Page 15 of American Royalty

She read the continent of space between the lines.

Their target demographic.

Youngwhitegirls.

The same demographic that was taking Samantha Banks’s side on social media.

So, a group of women who had nothing to do with her business and who would never buy her products, because they weren’thertarget demographic, could play a role in whether this deal would even happen?

A knot formed in the back of her throat, making it difficult for words to emerge. She opened her mouth then closed it.

“What does this mean?” Andrea asked.

Dani sent her CEO a look of gratitude.

Henry tapped his index finger on the table. “You’re going to need amazing press to turn this all around and get people on your side again. The only way we see that happening is if you apologize.”

Dani was certain she hadn’t heard him properly. “Excuse me?”

“This is outrageous!” Andrea said, confirming that Dani had indeed heard him properly.

“It doesn’t have to be a big deal. Put something out on your social media saying you regret what happened. Try to squash the beef. That’s what you call it, right?” Henry offered with a smile.

Dani didn’t find the situation humorous.

“Why would I apologize? I haven’t done anything wrong. None of this is my fault.”

Henry leaned back in his chair. “It doesn’t matter. You’re the one who’s seen as wrong. Your image has taken a beating. You need to apologize. Surely we aren’t the only people to tell you this.”

This was a nightmare!

“And if I don’t?”

Henry’s features hardened and he issued the final blow. “Then this meeting is over and you’re going to have a problem. This is a small industry. We knew the other top companies were interested in Mela-Skin and we were aware when they dropped out ofthe running. Heed my words. Apologize. Now. Or there will be no deal. With anyone. And you’ll become a cautionary tale smaller companies tell themselves about not missing their opportunity.”

Despite her earlier apprehension, Dani hadn’t allowed herself to believe this would actually happen. Fate wouldn’t be so cruel as to once again render her a puppet in her own life, the success of her plans and attainment of her goals dictated by the whims of people who couldn’t give a shit about her, would it?

At the moment it looked like fate would, indeed, be that bitch.