Chapter 618 - Rumours, Rumours everywhere (4)

10 June, Gu Group Headquarters, City K

Paul paused outside the entry to company headquarters.  He was glad that he had an outside meeting first thing because he was not going to have to face the stares from all staff.  It was bad enough the gossip that was already on the company intranet questioning whether he should even have a role at the company given the allegations against his mother-in-law.

He so wanted to retort on the discussion boards to get it through to the staff what she was like, but it would achieve nothing.  As he moved closer to the entry, a group of reporters ran towards him, talking over each other in a manner that he could not make out anything that was being said.  This as the last thing that he needed, but with the outcry that already was happening from the police press conference, he knew that he should not be surprised.

Paul put up his hand, and after the reporters quietened down, he said "I can guess why you are here.  The arrest of my mother-in-law.  I understand that the Gu Group will be releasing a statement on this matter, given that we have three projects with my father-in-law's company."

"Mr Gu," called out a determined female reported.  "That says nothing.  Your mother-in-law was arrested and while the police indicated some of the charges were related to s*xual offences, my sources tell me that another incident that happened last week involving your wife and mother-in-law, every other charge involves s*xual offences.  And you want to avoid talking to us, and want us to believe that this is not important for the Gu Group?"

Paul, resisting the urge to close his eyes and snap at the reported as calmly as he could be said "I have no idea specifically what the police have charged my mother-in-law with and I will not speculate as to the charges.  Further I will not comment on the charges save and except to say that my wife has made a statement to the police about an incident last week while she was out shopping that breached the restraining order she has against her mother."

"Mr Gu that is not an answer," came the same reported.  "How can you stand there and refuse to answer a question about the impact of the allegation against your mother-in-law has on you personally, let alone your company.  You want the public to trust you and use not only your hospitals but all the other products and services that you provide."

"Miss, you are correct that they are allegations.  The courts have yet to rule, and I will not jeopardise the justice system ruling in the matter.  Are you stupid enough not to realise that the more you want to ask questions about the situation, the more you will risk justice not being served in the long term.  But let me make it clear, since we have married my wife has had nothing to do with her mother.  She abused my wife mentally for years and would occasionally inflict physical harm on her.  When he did the latter, she manipulated things to make it appear that my wife was clumsy or had an accident so there was no suspicions on her behaviour."

"Are you saying your mother-in-law abused your wife?"

"I will note repeat what I said.  But do you think the courts hand out restraining orders on a whim?  No.  Even a non-lawyer like me knows enough to know that the courts will make an assessment that such and order should be granted."

Paul paused, he knew that he was getting angry, because what Abigail had suffered at the hands at her mother was bad enough, the media wanted to use it to sensationalise the situation.  "But to answer the question you asked about the Gu Group, there will be a statement released by the company.  That is appropriate in the situation because it will be objective, rather than the emotional response I will give you because of what she has done to my wife.  I will make this clear.  My wife and I have nothing to do with her mother, and we are not responsible for her actions.  She is an a.d.u.l.t and is responsible for her own actions.  But do a little investigation and find out about her father.  You will then understand that she is so like her father…"

Paul left the media hanging, and quickly turned motioning to the security staff standing just inside the building to come out and assist him getting into the building.  As soon as he entered, he ignored the stares from the reception staff and headed straight to the executive level before heading into his father's office.

As he shut the door behind him, Paul said "I think I just messed up father.  There may be fallout for the Group, and I am willing, if you want to take a leave of absence."

"It was broadcast live, and you handled it well.  You indicated that you were speaking as the son-in-law, and without seeming overpowering acted protectively towards Abigail."

"What!" was Paul's surprised response.

"Stop stressing out.  Your instincts were right, and the press release has already gone out from the company.  But, if you want to spend time with Abigail over the next few weeks to help her through the fallout in the media from the charges, just tell me.  I will ensure that it is approved immediately because my lovely daughter-in-law has been through so much because of her mother.  I will just ask Stephen to take over the major projects you have on your plate…"

"Speaking of Stephen, dad, something does not seem right with him.  I just have the feeling he is hiding something currently, and I am worried that it could harm the company."

Paul watched his father shake his head before saying "Go home.  You and Abigail need to be together to support each other, because if the rumours that I have heard play out, it will be a massive media event.  If you cannot leave work alone entirely work from your home office."

"No, I will keep working…"

"Take it as an order from your boss, son.  Go home.

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