Page 86 of Forty, Flirty & Framed

Behind him, his colleague has changed his virtual background to what appears to be a Scottish castle interior, complete with a historical portrait where Callum's face has been poorly Photoshopped onto a kilted Highland warrior.

"Gentlemen," Callum says, his voice arctic."So glad you could join us."

Ferguson straightens his kilt tie with obvious relish."Abernathy.Ms.Peters.Lovely to see you both.Hope you don't mind a wee bit of Scottish spirit this morning."

The board members shift uncomfortably.

I can feel the presentation derailing, momentum evaporating as MacTavish's team smirks at their juvenile prank.

And then, something clicks.

"Actually, Mr.Ferguson," I say with flourish, "your timing is perfect.I was just about to discuss our merchandising strategy."

"Merchandising?"Callum repeats, clearly thrown.

"Yes," I continue, improvising wildly."As I was explaining to Mr.Abernathy yesterday, the unexpected viral attention presents unique opportunities for controlled brand extension."

I click to a new slide I'd prepared as a contingency but hadn't planned to use."Our research indicates that strategic limited-edition merchandise—curated and controlled by Abernathy Corp—would not only satisfy market demand but redirect it through official channels."

Ferguson's smirk falters."You're...leaning into this?"

"We're controlling the narrative.”I nod.“By offering select, tasteful items that reinforce our Guardian positioning, we eliminate the incentive for unauthorized products while generating additional revenue streams."

I gesture to his tie."For instance, rather than allowing novelty items of...questionable taste...we might offer limited-edition Abernathy tartan accessories with proceeds benefiting digital security education programs."

The MacTavish team cast each other lingering looks.This clearly wasn't the reaction they expected.

"Brilliant," one board member murmurs."Turn their mockery into a revenue stream."

"And a PR win," adds another.

Callum is watching me, green eyes alight.

"Ms.Peters has consistently demonstrated this level of strategic thinking throughout the campaign," he tells the board."Her background in reputation management has proven invaluable."

There it is again.That casual reference to experience I don't have.

The victory I should be savoring turns ashen in my mouth.

The rest of the call proceeds smoothly.

The MacTavish team, thrown off-balance, participates with stiff professionalism.The board enthusiastically approves both the partnership strategy and a modest merchandise budget.

By the time we disconnect, I should be elated.

Instead, I feel completely empty inside.

"That was masterful," Callum says when we're alone."The way you flipped their juvenile attempt at mockery into a strategic advantage."

"Just doing my job," I reply, gathering my notes.

"You did more than that."He steps closer."You took a potential disaster and transformed it into an opportunity.That's not just good marketing—that's brilliant leadership."

His praise should feel good.

It doesn't.

It feels like another brick in the wall of lies I've built.