Page 235 of Enthrall Shadows
I texted back: Shall I still come to the gala?
Henry: We’re trying to kill a story. More to follow.
He knew about the Inquirer article.
“I won’t need that dress,” I said, slumping in the seat.
“Fuck yes, you will,” snapped Scarlet.
“I’ve ruined his brand.”
“The Cole brand is fine.”
“Cameron’s going to kill me.” I couldn’t swallow this terror. “The Cole Empire might fall because of me.”
“Oh, shut up.” She pushed to her feet and offered me her hand. “Let’s go find your shoes.”
“What are you talking about?” I couldn’t keep shopping.
Not now.
Shaking, I vaguely remembered taking a tall glass from Scarlet and then throwing back champagne.
The solution hit me like an arrow through my heart.
Unless I offered myself as a martyr.
Breaking my own damn heart was a thing I seemed to be exceptionally good at.
I gripped my phone with shaking hands.
“What are you going to say?” Scarlet watched me text, leaning close as though ready to snatch my phone.
Chest tight, I spelled out a message that would get Henry off the hook. My heart smashed into a thousand pieces. “I have to make this right.”
“It’s not your fault,” she said. “Henry knew your profession.”
“I encouraged him.”
I’d worked hard to avoid drama, yet now found myself inside the center of the worst scandal to hit the Cole family.
I texted Henry explaining what he was going to have to do.
Escort Reese to the Gala tonight. You have no choice.
Then I waited for his answer.
Henry: Fuck.
As the car drove along Ocean Avenue bringing us closer to the Hotel Casa Del Mar, I watched the scenery drift by. Soon we passed by Santa Monica Pier.
Tonight’s speech was tucked safely inside my tuxedo pocket. That devilish declaration would set me free.
Shay and Cameron supported my decision to read it aloud to the guests along with the press who sat amongst them.
That story would overshadow the Inquirer.
If you’re going through hell, keep going.Great advice from Winston Churchill, a man who knew a thing or two about controversies.
