimed. 'Haven't you heard what Xander said? He's the CEO of this company; you should follow his orders!" she said sharply to Cecile. She heard Briella sigh and saw her shake her head slightly. Her eyebrows furrowed, unable to understand where the woman got the audacity to be so calm, even with all this going on. 'What else are you doing here? Haven't you heard Xander's words?" she said, directing her irritation at Briella. Briella shrugged and glanced at her. 'They're the reason I wanted to talk to Xander. I don't know how this happens, but it is happening," Briella said formally. 'Happening what?" she asked, her brows furrowing. 'I don't know, ask them—oh, I forgot, you're not part of this conversation," Briella replied, tilting her head and smiling cheekily. 'You—" 'Xander, don't waste my time here. You know I have a lot to do and care for," Mr. Puerto said seriously. She shot Xander a furious look, and her blood boiled even more when she saw his apologetic expression. She straightened herself, took a deep breath, and swallowed her anger. She wouldn't wait to be dismissed by her damn boyfriend. She knew she had him wrapped around her finger, but what chance did they have against these three? They were obviously in cahoots, and Briella had conspired against the other two. As she reached the door, Mr. Puerto's words stopped her. She turned around, and her gaze met Briella's and Xander's. As she left, she slammed the door shut and saw some staff and a few low-level models glancing at her curiously. 'Why the hell are you all staring at me?!" she shouted at them and stormed out of the agency. If she wasn't needed in that conversation, what now? She would eventually find out when Xander returned home. The house he had bought, which was supposed to be for Briella after their wedding, was where he lived with her. He had also promised to marry her after she had achieved her dream of becoming one of the most famous and respected models. She was about to enter her car when she noticed a black Rolls-Royce parked near their building. It was rare for such an expensive car to be there, which meant the owner was wealthy. Someday, she would be able to afford such a luxury car. With the cards she held, her success was inevitable. She absentmindedly placed a hand on her stomach. Be thankful you have a purpose because you would have gone without it a long time ago!