He waited.
“Ellie made it impossible to keep pretending the schedule was sustainable,” I said. “That does not mean I’m changing it for her.”
Richard looked unconvinced.
That was fine.
I had spent too long treating agreement as permission.
“I want a written press policy,” I said.
Sophie picked up her pen.
Richard remained still.
“What policy?”
“No statement about a private person without their approval. No fabricated romance as a distraction. No direct contact with anyone in my private life unless both of us agree.”
“And live interviews?” Sophie asked.
“No surprise personal questions.”
“That cannot always be guaranteed.”
“Then we decide whether live is worth the risk.”
“That will reduce bookings.”
“Yes.”
She considered the list.
“That is restrictive.”
“Is it workable?”
“Yes.”
Richard looked at her.
“You support this?”
“I support having rules before Savannah invents them while a camera is running.”
“That sounds hostile,” I said.
“It is affectionate.”
“Everyone has developed an unusual method.”
Richard unfolded the proposed statement.
“We are not issuing this.”
“Good.”
“We will say the interview speaks for itself.”
