Page 106 of Faking It

I forced myself to watch that so-called docu-film last night. It was nothing but a sleazy, thirty-minute interview with terrible acting. Not for a minute did I believe Margaret Finnegan’s emotions were real. She didn’t even shed a single tear.

And that asshole… Logan’s ex… he just sat there, encouraging the lies, pushing her to rip Ana’s reputation to shreds. Yes, I forced myself to watch. I welcomed the violent fury, let it soak my bones and flood my soul. I wanted to feel no other emotion when I sought revenge on Ana’s behalf. They ruined her, and I’m going to take great pleasure in returning the favor.

“What’s not true?” my aunt queries, her expression dark with anger.

I move further into the room. “Ana was no drug addict. She doesn’t even drink—” I catch myself before I say more. Ana’s truth isn’t mine to tell. I’m going to do everything in my power to ensure the world hears her story. “Look, that interview was nothing but her mom’s attempt to get back at her. Lies. It was all lies.”

“All of it? So, she didn’t get convicted for attempted murder, is that what you’re saying?”

“She did, but—”

“That’s all I need to know,” Aunt Cheryl interrupts raising her hand. “Case closed.”

“But she was innocent, right, Gideon?” Jared asks, getting up.

“I said, case closed,” she repeats as I nod. “I don’t care if she did it or not. She has a record, and I want no further association with a convicted criminal.”

A heavy sensation lands in my chest. “What are you saying?” I ask her.

She gestures to her PR manager, who stands and clear his throat. “We’re going to release a statement tomorrow, distancing ourselves from the incident and Ana Kent. We’ll make it clear thatMahogany Filmshad no knowledge of Ms. Kent’s criminal record since she legally changed her name—”

“You can’t be fucking serious,” I rumble, my grip tightening on the back of the hair, my hard glare locked on him.

“I have no other choice, James. Your relationship created major buzz for theEspionage,butMahogany Filmsis my brand. I have to protect it,” my aunt explains.

“What about the movie? How are you going to disassociate from Ana when she’s the female lead?”

“There’s nothing I can do about cutting her from the movie, but she will not be allowed to promote it. She won’t be invited to the opening or authorized to do any interviews regarding it.”

I shake my head. “Huh-huh. That’s not happening.”

Aunt Cheryl quirks a brow. “It’s already done, and she can’t contest it. You can ask Ana about her contract while you’re having pillow talk tonight.” She gestures to her PR manager. “Go on, Marvin.”

Marvin’s mouth opens to continue, then it snaps shut as I lash him with a warning glare. “Ana and I are a combo deal. If you cut her out, I’m walking away.”

Aunt Cheryl scoffs. She gestures to Marvin and Jared. “Give us a moment, guys.”

“Why can’t I stay?” Jared complains. “I’m family.”

“Jared, please,” she says wearily.

He grumbles while following Marvin out, the door closing hard behind him. My aunt straightens to her entire five-foot height. The sternness on her face gives her another extra five inches. Maybe more.

“You’re going to do the interviews, the red carpet events, all of it without Ana. We’ll be changing the narrative. A heartbroken lover will create the same sensation as a power couple. You’ll see.”

“So, let me get this straight. Ana and I are going to ‘break up’ because of this scandal, after which I’ll do the promos without her while pretending to be heartbroken over the whole thing?”

She grins, clapping her hands. “You got it. The ladies are going to eat it up!”

“Yeah… I’m not doing that.”

Her smile disappears. “Do I need to remind you what’s at stake for you, or should I call your father and have him do it?”

I cross my arms, shaking my head. “You know, my father has always mentioned how alike the two of you are, but I’ve never seen it. Until now. Yeah, it must be a sibling trait, using blackmail to get your own way.”

“This isn’t blackmail. I’m doing what’s best for us. For our family. For my brand—”

“Fuck family!” I roar, my arms falling at my side. “Fuck your brand. You’re just like him for sure, only concerned about your image, when below the surface is rotting away.”

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