Page 236 of Enthrall Shadows
“Do you want to read the article they’re going to publish?” Shay offered me the iPad.
My jaw tightened with anger. I knew from the get-go this might be a possibility.
I took the iPad from him and rested it on my lap, bracing myself before scanning what they planned to print. We had twelve hours to provide a quote.
The press was a double-edged sword.
At the event, photographers would be obsessively taking photos of the public figures gracing us with their presence. These men and women who lived in the public eye would draw attention away from us.
I told Reese and Lilly this.
“Use this opportunity to talk about your work at the preserve,” I said. “Keep it light.”
“I have done this before,” said Reese.
She’d lived a full and interesting life despite all of us. She didn’t seem to reflect on that. The world would just keep turning around her.
Her chiffon dress softened her features, embraced by the sun over the years. Lilly wore a floral gown. Her temperament was calming. She clearly was a wiser version of her mom.
I’d taken Lotte’s advice and invited them as my personal guests. This should throw off the wolves for a few hours.
Shay watched me read the article.
The burn of Reese’s stare on the iPad didn’t go unnoticed. She’d be reading in the press about my personal life soon enough. Might as well catch the gist.
My team had worked a small miracle and gotten hold of the article to be published in the Inquirer.
I finished scanning the story.
“No comment,” I told Shay. “That’s what I instructed the team to say.”
More than anything, protecting Lotte from this garbage had become my priority.
“Henry,” whispered Reese. “Let them believe I’m your girlfriend.”
Her saying it made me hate this plan even more. Lotte had seen this as a reasonable solution.
I hadn’t expected it to hurt this bad.
She should be here.
“Our PR team’s still trying kill the story,” I said.
Though we all knew it was poised to be released online.
“What story?” asked Lilly.
Reese rested her hand on her daughter’s arm to silence her.
“Nothing of consequence,” Shay answered for her.
I missed Lotte—missed setting my sights on her enduring beauty. I needed to touch her soft skin and kiss her tenderly.
“Shit,” I mouthed, seeing the crowds.
I wasn’t in the mood.
Shay stepped out of the limo first.
