Page 97 of Filthy Rich Temptation
Is it any wonder I’m weak at the knees, day after day?
A part of me never wants this trip to end. But another part – the quieter, braver part – knows it has to. And soon. We said the summer and the summer’s ending.
I need to keep moving forward. Free of Danny. Free of Theo, too.
Because the longer I stay wrapped up in his warmth, the more I fear I won’twantto stand on my own. And Ihaveto. I have to know that I can stand tall – even without him.Especiallywithout him.
I step onto the deck and catch sight of him coming up the coastal path, wind in his hair, running clothes clinging in ways that should be illegal, and just like that, my heart goes on its merry dance, and my lips curve up.
I can’t temper my reaction to him, so I don’t even try. It’s the flicker of hope I seek to kill off: the one that ponders the way he looks at me, the way he holds Lottie like she’s his own. The hope that starts to wonder if he feels it too. The pull. The shift. The terrifying, dazzling promise of something more.
That maybe this life we’ve built in the span of two short weeks isn’t just a holiday dream. Maybe it’s a glimpse of what could be.
And oh my God, how wonderful that would be. How wonderful and perfect and maybe, just maybe… it reallycouldbe.
I raise a hand in a wave, but he doesn’t see me. He’s on the phone, talking into his earpiece. Working, probably.
Which is whatyoushould be doing.
I sigh, head back inside, and open my laptop.
Emails first. And then… maybe a welcome-home kiss for Theo.
My inbox pings open – spam, newsletters, the usual avalanche. I start skimming through, finger hovering over delete when one subject line jumps out:
Subject: Your Story Is Changing Lives – We’d Be Honoured to Help You Share It Further!
I pause. The sender looks legit and the email itself… My stomach does a slow, stunned flip.
Dear Anon,
I’m Lucile Baldwin, an acquisitions editor at Empowered Publishing.
We’ve had the privilege of reading your blog and seeing firsthand the extraordinary reach and impact of your voice. Despite the understandable steps you’ve taken to protect your identity, it’s clear to anyone reading that you once lived a public life as a successful vlogger. Something you were forced to give up, and yet here you are, reclaiming your story, post by powerful post.
You’ve created more than a blog; you’ve sparked a movement. Your words are helping others recognise abuse, name their experiences, and seek help. The comments speak volumes: people are opening up, connecting, finding the help they need because of you.
We believe we can help you extend your reach even further and would love to offer you a publishing deal, entirely on your terms. Whether you remain anonymous, use a pseudonym, or step back into the public eye, we’ll support your comfort and safety every step of the way. If you choose to go public, we’ll provide full media, marketing, and PR support to ensure it’s done on your terms. Protected and supported every step of the way.
We’re prepared to offer a competitive financial package, including an advance, royalties, and full editorial support to help shape your story, whether as a memoir, guide, or something entirely your own.
If you’re open to a conversation, I’d love to speak further. We’re also happy to host you at our London HQ, with full accommodation and care. There’s no pressure, just an open door, when and if you’re ready.
With deep respect,
Lucile Baldwin
Editorial Director
Empowered Publishing
Oh. My. God.
It’s like everything I’ve been building towards without even realising it.
Like being handed a dream job you never knew you wanted.
And suddenly, I know, I want this.
