“I’ve seen it.”
“It’s everywhere, Daniel. Every major outlet, every gossip site, every tech blog. And it’s not just about you anymore, they’re going after her specifically.”
I close my eyes. “Fuck.”
“Larsson called. He’s reconsidering the deal. He doesn’t want to be associated with this kind of scandal.”
“Fuck.”
“The board wants an emergency meeting. They’re talking about asking you to step down temporarily until this blows over.”
My eyes fly open. “They want me out?”
“They want you to fix this. And Daniel—” Her voice softens. “You need to stay silent until I can craft a proper statement. Don’t talk to the press. Don’t make it worse.”
But I’m barely listening because another notification pops up. This time, it’s a video of Bailey, captured on someone’s phone as we walked through the airport yesterday. They carefully cropped me out of it even though I was holding her hands, leading her past the throng of hungry reporters.
“Daniel? Are you listening?”
“I have to go.” I hang up before she can respond.
I pull up Bailey’s contact, thumb hovering over her name. What do I even say? I’m sorry that our arrangement has damaged your reputation? I’m sorry I dragged you into my mess?
I’m sorry I pushed you away when you needed me most?
I call her. It rings once. Twice. Three times.
Voicemail.
“Bailey, it’s me. I—” I stop, not knowing how to finish. “Call me back. Please.”
Shedoesn’t.
***
The next morning, I arrive at the office before dawn. I plan to get in, assess the damage, and figure out how to protect Bailey from the fallout, but when I pull up to the building, there are already reporters camped outside. They spot my car immediately, cameras raising, voices shouting questions.
I ignore them, heading straight for the private entrance.
My phone rings with Bailey’s call.
“Where are you?” I ask immediately.
“On my way to work.”
“Don’t. Stay home today.”
“Excuse me?”
“The press is everywhere. You don’t need to face this right now. I’ll handle it.”
There’s a pause. When she speaks again, her voice is cold. “I’m not hiding like I’m guilty of something.”
“I’m not asking you to hide. I’m asking you to stay safe.”
“Safe?” She laughs bitterly. “From what exactly?”
“From everyone trying to tear you apart for clicks.”
