Page 47 of Worship Him

"Sorry to disappoint, Adam, but we've got a situation." His voice is tense. "The media's caught wind of Avery."

I sit up straight. My grip tightens on the phone. "What the fuck? How?"

"We're not sure, but we suspect it might be an inside leak. Someone on your staff could've sold the information."

"Goddamnit!" I slam my fist on the desk, sending papers flying. "Find out who it was. I want names."

"We're working on it. But Adam, you need to prepare for the storm. This is going to be big news."

My mind races. Is this why Destiny bolted this morning? Did she somehow know? No, she would have mentioned it, surely.

"Use whatever tactics you have to and get me any info you can get your hands on," I demand. "Let me know the second you have any relevant information. We need to get ahead of this."

Sure, what I'm demanding isn't exactly part of Thomas's job description, but he's learned to deal with whatever I throw his way.

"Already on it. I'll organize everything over within the hour."

I end the call and stare out the window, my reflection glaring back at me. The city skyline blurs as memories of our initial split flood back. The constant media attention, the strain it put on our relationship.

It was what sank our Titanic in the first place.

A bitter smile tugs at my lips. History really likes to repeat itself.

I press the intercom. "Claire, clear my schedule for the rest of the day. And get me everything we have on recent media leaks in relation to me and SynapseX."

I snatch up my phone, my fingers flying over the screen as I dial my PR rep. The line rings once, twice?—

"Adam, what can I do for you?" Samantha's voice is crisp, professional.

"We've got a situation. The media's caught wind of Avery, my daughter."

There's a sharp intake of breath on the other end. "Shit. How bad is it?"

"Bad enough. I need this covered up, Sam. Now. I don’t want anyone out there snapping pictures of my three-month-old or stalking her mother for information." My voice is steel, brooking no argument.

"Of course, Adam. We'll get right on it. Can you give me more details?"

I pace in front of my desk, tension coiling in my muscles. "Someone leaked my personal information. Could be internal. I want this contained before it spreads like wildfire."

"Understood. I'll mobilize the team immediately. We'll start by monitoring all major outlets and social media platforms."

"Not good enough," I growl. "I want this nipped in the bud. Call in favors, threaten lawsuits, whatever it takes. Make it happen."

"Adam, we need to be careful. Heavy-handed tactics could backfire?—"

"Did I fucking stutter, Samantha?" The words slice through the air. "This is my daughter we're talking about. I won't have her life turned into a media circus before she can even walk."

A pause. Then, "You're right. I apologize. We'll pull out all the stops."

"That's more like it. I'm counting on you."

"Consider it done. I'll update you hourly."

I end the call, my jaw clenched so tight it aches. I stand in front of the windows, my hands in my pockets. The city sprawls before me, oblivious to the storm brewing. But not for long if we don't get ahead of this.

A thought crosses my mind and I take out my phone. My finger hovers over Destiny's contact, the urge to call her gnawing at me.

I hesitate. If she doesn't know about the leak, I'd be dropping a bomb on her. And if she does... well, that's a conversation I'm not ready to have.

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