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‘I confronted her. She didn’t admit it, but she was clearly lying. I told her to go. That was six months ago. She’s begged me to reconsider, but if she can’t even admit what she did, how can we have trust now? So I’m filing for divorce this week. That’s why I asked for you. Things are about to get sticky.’

Alex mulled. ‘Yes, sticky. You want people to know this wasn’t your fault, though, right?’

‘Right. I’m the victim.’

‘But if this gets out, people on social media would probably say it’s a bit strange that someone as famous as her would cheat in a public place,’ she said carefully.

Isabelle smiled. ‘You’re thinking my friend lied or got it wrong?’ She took a phone from a side table and tapped it open, handing it over. There was Erin, sittingveryclose to a pretty young woman whose face was mostly obscured by her long blonde hair. ‘My friend managed to get a snap,’ Isabelle told her.

Alex was pleased to see the concrete evidence. As the internet liked to say, if there was a pic, it happened.

‘Did you show this picture to Erin?’ Alex asked, handing the phone back.

‘Yes. She said she was a friend of a friend who she barely knew, who stopped to say hello while her agent was in the toilet. But look at this picture.’ She held it up again. ‘You canseeit, right?’

‘It’s iffy,’ Alex admitted. ‘But it’s good it exists. It’s proof that we can use.’

‘I can’t reveal it.’

‘What?’

‘My friend asked me not to involve her. She asked me never to show the picture to anyone. I promised her.’

‘OK, then,’ Alex said evenly like that wasn’t very fucking annoying. ‘So, aside from what you’ve told me about Erin, what areyourconcerns going forward? What doyouneed protection from?’

‘I don’t know exactly, but I don’t want to get caught by surprise. Not a second time. I thought I knew her, and now I don’t. She could make up anything,’ Isabelle said worriedly.

‘But you don’t know, in particular, what she might say?’ Alex asked carefully.

‘I mean, no one’s perfect.’

Alex nodded. ‘Of course.’

‘Can you handle surprises if they come?’ Isabelle asked.

‘I’ve dealt with similar cases, and the client was satisfied with the outcome,’ she said. ‘I can’t name names, of course.’

‘Of course.’ Isabelle smiled. ‘Let’s sign, then.’

Alex was slightly taken aback. ‘Oh, you’re ready now?’

‘I’ve talked to people you’ve represented. They said you’re good with crisis stuff. This was a formality. A vibe check, as the kids say. I want to get the ball rolling quickly.’

Alex smiled. ‘OK, well, if you’re certain.’ She pulled out the sheet, and Isabelle signed. Alex watched, smiling evenly like it was just another day and just another client. But truthfully, she was thinking, ‘Shit! I’m about to represent the client of my career!’

Four

It was official. Leigh had been promoted that morning. And she was now on her way to see Erin Porter to sell her on staying on under a less experienced publicist. Her new PA had called ahead to set up the meeting.

Though Leigh’s doubts had not passed, she had to do this. Because Jack was right. How could she ask anyone to put themselves in her hands if she couldn’t even promote herself?

She knocked on the door of a small, ground-floor flat. A woman in her forties answered, looking drab and tired. Not the glamorous creature seen on the screen at all. Her long, dark hair hung lank, her green eyes were ringed, and her forehead was lined with worry. Leigh felt for her the moment she saw her.

‘Hi, I’m Leigh Calloway…’ she began.

‘So, you’re handling this now?’ Erin cut in.

‘Oh, wait, you know?’