Page 73 of Icebound Attraction

My heart misses a beat.

I've been so busy today, I haven't even glanced at today's publication, and I didn't know the list was coming out now! I can't wait to find out if a particular name is on it... Suddenly, apprehension knots my stomach as if it were my own future.

“Ha?” I feign, my surprise for the moment being genuine.

“Yes, and two members of our university team seem to be in a good position. That's great!”

My mouth goes dry.

“I want you to write an article about them.”

“And who is it?” I ask, putting an end to this unbearable suspense.

“Chase Carter and Liam Scott. Both are promising talents, and our readers would certainly be interested to know more. I'm sure you're familiar with them, having covered every hockey game since the start of the season.”

Now my heart is racing and I'm nodding, trying to look calm.

“It's a great idea!”

“Of course, I'd like you to go a little further in your research...”

I frown.

“What do you mean ‘further’?”

“Find something that attracts attention, surprises and captivates.”

Faced with my silence and refusal to understand, he adds with a sigh:

“A scandal, Emily!”

Shock overwhelms me.

The idea of looking for scandalous details about Chase and Liam seems disgusting to me. Yes, I'm a journalist and my job is to find interesting stories, but I'm also bound by certain principles. Interesting doesn't mean it has to be juicy gossips!

“I understand that you're looking for a compelling story,” I begin, taking a step back. “But I don't think the emphasis on sensationalism serves the paper. It should be about their success and performance, not potential scandals.”

David sighs, looking annoyed.

“Emily, you want to be a journalist, don't you? That includes getting your hands a little dirty. A little controversy will make the paper more appealing.”

I can understand his point of view, but do I have to betray my principles?

“I can always put someone else on it, but inevitably, if it reaches the ears of the New York Post that you're already being picky about the subjects you're given for our university paper....”

He stretches out a knowing smile.

This guy is an asshole!

My work here will inevitably be reflected in my academic record, and if he gives me a bad grade, that's it for me!

All of a sudden, I feel lost and can't think straight. I can't dig up scandals about Liam and Chase. That would be... horrible! On the other hand, being a journalist is everything I've ever dreamed of and the campus newspaper is an important, if not mandatory, step in my career.

I close my eyes and breathe deeply.

I reluctantly nod and leave the office with mixed feelings.

Journalists, as I have learned, have a responsibility to ensure balanced and ethically defensible coverage. Up to now, I've always respected this principle. But now...

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