A week later, in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Poul was reading the newspaper that was delivered to him hours ago. The headline of the newspaper read, "The Pittsburgh Current." With a cartoon depicting Poul Nielsen and Jonathan Axelsen holding a thunderbolt striking the town with lightning.
He shut the newspaper and set it aside on his table. Amelia, who was standing in front of him, looked at Poul with concern.
"Mr. Nielsen..." Amelia uttered.
"I know," Poul straightened his tie, and leaned back in his chair. "James Russell is beginning to run a smear campaign on us. Well, that's understandable, given that he is threatened by our system."
"But his statements towards you and Mr. Axelsen are wrong," Amelia said. "Please, to protect your reputation, you must issue a statement to the press, and prove him wrong."
"I don't have time to deal with the press and neither does Jonathan," Poul declined her suggestion. He continued. "Our electric distribution is the best in the world and that speaks the loudest. His fear tactic could only get him far but when it comes to the real competition, we are the ones that are going to prevail."
Amelia furrowed her brows. Despite the odds, Poul looked seemingly calm, as if he knew how the events were going to unfold in the future. If only she also had that confidence and belief in the future. She had been working for Poul and Jonathan for a few years now, and she had never seen them back down from a challenge. But the stakes were higher now, and the attacks from their competitors were more vicious than ever.
Amelia knew that Poul and Jonathan were right. According to their estimates, their electric distribution system was revolutionary, and they had poured months of hard work into it. It was only a matter of time before the world recognized their system's potential and adopted it.
But the smear campaign was affecting their business. Such as the project from the New York Board of Transportation, and clients from the air brakes and signal systems showing signs of apprehensiveness.
Amelia cleared her throat. "If I may, Mr. Nielsen. I could draft a statement for you. All you have to do is approve it."
"Didn't you just hear what I said? I said we are not going to issue a statement."
Amelia sighed and stepped closer to Poul's desk.
"With all due respect, Mr. Nielsen, I must insist that you reconsider. The longer we stay silent, the more damage Russell's campaign will do to our reputation and business." She paused, trying to emphasize her point. "We need to show the public that we are not afraid to defend ourselves and that we stand behind the quality of our work."
Poul leaned forward, his expression stern. "And I'm telling you, Amelia, that I do not want to waste any more time on this. Our electric distribution system speaks for itself, and we have more important things to do than to engage in a media war with James Russell."
Amelia took a deep breath and mustered all her courage. "I understand your position, Mr. Nielsen. But as your secretary, it is my duty to make sure that our company's image stays intact. We cannot afford to let our competitors tarnish our reputation with false accusations."
Poul looked at Amelia, his expression softening. He realized that she was right. As much as he hated to admit it, he couldn't ignore the fact that their business was being affected by Russell's smear campaign. And he couldn't let their hard work go to waste just because he didn't want to deal with the press.
"You're right, Amelia," he said finally. "I've been so focused on the technology and the competition that I forgot about the importance of our image. Very well, please draft a statement and I will review it before we release it to the press."
Amelia felt a sense of relief wash over her. "Thank you, Mr. Nielsen. I believe this is the best course of action for our company."
Poul nodded again. "Let's get to work, then." He pulled out a piece of paper and a pen from his desk and handed them to Amelia. "Show me what you've got."
***
Days later, in the same location, Amelia stood in front of a journalist from a different media company. Their notes and pencils were ready to take note of what she was about to say.
She cleared her throat and began.
"To the esteemed members of the press and the public.
It has come to our attention that our company, Axelsen & Nielsen Electric Manufacturing & Distribution Company, has been the target of a smear campaign by James Russell, the founder of the Russell Illuminating Company. We understand that our system is a threat to his business, but we would like to clarify some of the false accusations made against us.
Firstly, our alternating current electric distribution system is not dangerous, as Russell has claimed. Our system has been tested and proven safe by multiple tests. In fact, our system is much more efficient and cost-effective than Russell's system.
Secondly, Russell has claimed that our company does not care about the well-being of the public. This is simply not true. We have always put the safety and satisfaction of our stakeholders as our top priority. Our team of engineers and technicians work tirelessly to ensure that our systems are reliable and safe.
Lastly, we would like to remind the public that our company is committed to innovation and progress. We believe that our electric distribution system is the future of electricity distribution and we are excited to share its benefits with the world.
We hope that this statement clears up any misconceptions about our company and our alternating current distribution system. We are proud of our work and we stand behind it. Thank you for your attention."
After saying that, one of the journalists who listened to her statement raised a hand.
"So you are saying that alternating current is not as dangerous as James Russell claimed?"
"Yes, if the alternating current is dangerous, there would be accidents by now. But looking around, there isn't."
"But what about his other claims where your company is stealing his designs, particularly in the light bulbs," the journalist asked again.
"That is simply not true," Amelia replied. "The design of our incandescent light bulbs is far too different from what Russell's has been using, therefore it is new and not a copy of his bulbs. Anything else."
"So, your company is going to face James Russell in court?"
"To show our confidence to the public and to this country, we will show up to the court and face James Russell's allegation. If there are no more questions, we can now end this press."
As Amelia finished releasing the statement. She sighed and walked away, leaving the journalist to their work, who was scribbling down notes.
Poul walked up to Amelia with a smile on his face. "Great job, Amelia. You did a great job out there," he said, patting her on the back.
Amelia smiled, feeling proud of herself. "Thank you, Mr. Nielsen."
"James Russell is indeed a pain in the ass. We will definitely see him in court."
"We can win the case, right?" Amelia asked.
"Of course, there's nothing for you to be concerned about the outcome as it has already been decided," Poul said confidently.
