Never Judge

"What is it this time?" Cedric asked in a frustrated tone.

"An unknown source said that they can confirm that Emilio is Alexi's son with his long-time partner. The same woman that was in a gossip site over a year ago." Dave said as he showed Cedric the article.

"Cedric, I think the public should know that he is your son. You can't hide Emilio forever, at least this way it won't be such a pain." Ram said with a frown. He knew how much Cedric didn't want to do that. "I know it's the last resort, but if you don't do this things will get worse. You know how well we attract the rumor mongers and paparazzi. Emilio will be hounded. I'm sure they are already waiting outside of Nationalia."

Cedric sighed and massaged his temples, he had to admit Ram was right, and when it came to matters like this, Ram had the most experience.

"I'll call Katerina." Cedric said with a sigh as he took out his phone.

"She was devastated, by the way." Eric said from the couch, breaking his silence. "She was so distraught and worried that you would hate her for the accident. She isn't exactly stable right now, she and Alexi are in the middle of a nasty fight."

"I don't blame her." Cedric told Eric. "I promise, I'll try my best to reassure her." 

"Do you mind if I go to her?" Eric asked Ram.

"As if I could stop you." Ram said, shaking his head. Of all the artists under Lights Entertainment there was only one that he could never control, nor would he ever want to control, and that was Eric. 

"Thanks." Eric said with a smile as he got up and left the office.

"Cedric." Katerina said in a clearly worried tone. 

"How are you guys holding up?" Cedric asked. He had actually been checking in with his mom every few minutes and had a vague idea of the situation inside Nationalia.

"We're finishing up dinner, little Emilio is happily eating his favorite sandwich. Auntie Priscilla and Uncle Emilio said that they will bring him directly home after lunch." Katerina reported.

"Change of plans." Cedric informed her. "Have you arranged for a press conference?" Cedric asked.

"Yes. But dad wants it done later at the presidential palace. It would at least restrain the paparazzi and reporters. They are always more respectful when the press conferences are held there." Katerina informed Cedric.

"Have it moved to Nationalia in two hours." Cedric told Katerina. "Ram and I will work on getting the press there. As for the statement I want you to admit that Emilio is mine and Adrianna's son." 

"What?!" Katerina said in a shocked tone. "You want me to say that Emilio, is Emilio Reyes IV heir to the Reyes Fortune?" Katerina asked, she was unable to believe what she was hearing.

"I thought you were smart Kateirna." Cedric said in a mocking tone as he rolled his eyes. "Of course you won't say he is Emilio Reyes IV. You will say that he is the child of your friend, Adrianna Hernandez and her husband, me, Cedric Reyes, a humble employee of the Reyes Group."

"People will question why I would bring an ordinary child to Nationalia, with auntie Priscilla." Katerina told Cedric.

"We will simply say that mom and dad are fond of Emilio. I think there is nothing wrong with saying they like a child. On the matter of his being at Nationalia, you can say that he came over for a play date with Tristan. It's quite lonely being a rich kid with no friends." Cedric said, answering Katerina's concerns.

"That's Emilio's situation not long ago." Katerina said with an amused tone, it was clear that she had finally managed to control her emotions. 

"You worry too much." Cedric told Katerina, he was amused at how she had recovered.

"I know that privacy is very important to you guys. I really didn't mean to post that photo. It was supposed to be one with me and Tristan." Katerina said with a sigh.

"Of course I know that Katerina. Now get your team to work, we'll see you later." Cedric said as he dropped the call.

"How do you think Adrianna will take this?" Ram asked as he returned to his office. He had gone out to give his assistant instructions on how to deal with Katerina's matter. Normally he wouldn't need to do anything for the Sebastians; they had their own team, but this matter had implicated Eric and Cedric had asked for help so he stepped in. 

"She won't be happy, but I trust your judgement." Cedric said as he called his wife.

"Adrianna." Cedric said as he heard his wife pickup the phone.

"Are you alright? Is Emilio alright?" Adrianna asked in a worried tone.

"Everything is fine honey." Cedric said as he calmed his wife. "But there is something we need to do and I'm sure you will not like it."

"What is it?" Adrianna asked.

"We need to admit that Emilio is our son." Cedric told her.

"And when you reveal your identity, what then?" Adrianna asked. "I thought you wanted him to live as normal a life as possible? If you say he is our son now when that time comes people will know that he is the next Reyes Heir."

Cedric had to admit that what Adrianna said made sense, but if they didn't do this now the consequences could be worse, Ram had already warned him.

"Adri, do you trust me?" Cedric asked.

"Of course. I'm not doubting your decision, I'm just worried." Adrianna said sadly.

"Don't worry, I consulted with Ram on this. He has handled so many issues and gossips such as this, I am sure his advice is sound." Cedric told his wife over the phone.

"I trust the both of you." Adrianna said.

"Have Mia take you to Nationalia. The press con will be in an hour." Cedric informed her.

"I'll see you." Adrianna said as she dropped the call.

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