Page 97 of Sinner

“What do you have to say about the accusations written in the article?”

“Is the Blackwell Group involved in aspects of racketeering?”

“Is there any truth to the statement made the Blackwell Group has been involved in intellectual property infringement?”

The questions came fast and furious. While we’d been involved in accusations of scandal early in our operation given our fast rise, the questions were laughable.

“And where in God’s name did you hear such drivel?” Wilder asked. Ice ran through our veins so keeping control around hungry reporters was child’s play.

Yet the timing couldn’t be worse, not just because of Dark Nights just releasing, but also because it could be a potential threat to the Obsidian Society.

I swiveled the thick ring on my finger as I directed my attention from one reporter to another.

“There’s a report an article is being released inGame Today Magazinetomorrow.”

Game Today Magazine. While it was the number one magazine in the world highlighting every aspect of the industry, I’d never cared about what was said in the reviews. Those writing them were always subject to influence from every direction.

Including for personal gain.

Zachariah had been the one who’d gone after one of the reviewers. To hear his side of the story, the fucker writing the article had spent five minutes on our beloved masterpiece before trashing every aspect of it.

Zach had eviscerated him the way the man had our game… He’d even taken pictures. There was a first for everything.

His motto had always been no risk, no reward, something I’d spouted off to Jessica. Zach enjoyed fucking with the police more often than seemed appropriate.

All three of us had preferred methods and preordained choices in how we handled opposition.

Tonight was all about remaining collected. This kind of shit happened every day.

“No comment, ladies and gentlemen, other than I think our reputation speaks for itself,” Wilder said in passing and we continued chatting as we moved through the group. While there were always some tenacious reporters insisting on getting in our faces, most knew when evil surrounded them and shied away.

“Professional,” I teased.

He shrugged. “Eh, maybe I’m in a good mood. Perhaps your idea of joining in the festivities isn’t bad after all.”

I snarled on purpose. “You leave my woman alone.”

“So possessive.” We both laughed.

Quick falling footsteps were heard at a short distance.

“Mr. Blackwell,” a voice said from behind us. The guy seemed out of breath and far too eager. There always had to be at least one in every crowd to ignore the rumors, certain we wouldn’t bite their head off.

I looked over at Wilder who was smirking. We continued walking. There was no convincing reason to stop our progress.

Although admittedly, I was growing tired of this very scene occurring every single time we released a new game.

“Were you aware that your protégé was Dorn Franklin’s source for the upcoming article and that the information she provided is damning?”

I stopped right where I was. Yet I didn’t turn around, not acknowledging the man in any way.

Even though my blood was boiling.

“I take that as a no. Then let me be the first to tell you that she’s accepted an entirely different position with Sindom. The talented Ms. Jessica Waldrop is soon to be the new vice president of creations.”

CHAPTER 28

Jessica

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