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My head feels like it’s about to explode, but those words snap me into a single-minded focus.
“What?” I growl.
Talia flinches.
The teacher looks alarmed.
I give them both a strained smile and walk a few paces away. “What do you mean the footage got out?”
“It came from a car’s dash cam. The driver had already left the scene, so we didn’t catch it in our sweep.”
I grip the cell phone tighter. “How far has it spread?”
“Right now, it’s mostly being used as a meme. No articles have been printed yet, but it’s only a matter of time before someone digs into the origins of the video and finds out.”
I squeeze my eyes shut.
“Mr. Sullivan, is everything alright?” Miss Abbot asks. She sounds a lot nicer now. I’m starting to think the snark she gave me earlier was more of a response to the situation rather than a miserable personality.
Too bad the world won’t be that kind when they assess my sister and her viral car stunt.
“We need to get on top of this story,” I tell Mosely. “And I’m fine,” I tell Abbot.
“Uncle Dare, I’m really sorry.” Talia’s crying. Her tears make my heart twist like an invisible hand is pinching a nerve, but my head is spinning too fast. One thing at a time. I’ll focus on this PR emergency first.
“Talia, get in the car.” My voice is stern. “Miss Abbot, I promise I’ll come and discuss Talia’s behavior another time. Unfortunately, I really need to go.”
“But…” The teacher gives me a wide-eyed look.
“Talia.” I gesture for my niece to precede me down the walkway. She shuffles with her head down and her backpack dragging on the ground.
Mosely talks fast. “I can announce our intentions to partner with Cullen Tech.”
“No. That won’t be sensational enough to bury this. I need something that will totally distract from any articles that start popping up with Lucy’s name.”
“The only way to do that is to leak something personal.” He clears his throat. “Her rehab story, maybe?”
“No. My niece is having a hard time as it is. We don’t need to add her mom being ridiculed on social media to the dumpster fire.”
“I can dig up some gossip on your competitors. I’m sure I can find enough dirt in someone’s closet to cover up our own casket.”
Massaging the bridge of my nose, I shake my head. “No, we’re not going that route.”
“What other option do we have? The only thing people are interested in is scandal and romance.”
Romance?I brighten. “Mosely, book me an interview on a morning show. The most popular one in the city.”
“Do you have an idea?”
I slide behind the wheel. “I think it’s time I announce my relationship to the world.”
CHAPTER8
the best fake
YAYA
The camera flash is insanely bright, but I keep my eyes wide open and maintain my cheerful leg kick until Henry nods and steps back.