face, his jaw clenched so tight it ached. This wasn't just harassmen

ked on his office door at seven

r this afternoon. I want every m

"A press conference? You n

stroy an innocent woman's life and drag my stu

d I tell the

straight about recent events involving Sinclair

the studio's main conference room was transformed into a media circus wit

ith his presence alone. He rarely spoke to press, preferring to let his

t attacks on Sinclair Studios talent and set th

silent except f

ted harassment campaign. This included leaking confidential casting information, posting personal addr

letting th

or cyber harassment and criminal conspiracy. The fake posts about Miss Montenegro were fabricated entirely. Anyo

r, can you comment on your personal invol

s question but it still hi

vided Miss Martinez with secure accommodation until the threats against her could be neutralized.

easily, but it

personally intervened to help Miss Martinez. Can you explain

o destroy her over professional jealousy says more about this industry's toxic culture than

aleb escaped to his office feeling like he'd just run a marathon. His ph

it rang with the call

resa's voice was warm for the first time in days.

it h

statement convinced them the affair rumors were fabricated." She paused. "I'm sorry I w

ilt washing over him. "You

t... sometimes I feel like I'm losing you to that business, and w

me." The words felt

et some wannabe actress come between us.

knew how wr

press conference had worked, Theresa was happy, and the th

His blood chilled, thinking it might be another thre

hank you for defending me. You

for a long time before t

en appeared again. Finally: "Can I cook yo

tain professional distance now that the crisis was over. Theresa was happy, Luc

ing for him in the apartment where he'd imagi

e there

quietly. The smell of something delicious hit him immediately, followed

much garlic in the sauce," Lucy was s

n way too perfect. There h

imself, staying hidden

ives, Tiana. Sho

ich, powerful men don't usually go this fa

s just a go

e. Did you see the way he looked at

Tiana could see it, how long

ngs," Lucy said, but h

been talking about him doesn't

he should announce his presence, but he f

quietly. "He has a girlfriend. A famous, gor

if he

e. "Then I'd be in

loudly with an incoming call. The conve

" Lucy said, and he could

d. Theresa's photo smiled back at him, and for the fir

ant Tiana

serious t