Mara smiles, nodding encouragingly.
“It saddens me that so many people want to see my business torn down. That’s what they’re toying with, by being so stubbornly convinced Imustbe X, Y, or Z. And newsflash, X, Y, and Z don’t correspond to anything good. It’s all ugly, vicious, and yes—I’ll say it—sexist. It’s petty, jealous, and pathetic. For all the trolls out there, or for those petty people who think they’ve got us all figured out, let me tell you, in no uncertain terms…”
I lean forward. On the screen, I look powerful, self-assured. If Jack’s watching, I’m sure he can see the tightness in my eyes, the anxiety tugging at my mouth. But no one else can. I look like an empress ready to start a war.
“Ibuilt this. Not him.” I jab my finger into my desk. “Not his company.Me. And no one—no matter how powerful—gets to decide what happens tomywork except me.”
“End it,” Mara whispers from beside me. “Leave them wanting more.”
I clickendstream, then sit back, my hands on my stomach.
“I feel like I’m going to be sick,” I murmur.
“You did it,” Mara says.
“You think so?”
“There will still be trolls, but I’m certain, Dakota. The good will outweigh the bad. And one day soon, the bad will just be a memory.”
My phone lights up. It’s Jack.
Jack: I am so proud of you.
CHAPTER 26
JACKSON
For the first time all day, I’m able to smile. After Dakota’s stream ends, she leaves the chat feed live. I’m on an anonymous account, watching as her loyal viewers rally around her message. The trolls pop their heads up like Whack-a-Moles, but the fansshecultivated have the ammo of her message now. She was so self-assured, so confident, leaving no room for argument.
I could see the tension in her eyes, the telltale signs. But I’m certain few others would have. If anybody.
Dakota: Thank you. I was so nervous.
Jack: I’m sure no one could tell.
Dakota: Could you?
Jack: Yes. But you didn’t come across as nervous at all, beautiful. You looked like you had the whole world at your feet.
Dakota: What’s your plan?
Jack: I’m about to fire somebody. We found the person responsible for the leak. One of my own employees, someone who worked on the first version of the Cove. She’s on her way to my office now to answer for her actions. We’re taking legal action against the trucker too. Defamation of character. We probably won’t win in court, but I’m going to make that perverted bastard fight us until he has nothing left.
Dakota: That’s… a lot.
I reply in disbelief.
Jack: You don’t think he deserves it? If you were alone, he would’ve taken it further. Then he had the gall to play the victim. Let the prick rot.
Dakota: I agree. That’s not what I meant. It’s just crazy how fast this is all happening.
Jack: Quicker is better. I don’t have to tell you that. You did the right thing, getting ahead of this. I’m looking at your chat now. Your fans are beating the trolls down like DakkyDuck smashing through a dungeon.
Dakota:
Dakota: Are you going to make a public statement?
Jack: Hey—what happened to you do you, and I’ll do me?
