Page 34 of How to Play the Player

“I’ve had IT look at my laptop in the past, but it didn’t help anything. Probably time to retire it,” I exclaim.

Just then, Jonathan’s phone chimes with a notification. His expression darkens as he reads the screen.

“Everything okay?” Nathan asks.

Jonathan sighs. “Not exactly. Someone just posted on X claiming they have ‘insider information’ about me, that I’ve been cheating on Kiera. They’re threatening to reveal the details, including the names of the women I supposedly cheated on her with.”

My PR instincts kick in immediately. “May I see?”

He hands me his phone, and I quickly scan the post. The account is new, with only a handful of followers—classic troll behavior. But the mention of a cheating scandal by name suggests someone with at least peripheral knowledge of Jonathan’s routine.

“This looks like someone fishing for attention,” I assess, already formulating a response plan. “They’ve included just enough accurate information about you to seem credible, but I doubt they have actual hard evidence.”

“Should we respond?” Jonathan asks, concern evident in his voice.

“No,” I say firmly. “That’s exactly what they want. Engaging gives them legitimacy and amplifies their platform.” I hand the phone back. “Instead, let’s get ahead of this. What is this bar in the photo you’re spotted going into?”

“The Brick. Our friend, Ian Brown, owns the place. Kiera and I visit there all the time with friends.”

I slowly nod in response. “May I open your social media?”

“Please.” Jonathan looks puzzled as I start typing rapidly.

“What are you doing?” Nathan asks.

“Debunking this post.” I turn the phone to his gaze. “Which photo of you and Kiera would you like me to use?”

Pressing a finger to the screen, he chooses one taken as a selfie. He and Kiera are sharing a kiss. “This was taken at the Brick about two months ago.”

Perfect.

Pulling the phone back to me, I type a quick message in the caption and slide the phone back to Jonathan.

“I hope you don’t mind…”

Jonathan reads the draft. He looks almost astonished.

Nathan, however, keeps his skeptical expression. “Wouldn’t that just fuel more speculation?”

“The photo shows a lot of love between the two, which will address the allegation without really addressing it. Also, it debunks most of the receipts the post claims since the photo they have, and the photo we have, look to have been taken on the same night.”

Nathan takes the phone from Jonathan’s hand. Even from the other side of the table, his cologne—that familiar, intoxicating scent—clouds my senses momentarily.

He slowly turns his gaze to his brother after inspecting the soon-to-be post. “This could work.”

“Creating an official narrative that makes this fake garbage seem superfluous.” Jonathan confirms my thinking to Nathan.

“Exactly,” I assure. “Would you like to post it?”

“Post it. Everywhere,” Jonathan decides, nodding firmly to Nathan. Nathan’s hands make quick work as he goes from platform to platform.

When Nathan is done, he hands the phone back to his brother. “It’s done.”

“I’ll monitor the situation over the weekend,” I assure them. “If this troll gains any traction, we’ll adjust our approach. But I expect they’ll lose interest once they realize they’re not getting the big reaction they were hoping for.”

“Thank you,” Jonathan says sincerely. “This is exactly why we hired you.”

After completing a tentative schedule for the coming weeks—photoshoots, announcement drafts, and the like—we end the meeting.

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