Page 148 of Brutal Kingdom

“You’re a student at Van der Borne University, right?” The reporter directly in front of her asks.

“Yes.”

“Did you know that your classmates Logan McKay and Isabelle Lance are engaged?”

I hold my breath, waiting for her to answer. Her saying it, will make it real. She can cut my heart out for me. She sounds confident when she says, “No, that’s totally false. There is no truth to the rumor that they’re engaged. If they are, then my editor and I need to have a serious talk about why The Guild didn’t get that scoop.”

There’s another chorus of chuckles. Someone asks, “And who are you exactly? Other than a journalist on the school paper?” This particular question comes from a journalism student from Worthless U. Watch it, kid. She’ll tear you to pieces if she thinks you’re attacking her.

“That’s a good question, and one I’ve been wrestling to answer for several months now.” She looks over at me, then says. “I’m Jordanna Felding. Most of you know me as the person responsible for the arrest of Penn Waldorf, my mother’s former husband. I know you all have covered the story and reached out for interviews, which we’ve declined. In light of the revelations in court last week, I thought I’d address them. So if you have questions about my research…”

A few more people ask questions about my engagement, and dad steps forward, redirecting the questions. “I believe the purpose of Miss Felding’s press conference today is to talk about her role as a witness in Penn Waldorf’s trial, not the video that’s circulating, or issues already covered by our earlier briefing.”

“Yes, but she seems to have a different viewpoint on things due to her working relationship with Logan and as a student at Van der Borne University. Isn’t her perspective of what’s happening important to the investigation you said has been launched into the leaked video?”

Jordanna nods and addresses the question. “I haven’t been contacted by anyone in regards to this video. If the police have questions, I’m more than happy to answer them. I think we can all agree I’m very helpful that way.”

That earns her a few more laughs. She’s a natural up there. “Now as for the trial, I first-”

“How well do you know, Logan?”

“We’re classmates and work together at the paper. So as well as anyone else at school.”

The next two questions come in rapid fire succession.

“Who do you think is the girl in the video?”

“And why are you so sure that Logan and Isabelle aren’t engaged?”

“Because I have every reason to believe that Isabelle Lance is the one who leaked the video. If it’s a private moment between her and her so-called fiancé, why would she share it? Although, I guess she could be a voyeur or something.”

Shit. She said it. She totally fucking said what I’m not allowed to say. Now this is it. Now she’s going to tell everyone how Bella’s done it before and that I have a habit of video taping her without permission. I’m innocent of this one, but my past is so fucked up she’s got me over a barrel. Everything ends with this. I hurt her one time too many, so this is her retribution.

“Miss Felding, why do you think Isabelle Lance is the one responsible for leaking a video of Logan?”

I brace myself. I deserve it. I suppose if anyones going to destroy my reputation, it should be the person who destroys my heart.

“Because it wouldn’t be the first time she did it. It seems my cousin’s goal is to embarrass and demean me every chance she gets.” I blink. She says it so casually that I almost miss it, and everyone picks up on a different part of her statement.

“As for the trial-,”

“Embarrass you?”

“How are you involved in this?”

She tucks a lock of hair behind her ear with her left hand. Cameras flash, catching the sparkler on her finger. I feel the air rush out of my lungs.

My dad hesitates for a half a second before taking over. “I think that’s enough questions for now.” He says, dropping a comforting arm around her shoulder, leading her off the platform. I dip out of the door before anyone can realize I’ve left and meet them in his office. I ignore my dad, the lawyers, and whoever else is in the room, going straight for Jordanna.

“What the hell did you just do?” I grab her shoulders, pulling her to me.

“Hello to you too.”

“You just told everyone it’s you in the video. You outed yourself as a potential heir to the Summer Dynasty.” I point to the ring on her finger. “And.” I can’t say the words, too scared that this means what I think it means. It could be a ruse. Just an attention grabber.

“Would you like me to go back out there and tell everyone that yes, you and Bella the bitch are getting married, and let them think it’s her in the video? Becausethatwas the plan, right?”

I meet dad’s eyes over her shoulder. There’s only a handful of people who knew of the plan. Dad, myself, Bella’s parents, and our lawyers. I know none of us said anything.

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