The day we finally sent out the public apology was a really, really big day. Liam had sent the apology message, carefully written, to Damian. Damian had looked at every single word very, very carefully. He even asked us to change a few small things to make it clearer, so everyone would understand perfectly. We made those changes right away. He wanted everyone to know that he was really, truly far away on his holiday, relaxing on a beach, and not at all where the bad video said he was.
When the apology message went out, it was like a big wave hitting the shore. First, there was a lot of quiet, like everyone was holding their breath. Then, suddenly, phones started ringing like crazy, all at once! News channels on TV and radio started talking about it right away. Some people were surprised. Some were very happy for Damian, glad his name was being cleared. And some, just like I thought they would, were not sure to think. They scratched their heads and wondered why we suddenly changed our story after saying such bad things.
"Ms. Hilly," my assistant said, her eyes wide like saucers, "the news is calling non-stop! Everyone, and I mean everyone, wants to know more right now!"
"Tell them we will have a special meeting tomorrow morning," I said, trying my very best to sound calm and steady, even though my heart was beating fast. "We will share all the new facts there. And please, make sure Damian knows about this meeting too."
I knew this meeting would be very hard. I would have to stand in front of many news reporters and talk about my big mistake, the huge error I made. It would be scary, maybe even a little bit embarrassing, but I had to do it. It was a very important part of making things right for Damian. It was also important to show everyone that my company was honest and fair, even when we made a really, really huge mistake.
Damian called me later that same day. His voice was still a little bit tired, like he hadn't slept well, but I could hear a tiny bit of happiness in it, like a little sparkle. "The apology is out, Celeste," he said. "My family is seeing it. It's a start, a really good start."
"I'm so glad," I said, my heart feeling lighter and happier. "Tomorrow, I'm holding a big meeting with all the news reporters. I'll tell them everything, with all the new facts Liam found out."
"Good," he said, sounding pleased. "Make sure they understand completely. My good name means a lot to me, Celeste. It's very important."
"I will, I promise," I said. "And Liam is still working hard on finding the temporary worker. We're going to find out who helped Bianca with this terrible trick, no matter how long it takes."
"Keep me updated, please," he said. "I want to know every single thing."
I hung up the phone, feeling a new kind of strength and courage. This was a long road ahead of us. It wasn't just about saying sorry once and then being done. It was about showing everyone, every single day, that I was truly trying my best to fix the hurt I had caused. It was about fighting for what was fair and right, not just for Damian, but for my company's good name, and for myself. Bianca had started a very tricky and mean game, but now, I was ready to play my part and show everyone the real truth. And I wouldn't stop until I did.