Page 27 of Fake Dating Mr. Prince

Dad nodded and lowered himself into one of the chairs facing my desk. “Okay. I believe you. I know you wouldn’t lie to me about something like this. But in light of this picture, we need to do some damage control.”

“What do you mean, ‘damage control?’” I asked, sitting back down.

Dad paused before letting out a long breath. “Simone called me.”

“And—” My hands clenched, and I fought the urge to jump back out of my seat. I’m not sure why I was shocked she’d try to manipulate me by going to my father. Now that I’d seen her true colors, I didn’t see any reason to let her back into my life.

“She mentioned she saw you in Paris.”

“Yup.”

“Dean, you know I don’t care for her. Not after what she did to you. But she apologized for the interview and mentioned printing a retraction. Maybe you should consider seeing her a few times, make it look like you two are friendly—or dating again, even—at least long enough for a retraction to be printed, and then you can part as friends.”

“I don’t trust her. She’s up to something.”

“You haven’t seen her in years. What could she possibly want from you?”

“Who knows? I heard her career took a dip. Maybe she needs a publicity stunt?” I bit out. I’d thought with time my anger had diminished, but the hurt was still there.

“Sometimes people change.” The look in Dad’s eyes suggested he believed her. “I’m not saying you need to get into a relationship with her, but maybe it will do you some good to see her and hear her out. You two might be able to bury the hatchet.”

“I’ve moved on.”

“I know you want to run this company. If Simone prints a retraction, it could help with your image. Just give it some thought.”

I sighed and nodded. He was right, but that didn’t mean I wanted to do it.

“Why don’t we touch base later after you’ve had time to think about it?”

“Sure.” I’d consider it. When hell froze over. I stood up when Dad turned to leave.

“Dean, you know I’m only looking out for you, right?”

He really did have my best interests at heart. “I know, Dad.”

But Simone was trouble. She’d already done a number on my life once. I’d be a fool to let her in long enough to destroy my life again.