Page 48 of Arrogant Playboy

“No fucking way, that is incredible,” Ava says.

“Dubai? That’s so far,” Georgia adds.

“I know,” I say.

“And you’re interested?” Emily asks. I nod as I nibble my bottom lip with worry. “You should do it.”

“I agree,” Ava adds.

“It’s so far but what an opportunity,” Georgia states.

I burst out crying at my friend’s support.

“We are so proud of you, Rosie,” Ava says, giving me a squeeze. “Emily is exhibiting in New York, and you might be going to Dubai.”

“And I hate my job.” Georgia moans.

“No. Something better is coming for you, the universe hasn’t produced it yet,” Ava explains to Georgia. “And because you bitches have inspired me, I’m going to see if I can have a meeting with the New York office while we are there and see if there are any opportunities for me.”

“Wait, you want to move to New York?” I ask her.

Ava nods. “It was always a dream to live there, but I never wanted to leave you girls,” she confesses. Oh, wow. “I thought if they put a face to my name that I might have a chance if any openings come up.”

“This is huge, Ava. Fingers crossed,” I tell her.

“Thanks, babe. You, too.”

18

DANIEL

Breaking News

Yves Blanc and Elisabeth Bernard are embroiled in a multimillion-dollar art charity scandal. Their non-profit charity has been embezzling millions of dollars to support their lavish lifestyle. This information came to light as Yves is embroiled in a sexual assault case. Video footage has been obtained of him putting a date rape drug into a non-identified woman’s drink, then he’s seen walking the unconscious woman from the club to his car, and then through the front gate of his apartment complex.

Now that this information has come to light, more women have come forward recounting their tales of sexual assault via Blanc. With the mounting evidence against Blanc and Bernard, many people in the art industry have distanced themselves from the two of them, and they have lost many of their multimillion-dollar endorsements.

It also appears that Blanc and Bernard have parted ways, with Bernard putting out a press release exclaiming her shock over the accusations about her partner. That she nolonger feels safe around him, which is evident in the video footage that was shown of Blanc screaming at a cowering Bernard outside their Paris apartment a few nights ago.

“Revenge is a dish served cold.” I laugh as I read out the media report to Louis and Matthieu. I’ve popped over to Paris to finalize everything before we leave for New York in a couple of days.

“They got what they deserved,” Louis adds.

“Everything she has is gone. All her assets have been seized. Everything. She’s going to have to declare bankruptcy and start again,” I tell them as I continue to read.

“Apparently, she’s in Moscow. She’s the guest of some film producer. A woman like her will always find a way ...” Matthieu trails off.

“It’s good news that all these women are coming forward to tell their stories of his abuse,” Louis says through gritted teeth. “Have you heard from Emily?”

“Actually … hold on,” I say, getting up off the sofa and heading to my bedroom. I grab the canvas that Emily gave me to give to him. I didn’t think sending something this intimate would be a good idea through the mail, I wanted to give it to him in person. “Emily gave this to me weeks ago, but I wanted to wait.” I turn the artwork around and show him. His eyes widen as he takes in the canvas, emotion shines on his face as he realizes the painting is of a moment in time when they were happy. “She thought you should have it. This was painted when she wasn’t in a great place. Before she said yes to New York.”

“What does this mean?” my brother asks.

I shrug my shoulders. “All I know is she is coming, that must mean something.”

Louis nods and stares at the canvas before getting up and taking it from me. “I need a moment,” he says, leaving the room with the canvas tucked under his arm.

Matthieu and I look at each other with concern. “You think he’s going to be okay over there?” my cousin asks.

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