“That’s a Grace question. But I think there’s plans for Everydoll and Stuff-A-Stuffie,” I replied, ignoring my phone as it rang.
He nodded. “My kids love those places.”
My assistant called my desk phone, and I answered it. “Yes, Shayla?”
“Misty is here and needs to see you.”
Of course she did.
“Send her in.” I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose between my thumb and forefinger.
The door opened. Misty, the alpha who headed my PR department, appraised us.
“Good, you’re both here.” She closed the door. “What the actual fuck? Your mom had you institutionalized, and Terrance and your sister broke you out?”
“Jett also helped.” Shit. I should warn him. “Also, my dad fought my mother over it and lost.” I felt the need to defend him right now.
“What happened?” She pulled over a chair.
I gave her the quick version. While the company had existed then, it wasn’t the operation it was now. It was mostly a few of us doing too much. My being out of commission was part of what led to us actually getting proper staffing and offices, because Terrance needed help to keep the company from failing. Though he’d still overworked himself to keep everything going. Misty hadn’t been there then.
“Fucking shit.” She shook her head. “Wehaveto get ahead of this. Especially since she and her company are doubling down. This could be terrible. At least you’ve already started distancing yourself from them. Changing your last name and them removing you from the foundation board speaks volumes. As does your sister leaving the company,” she added.
“Katie’s ready to rampage,” I agreed.
“I sent you a statement, which I'd like to release five minutes ago. We’ll probably need a press conference, too. Terrance, you’ll need to say something as well.”
“I already started drafting something. When I return to my office, I’ll send it to you.” Terrance nodded.
“Misty, I’d rather not do a press conference, but if it’s needed, I will. While I won’t trash my mother, I will speak the truth.” I sighed again and opened the statement she sent me. “I’ll make changes and get it back to you.”
“Good. I’ll set up the press conference.” She stood and left.
I sighed. “Did you know that I fucking hate press conferences?”
“I know. I’ll be there. Hey, maybe after the conference you can take off for the afternoon. Go for a ride or take your frustrations out on the piano or a punching bag,” Terrance said.
“That sounds like a good idea.” I sent Jett a quick text warning him.
“I should finish that statement. You know where I am if you need me. Um, canItrash her?” Terrance asked. He knew a lot of shit about my mom given how long we’d been friends.
“By all means.”
Terrance left, and I made alterations to the statement and sent it back to Misty. Then I started replying to all the phone calls and emails that I had to and dealing with today’s urgent business so that I could leave after the press conference.
My pack also kept checking on me. Including Riley, who wanted permission to implement the plan she’d come up with when this war first started.
Me
Let’s hold that thought for a moment.
After all, my mother hadn’t actually done anything other than state that it was all lies carefully crafted to slander her.
Riley
I’m ready when you are.
My phone rang as I sent out yet another reassuring email while trying to finish a spreadsheet.
