Page 10 of Damaged Mogul
Michaela places a hand on my arm. “I’m sorry you have to deal with the ordeal and chaos that comes with these types of accusations. Again.”
If someone doesn’t want a piece of me, they’re trying to get a piece of someone I know. “This time around, my head isn’t on the chopping block, but I’m the executive producer of the show, so my name is dragged through the mud, alongside Matthew’s. This drama has had a negative impact on my other companies.” I rub my tired face with the palm of my hand and let out an audible breath. “Blanche Hyman gives stage moms a bad rap.”Fucking fame-hungry bitch.
“She does,” Michaela says. “And she’s setting an appalling example for her daughter.”
“Are things still in limbo for your host?” Phoenix arches a brow.
I check my watch. “Within an hour, the publicity team will push out a press release. My show host is going to hold a press conference tomorrow to clear his name.”
“That’s tough, putting yourself out there like that,” Phoenix says.
“At least he’ll be able to shut up that horrible woman and her prima donna daughter,” Michaela says.
“That’s the plan.” I change the subject. “Thanks again for taking care of Lily.”
The Pompadour Hotel has an irreproachable reputation, which is why I booked a room here for Lily. I don’t want her to complain about anything.
“It’s my pleasure,” she says. “Not long ago, I was a newcomer in LA. Without my best friend, I would’ve been lost.”
“So, I had no part in making your transition from the Big Apple to the City of Angels a smooth one, wife?”
Michaela swats Phoenix’s arm.
He chuckles.
I never thought I’d see the day when bachelor forever Phoenix settled down. Then again, there was a lot on the line for him.
“Poor Lily, there’s nothing worse than losing your luggage,” Michaela says. “It’s the most frustrating experience.”
That must’ve been a nightmare. “Was she able to get everything she needed?”
Michaela grins wide. “She’s a happy camper.”
“That’s good news,” I say. “I’m surprised Fisher hasn’t called me to either micromanage her arrival or voice his concerns over the media shit storm.”
Michaela tilts her head to the side. “He’s pissed off at Lily. That’s probably why he hasn’t called.”
I frown. “What makes you say that?”
Michaela leans into me. “A father who doesn’t acknowledge his daughter’s twenty-first birthday? It doesn’t make any sense.”
“What?” I’m dumbfounded.
I’m equally surprised by Michaela’s comment and the fact I didn’t even know Lily’s age. She wasn’t forthcoming during our text messages, and I wasn’t interested in knowing more than what she was willing to share.
“I had the same reaction when my wife told me,” Phoenix says.
Michaela shares the highlights of her earlier conversation with Lily.
“Unbelievable,” I say.
“I don’t know Fisher Edgington, but I don’t like him,” Michaela says. “If it wasn’t for poor customer service, I’d make sure Phoenix refuses him entry at any of our hotels.”
Michaela’s protectiveness of a mere stranger doesn’t go unnoticed.
I tolerate Fisher because I have to. I’d never peg the guy as warm and fuzzy, but what Michaela described makes me lose all respect for the man. I may have the reputation of being prickly, but I’m not a heartless son of a bitch.
“And, by the way, you had her last name wrong,” Michaela says.
