ia

he morning sun. I stepped out, feeling the warm California air envelop me, and gazed up at the imposing struct

ding 15 stories tall, the building commands attention with its sleek, modern design and impressive scale. The exterior

and walked towards the entrance, my fo

able secretary, greeted with a bright smile.

orning," I murmured as I pushed through the massive, rev

ng my job," s

the schedule like this morning?" I asked her as I walked past the security de

s at 8:30 am, a conference call with a potential donor at 10 am, a

rd mee

rmed. "It's an e

e an inkling as to what this e

"The board meeting is starting

ers are already se

r. "Contact Ryder and tell him to meet me i

an urgent meeting concerning the scandal," Lexi

to have my ass for not responding quickly but I've got import

lway lined with framed photos of our foundation's achievements. "Have my herbal tea ready by t

rustling of papers as the board members awaited my arrival. I p

ou waiting," I said, my voice sincere as

o me. I took a deep breath, my eyes scanning the table. "Th

ht, a prominent member of the board, began. "This is an

ry much aware of that, Mr. Wright. Though I'm

her top member, chipped in. "Rumors have been flying that too much of it is true, a

dle-aged man added. "And considering the precarious situation that the foundation is in ever since

. "Forgive me but I am totally flabberga

that doesn't seem to be looking good for your position as the Executive director of this foundation

ember enemy who has been practically finding op

on him. "Was that a threat, Mr. West?

the rest of the board members awkwardly cle

ure to look taller. "I was merely giving

und like an advice to me," I said, m

f wills at play but when he realized I wasn'

way my advice was portray

West," I told him, the softness of my voic

he false image that the media is trying to paint of me, my acting career and of course the foundation." my smile

nt positive change in the foundation but I have always held the foundation's best interests at heart. Al

iss?" Henr

l has his own needs but acting recklessly in public is not my thing. I've got my reputation and public image to protect..." I paused

shareholders worry. I take full responsibility for what

y jacket back into place. "I think that will be

as met at the door by Lexi. "Is

ed. "But Ms. Emily got

steps. "Emily i

d. "And she is not loo

b

ce in case you need anything." Lexi did a mid bow

orner office, my name and title boldy engraved

Ryan

ive Di

mitting from the electronic lock on th

and sure enough, seated on the sofa in the seat

"Hey, there, Em," I said, well aware of

Em," she mimicked, her distaste a

esk and settled into my ergonomic lea

tood up and stomped her way to my desk before slamming her hands down on the said desk. "You

d send you a me

broke the internet and your fans are in my DM, craving for blood and a god-damned explanation." she pinched the bridge of her nose. "The PR te

ng if I opened them to talk, I

ia and fastly becoming the top hot trending topic across all social media platforms. The hashtags are closing

at much? Sometimes, I do

p cool her down. She snatched it from my hand with

ggest we do as dama

we need to confirm the status

er choice of w

you fucking her or it's just

"What if I said I was fucking

ked bored. "I wouldn't be surprised i

t be enough to de

women in LA but she was a whole lot curvier, with breasts, hips and...God! I bit

t speared through my body. I can't even remember

g wavy dark brown hair, her high cheekbones, her pink lush rosebud lips and her straight nose. When combined with

as a mystery. One I

to me?" Emily's sharp shrill voice yank

on him," Ryder Pryce; my cousin and ma

even bother thinking you can escape this. We are in th

ly. Liam is not a child. To even think this is the first time he's appearin

owed to slits. "S

eady getting tired of this banter. I nodded

be in your email

. "I will email something to you, use its context and draft an official statement. Release th

strategy." Emily nodded. "Okay, I like that but wha

care of her. She's my respon

ll be on my way. I've got work

t you?" Ryder asked moments later and I pau

said. "For her sake and for mine. I can't

d me. "What happene

. I should have paid more att

fortable. "That's why I have to keep the att

ust pray someone doesn't e