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But now...

“How soon can you set this up?” I ask. “I want this over with.”

Mel is already reaching for his phone. “I'll have PR get on it. We’ll give them one hour to get here. I’ll send everything over to Steven in LA, and he’ll take care of Tommy.”

“Then let’s do it.”

Me: Go to Intertainment or any entertainment site. It’s about to begin.

Keegan: We’re watching. Love you.

Me: Love you more.

I slipmy phone back into the pocket of my trousers and adjust in my chair. I’m sitting at a long table with Mel beside me and a fleet of press before me. They got here quick, though no shocker there. Many were already camped out here.

I clear my throat and begin, explaining exactly what’s been happening as a screen set up on my other side shows the evidence. The texts with Alden, the posts and where they came from, the videos posted on the dummy account, the emails, and the IP address and location they’re affiliated with—all tied directly to Tommy.

Shockingly, the room is silent as the presentation ends. Dozens of reporters stare at me, at the damning evidence, their faces a mixture of shock and ghoulish excitement that comes with a juicy story like this.

I can already see the headlines they’re mentally drafting, and it makes my skin crawl.

I clear my throat and look directly into the cameras. “As you can see, Mr. Hardgrave has engaged in a systematic campaign of intimidation and harassment against myself and my girlfriend, Dr. Keegan Fritz. He has violated our privacy, threatened our sense of security, and attempted to damage both our professional reputations. He’s also challenged the safety of my son. For these reasons, he has been removed from the production ofNightfall.”

A reporter calls out, “Mr. Powell, can you address the allegations that your relationship with Keegan Fritz is a publicity stunt?”

I grip the edges of the table to steady myself. “I met Keegan about a year and a half ago through Tinsley Monroe, who, as you all know, is close friends with both of us. Keegan and I hit it off immediately.” I glance down, a small smile on my lips. “I liked her immediately.” I clear my throat and look back up. “We developed a friendship that grew and at points became more. This world isn’t easy, and I’m the first to admit that relationships were never part of my agenda. Nor was falling in love. When I came back to Boston nearly a month ago, Keegan and I reunited. She was fresh out of a relationship, and I had a son I was trying to learn how to be a father to. Except Keegan was there, and so was I, and things between us progressed quickly from there.”

I clear my throat and straighten my spine.

“So no, to answer your question, our relationship is not a publicity stunt. It’s the most real thing in my life other than my son. And I would give up every film, every award, every moment of fame to protect them both. I love her. Pure, plain, simple. She’s the beat of my heart.”

The room falls silent for a long, tense moment, and then someone yells, “What about her career as a smut writer?”

My jaw clenches, and I stare the bloke directly in the eye. “Keegan Fritz is amazing. A brilliant doctor and an incredibly talentedauthor.Any other word to describe her career as a writer is frankly unacceptable and disgusting. If she chooses to refer to her books as smut, that’s her prerogative, but to demean someone’s art simply to be crude or try to debase them is detestable.”

“Can you tell us about your son? We’re hearing mixed reports that you don’t know who his mother is and that Child and Family Services is creating a case against you.”

That last part makes my breath hiccup, but I quickly tuck it back. “My son was left on my mum’s doorstep about five months ago now. It’s true that at first, I had no idea who his mum was or why she’d leave him. I was scared, truth be told. Here was an infant I hadn’t known existed, and I was his father. I… don’t have the best record. My history isn’t what I wish it were, and then there’s all of you. You chase and create stories and alter words. I had to protect him, but I didn’t go about it the right way. That’s on me. I will not discuss his mum—and yes, I know who she is now, and she was a lovely and courageous woman—other than to say that I recently learned that she’s dead and had risked everything, including her life, for our son. I am working with my attorneys in the UK, and I am working with the Department of Child and Family Services here in Boston. My son’s safety and well-being are my number one priority at all times.”

More shouts and questions, with hands raised in the air like I’m giving out extra credit.

“Loomis, do you plan to press charges on Tommy Hardgrave?”

“Yes, I do,” I tell the reporter flatly.

The press start in on Mel, who fields a half dozen questions, and then we both rise and leave the press room. My hands are still tingling, and my heart is a mess, but it’s done.Tomorrow Keegan and I will file a report with the Boston Police Department, and after that, well, we’ll have to have Vander keep an eye on our friend to make sure he stays in line, but I’m hoping it’s the end of it.

“That was perfect,” Mel exclaims, looking just as relieved and happy as I am.

“Genuine. The press ate it up. The studio’s fully behind you, and Tommy has been notified he’s off the film and any future films Entice produces.”

I nod, but I’m already walking toward the door. I need to get out of here. Especially when my assistant texts me.

“Thanks, Mel,” I tell him. “I’ll see you next week for table reads.”

Robert: Your request is all taken care of, and I’ll leave the key at the front desk for you to pick up on your way in.

Me: Brilliant. Thank you. Fastest transaction ever.