Chapter 100 — The Choice
The room shifted the moment Alex stepped forward.
It was subtle.
But unmistakable.
Reporters straightened.
Cameras tilted toward him instantly.
Even Daniel Dawson's expression sharpened slightly.
Because when Alexander Wilson moved—
People paid attention.
Alex stopped beside Amber at the podium.
Close enough that their shoulders almost touched.
Amber didn't look at him.
But she felt the change in the air.
The quiet authority that followed him everywhere.
Daniel Dawson folded his arms loosely.
Watching.
Waiting.
Alex leaned toward the microphone.
His voice was calm.
Low.
Controlled.
"You asked a question."
His gaze moved directly to Daniel.
"Why did I choose Amber?"
The room held its breath.
Daniel smiled faintly.
"Yes."
Alex didn't hesitate.
"Because she's honest."
A ripple moved through the reporters.
Some scribbled immediately.
Daniel tilted his head slightly.
"That's a rare reason for an engagement announcement."
Alex continued calmly.
"She doesn't lie to impress people."
Amber's fingers tightened slightly on the podium.
Alex's voice stayed steady.
"She challenges me."
A few reporters exchanged looks.
This wasn't the answer they expected.
Daniel spoke again.
"That's admirable."
His tone remained polite.
But the edge underneath it was clear.
"Still," Daniel continued, "that doesn't explain why you would risk corporate instability for a relationship."
Alex's gaze hardened slightly.
"There is no instability."
Daniel smiled.
"My father believes otherwise."
Alex didn't react.
"That's his problem."
A few reporters chuckled softly.
Daniel studied him carefully.
"You're very confident."
"Yes."
Daniel's eyes flicked briefly toward Amber.
"Confident enough to let her represent you publicly?"
Amber raised an eyebrow.
"I represent myself."
Daniel smiled again.
"That's exactly what makes this interesting."
Alex stepped slightly closer to the microphone.
His voice dropped just enough to silence the room again.
"Let me clarify something."
Every camera focused.
Alex continued.
"Amber Gareth does not influence Wilson Group decisions."
He paused.
"But she influences me."
Amber blinked.
The room went completely silent.
Alex didn't look at her.
He was looking directly at Daniel.
"And if anyone believes that makes me weak…"
His voice cooled.
"…they're welcome to test that theory."
The tension in the room thickened instantly.
Daniel's smile faded slightly.
Not completely.
But enough.
Because Alex hadn't defended Amber.
He had escalated the situation.
Daniel slipped his hands into his pockets.
"You're making this very personal."
Alex's answer was immediate.
"You started it."
Reporters looked between them eagerly.
This wasn't just business anymore.
This was rivalry.
Daniel considered Alex for a moment.
Then his gaze shifted back to Amber.
"You're very lucky," he said.
Amber tilted her head.
"Why's that?"
Daniel's smile returned.
"Most people don't get Alexander Wilson to fight for them."
Amber smiled calmly.
"I didn't ask him to."
Daniel studied her face carefully.
Then nodded once.
"Interesting."
He turned slightly toward the reporters.
"Well," he said lightly, "this has been entertaining."
A few journalists laughed nervously.
Daniel looked back at Alex one last time.
"This isn't over."
Alex's expression didn't change.
"I know."
Daniel turned and walked toward the exit.
Cameras followed him immediately.
Half the reporters rushed after him.
The press room erupted into noise again.
Amber leaned slightly away from the microphone.
"…That went well," she murmured.
Alex glanced at her.
"You call that well?"
"We're still alive."
He almost smiled.
Almost.
A reporter shouted another question.
"Miss Gareth! Will you take legal action against Dawson Global?"
Amber leaned back toward the microphone.
"Yes."
Pens moved again.
Alex looked down at her slightly.
"That wasn't discussed."
Amber smiled faintly.
"It is now."
Another reporter called out.
"Mr. Wilson, do you believe Dawson Global will continue these accusations?"
Alex answered simply.
"Yes."
"And how will Wilson Group respond?"
Alex looked straight into the cameras.
"With results."
Amber's smile widened slightly.
Simple.
Direct.
Effective.
The press conference ended minutes later.
Security guided them through a private hallway behind the stage.
The noise of the reporters faded as the doors closed behind them.
Amber exhaled slowly.
"Well."
Alex loosened his tie slightly.
"Well."
She glanced at him.
"You didn't have to say that."
"What?"
"That I influence you."
His gaze met hers.
"It's true."
Amber rolled her eyes lightly.
"Dangerous thing to admit in public."
"I don't mind."
She shook her head.
"You're impossible."
"And you started a legal war this morning."
Amber shrugged.
"Someone had to."
They reached the private exit.
Sunlight spilled through the glass doors ahead.
Alex stopped walking.
Amber turned slightly.
"What?"
He looked at her for a moment.
Then said quietly—
"You handled that well."
Amber blinked.
"…That sounded suspiciously like a compliment."
"It was."
She smirked slightly.
"Careful, Mr. Wilson."
"Why?"
"You're starting to sound proud."
He didn't deny it.
Outside the building—
Reporters were already broadcasting live updates.
News headlines were spreading across every platform.
WILSON VS DAWSON RIVALRY ESCALATES
AMBER GARETH FIRES BACK AT ACCUSATIONS
ALEXANDER WILSON PUBLICLY DEFENDS FIANCÉE
But across the city—
Inside Dawson Global's top-floor office—
Daniel Dawson watched the broadcast replay.
He leaned back slowly in his chair.
Amber's face filled the screen.
Calm.
Confident.
Unshaken.
Daniel smiled slowly.
"Father underestimated her."
Victor Dawson stood by the window.
Silent.
Watching the skyline.
"Perhaps."
Daniel tapped the screen lightly.
"But that's good."
Victor glanced at him.
"Why?"
Daniel's smile sharpened.
"Because interesting opponents make better games."
He stood.
Straightened his suit.
"And I've always liked games."