My phone vibrated in my pocket. I glanced at the screen and saw my lawyer’s name. “I need to take this.”
Dede nodded, continuing with her moisturizing routine as I answered.
“Phoibe Stravrou has withdrawn her lawsuit. Her attorney contacted us fifteen minutes ago to inform us that she’s dropping all claims.” My lawyer’s voice came through clearly.
I straightened, responding in Greek. “Really?”
“It seems the leaked footage had precisely the effect one might hope. Her lawyer indicated that Ms. Stravrou feels ‘pursuing this matter further would not be productive.’”
“I see.” I kept my voice flat, but satisfaction coursed through me.
“We’re preparing a statement acknowledging her withdrawal without admitting any wrongdoing, as discussed. Will you want to proceed with the press conference as planned?”
“Yes, but we’ll adjust the messaging.”
“Of course. Congratulations, Mr. Christakis.”
I ended the call and turned to Dede, who was watching me with curious eyes.
“Phoibe has dropped the lawsuit,” I said simply.
Dede’s face broke into a wide smile. “She’s backing down?”
I nodded. “Matt’s strategy, it had the desired effect.”
She set her lotion aside and wrapped her arms around my neck. “I know you didn’t approve of his methods, but I can’t say I’m sorry about the outcome.”
“Neither am I.” I exhaled slowly.
I had built the Christakis name into something my father would have been proud of. One woman and a lie had nearly torn it apart. Not because the accusation had merit, but because the world was eager to believe the worst of powerful men.
I’d prepared myself for months of legal warfare, for cameras and headlines and Dede having to stand beside me through all of it. And now it was simply — over.
“You’re doing that thing,” Dede said.
“What thing?”
“Where you’re angry at yourself for not seeing it sooner. Stop it. She fooled everyone. Your father trusted her for years.”
I looked at this woman sitting in my robe who had not doubted me for a single moment. Not when the accusations hit, not when the press descended, not when the whispers started. Her faith in me had been absolute and immediate.
“You never questioned me,” I said. “Not once.”
“I didn’t need to. I know who you are, Aris.”
I pulled her closer and pressed my lips to her forehead, holding her there for a long moment. “The press conference is not for three hours. The babies, they are well cared for and Dimi’s situation, it is his to handle.”
Her smile turned playful. “Are you suggesting we ignore the drama downstairs?”
I loosened her robe. “After everything we have been through, we deserve moment of peace together before diving back into the fray, yes.”
She leaned into my touch. “Just a moment?”
I smiled, drawing her closer until she was in my arms, her body fitting perfectly against mine as it always had. “Maybe a little longer than that.”
I kissed her slowly, savoring the taste of her, the softness of her lips, the way she sighed into my mouth. Her hands tightened in my hair as I deepened the kiss, and the robe slipped further down her shoulders.
When we finally broke apart, she kept her forehead pressed to mine. “I’ve made a decision.”
