Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 95609 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95609 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
If only it were that easy. I want to take the offer. I can make a difference from the inside. But that would leave Patrick behind. It would leave a lot of men at risk for the same treatment, and the longer it goes on behind the scenes, the more other powerful men learn that as long as they have cash, they can get away with anything. Someone has to hold the line. I never imagined it would be me. “No.”
“Why are you being so obstinate? I thought I taught you that we have to work around the system sometimes,” Jessica argues. “I thought you were smarter than this.”
“And I thought you had more integrity. Everyone who faces a situation like this has to make their own decision, and I won’t judge a victim if they feel like they need to take a check and get some closure for their own mental health. But I wasn’t traumatized. I’m a witness, and if I don’t stand up, who the hell am I?” I rise from my seat because this is getting us nowhere.
She looks as close to tears as I’ve ever seen her. Jessica Wallace is a rock, but this seems to have shaken her. “Can’t you see? Sometimes the boss has to make the hard decisions.”
Like Luca had. He made the decision to sacrifice me over his people.
I will always miss him, but deep down I suddenly know I’m going to get through this. I will find my way to the other side and be stronger for it. I am more than my relationship with one man. I’m more than a love affair or a TV show I was briefly on. I am more than my job.
I am a product of the people who love me. My mom and Tonya. Harper and Ivy and Heath and Darnell. I am my own unique being, and I have to make decisions, too. I have to decide what I can live with and what I can’t, what actions build me up or tear me down and strip pieces of my soul away.
I have to decide what I’m willing to fight for. What I am willing to sacrifice for the good of the people around me.
Like a queen.
“I’m sorry it had to end this way, Jessica. I really do thank you for everything you’ve done.”
Her hands fist on the desk. “Anika, this is a stupid emotional reaction, and you’re going to regret it. You can’t beat him.”
“Maybe not. But I’m going to give it a hell of a try.” I stride to the door and only turn when I’ve opened it. “I don’t suppose I’m going to get to have my say on the contestants-tell-all show?”
She shakes her head. “My darling girl, he’s going to eviscerate you in edits. No. You’re going to be the villain, and it might take years to get your reputation back.”
She’s right, though there’s a simple solution. “Is this one of those decisions you’re making as a boss? Because you own that footage.”
Her lips purse. “It’s out of my hands.”
“It’s not. It’s a decision,” I say gravely. “Own it. This is your choice to try to cover it up and ruin a couple of lives to save that piece of crap. So now we know where we stand. I noticed your stock was down today. I wonder why.”
Her eyes narrow. “Are you starting rumors?”
“I don’t have to. I can tell the truth,” I reply simply, and my heart aches because this is the end of an era. I did love her. I looked up to her. I’m so sad she is less than I thought she was.
“Anika, are you still talking to him?” Jessica follows me out into the empty lobby.
“Joe? No. The next time I see him will be in court.” I’m going to take it all the way.
“No, the king. He’s causing trouble on the set or something,” Jessica admits. “They were supposed to start shooting today, and he’s not there.”
“He’s not in Ralavia?” That doesn’t sound like Luca. He’s done a lot to keep the show going. I would have thought he would be happy to be home and to almost be through.
“He got on the plane, but he didn’t show up for his call this morning. I have to wonder if you’re causing this trouble.” Jessica crosses her arms over her designer blouse. “It won’t work. We can’t possibly bring you back.”
“I’m sure he got called away on some business. He is a king, you know.” This is no longer my problem. “Good luck with all of that. And don’t expect me to keep my mouth shut. If you don’t give me a space on the show for my side of things, I suspect there are reporters willing to talk with me. Good luck, Jess. I really do thank you.”