Page 47 of Obsessed Heir

“She and her previous assistant were brought up on charges for keeping a photographer at a cabin against his will. She claimed the assistant hid the keys to the rental after a weekend of photos and fun. Everyone was stranded for days, including herself.”

Holly frowns. “Is that why she’s been in Europe?”

“The DA decided not to charge her, so the assistant got screwed.” I shake my head. “This is the first job she’s doing stateside.”

Did she think I wouldn’t do a thorough background check after that stunt? In this day and age, when a ten-year-old social media rant can come back and literally sink a company, everything has to be scrutinized.

Holly’s brow furrows at the implication. She got a firsthand view of what Bronwyn is capable of. I doubt she needs additional details.

“There’s no way Bronwyn O’Neal—or Sally…Jo—can be the face of Maiden Cruise Lines,” she says with a stern expression. “Not after all that. And what she tried doing last night.”

I’m not sure how much of her reaction is fueled by a genuine dislike of Bronwyn and how much is concern for the company.But if Dante’s people were able to compile this report, it’s only a matter of time before someone else finds the same information.

“Well, Indulgence is intended to be an exclusive venue catering to a certain clientele,” I remind her. “What happens at the club is meant to stay at the club.”

“I understand that.” She sniffs. “I don’t care what she does in her private life. But considering she’s supposed to be the ‘maiden,’ that’s not the reputation I want for the company overall.”

After seeing the pictures included in the report, I have to agree. I’ll consider giving her a spread as part of the PR package, but this isn’t the person who’ll be representing my company.

“With her reputation, a good PR company can spin it to fly as kink,” I admit with a shrug. Though I’m left wondering what she had to do to keep from getting a mugshot.

“I don’t want this blowing up in our face on day one.”

“So what do we do?” I ask, wondering what she’s planning.

“We can use her to do promotional work for the club, and keep it contained to the on-board network,” she suggests.

“So, you don’t want to tell anyone the club exists?” I don’t understand how she thinks this will help promote the place.

“Every person who comes aboard will know about Indulgence. They’ll find out the same way they did about the private party for the grand opening.” A hint of a grin plays at her mouth. “Last night was invitation only, and you saw how that went.”

“How many people did you invite?” As good as she is, I doubt she could have interacted with that many individuals.

“Twelve.”

I raise a brow. “Twelve? The place was packed when I got there.”

“I told them they could tell a friend, but it was all very hush-hush.” Her grin grows wider at my shocked expression. “People were still talking about it this morning.”

“So, you’re off the hook for more all-nighters?” I ask, only half joking. She may have a magic touch when it comes to promotions, but managing the club is out of her league.

“I think Elliot will be good to manage it on his own after today. One of us can just pop in periodically to oversee things.”

One of us, which means me.

“Okay. Now that Bronwyn’s out of the picture, does that mean I don’t have to worry about photos?” It’s the one silver lining from this entire mess.

“No. I actually came up with the idea of doing boudoir photos for Maiden,” she says with a smug smile. Lifting the cover, she reveals a white scrap of thin material with a belt of some sort. “What do you think?”

Even through the front and back layers, I can see the color on the wall behind it. An unexpected flare of…protectiveness sparks inside me. She wants to parade Abigail, or some other model, around in that outfit?

“You have Abigail wearing this?” I ask, incredulous.

“It’s tasteful,” Holly insists.

“It’s transparent,” I counter bluntly. And that skirt will be lucky to cover Abigail’s generous curves. My cock stirs as an image of her in this flimsy outfit comes to mind.

Holly gives me an exasperated look. “The whole powerful man in a suit,” she says, waving a hand up and down my chest, “with the innocent-maiden scenario will be epic!”

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