Page 7 of Strictly Business

"I am not being paraded around in some kind of bachelor showcase," Knox asserts, his tone brooking no argument.

Rachael waves off his concerns. "It will be a tasteful article highlighting your success with our resorts and casinos. You're a handsome, eligible bachelor, Knox. Why not let the ladies know it?"

"I'm not airing my private life for the world, Mother. Besides, I would need a skilled writer to even consider this, and Reece just said, we are fresh out of those," Knox counters, laying down his terms.

Meanwhile, I'm just pushing the fresh cinnamon cream around my dessert plate, lost in thought about Reece's hasty exit. Why should I care who he's after? Yet, I can't shake off a twinge of...something.

Then, Rachael drops the bombshell. "I believe Genesis could be perfect for this."

My head snaps up so fast I'm dizzy. "I'm sorry, help withwhatnow?" The words tumble out, unfiltered, and definitely not the professional response I should have given.

Talon's laughter fills the room, again. Rachael, unfazed, continues, "Genesis, we'd like you to join Forrester Media as the staff reporter for the new Bachelor Series. You'll report to Robyn, assuming she can...get herself together." Her gaze drifts in the direction Robyn and Reece disappeared. "You'll start with interviewing Knox for ‘Mr. January,’" she adds, as if it's already decided.

Knox protests, but Rachael is resolute. "It's done, son. You'll thank me later, especially when you find your 'Mrs. Forrester.'"

Knox mutters something under his breath, earning a stern glance from Jeron.

I'm about to voice my concerns when Rachael interjects. "I knew you'd be perfect for this, Genesis. I can't wait to see what you put together."

The evening wraps up with Rachael reextending an invitation for the upcoming holiday parties. Talon, seizing the opportunity to escape, stands and offers his hand. "Come on, Gen, let's get out of here while the getting's good."

I take his hand, grateful for the escape, yet my mind is reeling from the unexpected turn of events and the unsettling thought of Reece's sudden concern for Robyn.

ChapterFour

Reece

By the time I return to the dinner table, from trying to comfort Robyn but failing, I find Talon and Genesis have already left for some pre-Thanksgiving party. That irks me—I hadn't gotten a chance to speak to her. The staff is clearing the dishes, and I request a to-go container, feeling utterly annoyed. This holiday, perfectly ruined by my mother’s scheme, leaves me eager to escape.

Monday morning arrives, and I haven’t heard from anyone in the family. Walking into the office, I’m greeted by Kylie, my ever-enthusiastic assistant, with my usual coffee order. Black, simple, strong, and straightforward. Normally, I’d appreciate her efficiency, but today it feels like overkill.

“Just give me my schedule for the day,” I say, taking the coffee and making my way to my desk. The Manhatten sprawls beneath my office window, a view I never tire of, but today it's just a backdrop to my irritation.

I’m about to take a sip of my coffee when Kylie mentions a 9:00 a.m. meeting for the new Bachelor series with Robyn, Knox, and surprisingly, my mother. Damn, she seldom comes to the office. My need for something stronger than coffee intensifies, but it's too early, and Mom would definitely notice.

How in the world did they find a new staff writer over the weekend?

"Thanks, Kylie, that'll be all," I say, dismissing her a bit too sharply. She looks hurt, but I can't worry about that now. I've got to figure out what's happening in my division of the organization.

I check my phone—no messages from the family since that fateful dinner. They’re probably enjoying their post-Thanksgiving bliss, unconcerned about the chaos Mom's unleashed. The thought of Talon and Genesis together makes my skin crawl—t's none of my business, but it bothers me more than I care to admit.

It’s 8:40 already. I’m behind on emails, something I hate. I dial Knox, but he sends me straight to voicemail.Coward.None of them ever stand up to Mom and Dad, except me.

Next, I try our mother. She answers with her usual tone—sarcastic, disapproving, yet somehow loving. I always feel like I'm on the verge of a good scolding when it comes to my parents. "You left Wednesday without saying 'goodbye,' Reese. Happy Thanksgiving, son."

"Don’t start, Mother," I retort. "You know the bomb you dropped at dinner. Now I've got a 9:00 meeting because you're still pushing this Bachelor series. I told you we don't have the staff for this, but you insist—"

"I've handled it, Reece. We can talk when I get to your office. Love you," she says, then hangs up before I can argue.

Typical.

Grabbing my laptop and papers, I decide to find Robyn. Maybe she can shed some light on this mess or at least back me up in this absurd meeting.

As I step out of my office, Kylie looks at me expectantly. "Is Robyn in yet?" I ask.

"Robyn, sir?" Kylie, having joined only six months ago, hasn’t met Robyn in person yet.

"Never mind," I mutter, turning away, then almost walk into Robyn and Genesis.

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