Chapter 148
VelmonVsHolts.
The press conference was held outside the research institute. An elevated platform was set up for Nathaniel to step onto the stage and address the crowd. But even before he spoke, the protesters were already shouting.
“Mr. Thorne, you betrayed the Holts p>
“Your hatred toward Victor Kline made you biased p>
“Yes! Yes, this research institute would not have happened without Matthew Holt p>
“You might as well shut down this institute p>
“Yes, shut it down p>
“Shut it down p>
An uproar broke out.
The group of activists pushed forward against the police officers, struggling to control the crowd.
Nathaniel raised his hand and spoke into the microphone. “Please, let us all calm down. Trust me, you will want to hear what I have to say p>
When the demonstrators continued to raise their voices, Nathaniel pointed to the man leading the protest.
“Simon Crow p>
Nathaniel motioned to the large LED screen behind him, and an image of the same man appeared, seated in a coffee shop.
“A week ago, you met with one of Matthew Holt’s lawyers.” He snapped his fingers, and the image shifted to a bank statement. “You received twenty thousand dollars, traced to a third-party account still connected to the Holts p>
“The money came from one of Matthew’s employees,” Nathaniel clarified, and only then did the activist lower his voice.
“Have I finally got your attention?” Nathaniel asked. “Because if this proves you were paid to instigate this rally on behalf of the Holts, you will be treated as a co- conspirator p>
The leader of the protest gulped, his eyes widening. “That money was to help everyone gather, to pay for food and transportation! It doesn’t mean we were paid to voice our opinions p>
Nathaniel smirked. “That would have been believable, except that all of you likely received individual compensation p>
Murmurs rippled through the crowd, panic flashing across some faces. One person even tried to flee, but Nathaniel spoke again. “But don’t worry. I understand. You may have acted under duress to initiate this protest p>
Aside from the demonstrators, institute employees, members of the media, and other concerned parties were present. Nathaniel lifted his chin and continued.
“Indeed, this institute would not have existed without the Holts, and I remain grateful for their help. But wrongdoing cannot be ignored p>
He gestured behind him. “Behind me stands an institute that saves lives p>
“This is not just a research center, it is a treatment facility for neurological diseases. It is also a place where victims of abuse and crime seek solace and assistance.” Nathaniel glanced back as images flashed across the LED screen. They were pictures of patients and families who had received help from the facility.
“People,” he said, meeting the protesters’ eyes, “this institute has helped more than ten thousand
vel
families through legal aid and
emotional support. Since the
treatment wing opened, we have treated and rehabilitated over twenty thousand neurological patients. Our research division has developed breakthrough therapies in collaboration with leading
pharmaceutical partners, resulting in
approved drugs and treatment
protocols now used in hospitals
nationwide p>
“We don’t just study the brain. We restore lives. This institute exists to turn research into recovery p>
“Our work doesn’t stay in journals, it changes lives p>
“And I am quite certain that some of you have benefited from the research we’ve done. It may not be you personally, but someone you hold dear p>
Nathaniel pointed to one of the protesters. “Like Lisa Wells, who is currently taking our newly approved drug developed at Kline BioSolutions p>
The woman named Lisa paled. The placard in her hands slipped to the ground. Clearly, she hadn’t expected Nathaniel and his team to investigate the protesters’ backgrounds so thoroughly.
“Yet the very people who once helped me establish this institute, the Holts are now funding these protests, disrupting our operations,” Nathaniel said, shifting the direction of his speech. “But this is not the fault of the people standing here. Desperation, duress, and bribery can blind anyone to the truth p>
The protesters grew defensive, stunned into silence.
“Citizens of Velmon,” Nathaniel continued, “behind me is the truth p>
The LED screen switched to the website VelmonVsHolts. Court filings filled the display. The document’s included Victor’s crimes, proof of Matthew’s involvement, and the families affected by it all Every detail was laid bare. There were even voice recordings, evidence that Matthew had ordered the
concealment of Victor’s offenses.
Finally, two birth certificates appeared: those of Serena Kline and Vanessa Holt,
both signed by the same doctor. What followed was the doctor’s recorded testimony, confirming that the deception had been deliberate.
The evidence was undeniable.
The Holts were guilty!
“After Victor’s imprisonment, my ex-wife became the target of public hatred,” Nathaniel said firmly. “Regrettably, that included blame from myself and my mother. She was blamed, despite being a victim herself p>
His gaze hardened. “The Holts knew this. And yet, they chose silence. They deliberately refused to clarify who Victor’s real daughter was p>
“Why p>
“Because it was intentional.” His voice dropped, cold and cutting. “They allowed Serena to suffer in the public eye so Vanessa Holt would remain protected—while they worked behind my back to buy back shares of Kline BioSolutions p>
“Let me tell you how far they were willing to go to protect Vanessa.” Nathaniel’s eyes narrowed. “They were willing to kill p>
Once again, the crowd erupted. Cameras snapped, lenses lifted, and the media surged forward, determined to capture every second of what came next.