CHAPTER 183: THE INTERNET EXPLODES: SHATTERED SILENCE / EXPLODING SCREENS.
A storm of voices erupted.
"Mr. Alfred, is this an official announcement that you've reconciled with your wife?"
James gave a tight smile. "No. This is a statement that she never needed to be dragged in the first place."
"Is it true you're planning to step down from Stone Group?"
James chuckled under his breath.
"Not today. Not tomorrow. And definitely not because of a scandal created by cowards."
"There's talk of a new mistress linked to you. Any comment?"
The air grew heavy. James' face darkened but his voice remained smooth.
"I don't comment on fiction. But anyone feeding that narrative should know that we're watching. Closely."
"Is your wife aware you're addressing this publicly?"
James straightened.
"She will be. She deserves that respect." "Last question," he said, his tone final.
"What would you say to the people who still believe the lies?"
James leaned forward just a bit.
"Truth has a way of surviving fire. Lies burn out."
With that, he stepped back. Flashbulbs popped like thunder. Questions still flew. But James was already walking away.
And outside? The moment James Deniro Alfred walked off that podium, the world exploded.
The clip of his speech hit the internet before he could even reach his car. Within twenty minutes, #JamesAlfredLive #IProtectWhatILove #DALFCatering #DianaAlfredCleared #StoneGroupPowerMove #PRMasterclass #TruthSurvivesFire were trending across every major social media platform.
Twitter/X, Threads, and TikTok Comments Flooded In:
"Did this man just shut down a scandal in a single breath? ICON."
— @QueenKarma
"I don't even care about the drama anymore. That speech?? I need James Alfred to teach a masterclass in dominance."
— @theonlyomoni
"Diana Alfred, you are so lucky. That man rides for you. Sheesh."
— @urbanhoneyyy
"This is the first time he's EVER addressed anything personally. And he slayed."
— @buzzbeatnaija
"Welp. If this doesn't scream 'I still love her,' I don't know what does. #AlfredAffection"
— @ceceupdates
"The mic didn't just drop. It exploded. That's how a king clears the table."
— @suitsandscandals
"James Alfred has officially raised the standard! If your man can't shut the whole country down for you, throw the whole relationship away 😤🔥"
— @gossipplug_UK
"I bought Stone Group shares right after that press conference and they've already spiked. That's what we call a market-moving presence."
— @dimejiStocks
"I don't even know who Diana is but I want her to WIN! My girl really got the lion to roar for her 🦁❤️"
— @ChroniclesofMrsK
Some called it the greatest corporate clapback of the decade. Others swore it was a PR stunt dripping in masculine ego and billionaire charm.
But no one could deny it, James Alfred had spoken and the world had listened.
_____
Blog headlines popped like fireworks:
"Stone Group CEO Breaks Silence In Explosive Press Conference"
"The Redemption of Diana Alfred: Public Sympathy Tilts"
"James Alfred Declares War on Ghost Enemies, Social Media Reacts"
"Billionaire Husband Shuts Down Mistress Rumors Like a Pro"
_____
Articles / News Headlines Dropped Like Bombs:
BBC: "James Alfred Breaks Silence: A Public Defense of Love and Loyalty"
Forbes: "Stone Group's CEO Faces the Media and Shocks the Financial World"
People Magazine: "I Protect What I Love" James Alfred shows public support for Wife with Stunning Statement"
E! News: "James Alfred Finally Speaks and the Internet Can't Get Enough"
The Guardian: "The Man Who Never Speaks. Why James Alfred's Press Conference Was A Historic Moment"
The power shift was real.
Influencers switched sides. Skeptics backpedaled.
Fans doubled down. Support for Diana surged.
Comments poured into her old posts, most deleted, but not forgotten.
"You deserved better all along."
"We see you, queen. And we're behind you 100%."
"Real ones always bounce back."
"Now that he's cleared your name, take back your crown."
Public Sentiment Shifted Instantly.
Just 24 hours ago, netizens were dragging Diana with pitchforks, accusing her of being a social climber, a liar, a homewrecker. Now? The tides had turned. She was "the woman worth the world's silence."
People began deleting their hate tweets. Apologies were trending. Directors and Influencers who once mocked her posted support videos, urging women to "be patient," "stand firm," and "wait for your James."
James Alfred didn't just speak. He rewrote the narrative.
_____
Back at Stone Group HQ, Angelo smiled proudly as he scrolled through his phone.
"Sir, I've never seen a recovery move like this in my career," he said into the comms.
James replied him calmly while adjusting his cufflinks. "Good. Make sure it stays that way. And let the world talk... I already said what matters."
Author's Note 🌹
Hey my sweethearts…
I know it's been a minute and oh, how I've missed you! 😌
Sometimes life drags us away from the stories we love to tell… but the beautiful part? We always find our way back. And this chapter—this one right here, has all the heat I've been bottling up for days.
Thank you for your patience.
Thank you for still being here.
Now… let's dive right back into the chaos, the tension, the heartbeats that skip. Because nothing's calm from here on out.
More coming soon, so stay close. And don't forget to drop a comment, I want to know what you feel. I've missed your minds. 🖤
– Adriana Fox