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“I’m aware you’ve already had a pitch accepted by us. I trust my team. They think you show promise. So I’m not averse to agreeing to his request.”

“And you think this is something your readers will be interested in? Even though it happened in Britain?

Laura nods. “Of course,” she says. “The Hunt Corporation is an international brand. Add to that the aristocracy angle. If we get the tone of the article right, it will have broad appeal. Of course, we’ll want to syndicate it.” Her cool blue gaze lands on me. “Is this something that might interest you?”

“I…ah…yes.” I nod quickly. Even if there’s no future for me here, having The North Atlantic Monthly on my resume will open doors, the reason Sam suggested I pitch to them in the beginning. And let’s face it, my bridges are well and truly burned at Meridien. I’m fully expecting to be fired by Patrick as soon as I walk back in the building.

I look at Theo. “And you’re okay with this?” I ask him. “With your family being exposed? I thought you hated that.”

“It was my suggestion,” he says, looking so laid back I hardly recognize him. “If there are going to be articles, and there will be, I’d very much like to get my point of view across.” He tips his head to the side, his eyes on mine. “With somebody I trust.”

“Mr. Hunt has agreed to a full, on the record interview,” Laura says. “No pre-approved questions. No subjects off limits. Our legal department insisted on the usual waivers, which he’s already signed.”

Daniel pushes a folder toward me. Inside are reams of papers, all annotated and signed by Theo. “I’ve added a few additional clauses,” Daniel adds. “Given the potential scope of the investigation.”

My eyes drop back to the papers. Potential scope feels like lawyer language for something explosive. And I guess that’s what this is.

Laura shifts slightly at the head of the table. “To be clear,” she says briskly, “this would not be a short piece. If we proceed, we’re talking about a full long-form feature in print and digital. Of course, we may need to delay publication until the legal proceedings in London have been settled.”

“This could ruin you,” I whisper to Theo. “And your family.”

He tilts his head slightly. “Maybe.”

“And that doesn’t bother you?”

“It bothers me less than not telling the truth.”

Laura clears her throat lightly. “Miss Ingram, if you’re willing to accept the assignment,” she says, “we’ll begin preparing the interview schedule and research access. We’d contract you for the duration of the investigation.”

My eyes drift back to the papers. Then to Theo. It hits me how much he’s giving up here. His control of the narrative, his privacy. Potentially his family’s reputation.

And he’s doing it for me. Giving me a story that I’ve already been accused of being part of. My throat tightens.

“Is this something you’re interested in?” Laura asks me.

I look at Theo again. He nods. “I trust you,” he says to me. And the power of those words is all it takes.

He trusts me. I trust him.

“Yes,” I say, my heart slamming against my ribcage. “I’m very, very interested.”

“Perfect,” Laura says. “Now I’m afraid I’m late for another meeting, so I need to rush off. She looks at the two men beside her. “Can I leave this with you?”

The older man nods. “Of course.”

Laura stands briskly, pushing back her chair. “Thank you for coming in. I look forward to discussing this further with you.”

“Of course,” I say, standing too, and taking the hand she offers me.

Before she leaves, she gives me a big smile. “By the way, I hear there’s trouble at Meridian.”

I press my lips together. I guess word is spreading.

Before I can respond, she sweeps out of the room, the door soft-closing behind her.

“Now, Miss Ingram,” the older gentleman says, looking at me. “We’ll be in touch with some forms we need you to complete. And the usual security checks to onboard you.”

“That’s fine.” I nod.