Chapter 0330
After speaking with Logan, I felt more confident than I had been in a good long while, so together, we went downstairs and rejoined the interview,
Mabel was speaking with Susan Willman, the newscaster.
“It’s not unheard of for the interviewees to be provided the questions in advance,” Mable said. “I’m just asking to peek at them, that’s all.”
“If your clients have nothing to hide, they don’t need to see my questions,” Susan said, firm,
Mabel smiled at her, but it had an edge.
Something felt wrong about this.
When Mabel spotted us, she walked away from Susan to join us instead.
“Is something going on?” Logan asked, keeping his voice soft so Susan wouldn’t overhear.
“She’s being very secretive,” Mabel said. “It could mean nothing. It could mean something. But the interview is not live, so just answer the best you can. If it’s too much, give me a signal and I’ll end things.”
“I’m determined to see this through,” Logan said.
“Sure,” Mabel agreed. “But it’s my job to make sure these people don’t try to take advantage of you. If we’re going to do this, you need to come out looking good, yeah? Else there’s no point.”
Logan nodded. I did too, when she looked at me.
“Try to relax. Enjoy the interview. Show the world how in love you are,” Mabel said. “Trust me to handle the rest.”
Taking my hand, Logan laced our fingers together and we made our way to the couch. By now, the camera crew had mostly set up.
“You’ll sit on the couch here,” the producer said. “Miss Willman will sit on the chair angled toward you.”
Nearby, someone was touching up Susan’s makeup.
Logan and I sat in the chair as directed.
Susan, when ready, came to join us. She smiled at us like she did on the television. Without the screen in the way, I could tell she was faking it. Her eyes were calculating, with little warmth within them.
With Susan settled, the camera crew all took their places. Mabel stepped closer, watching from just out of everyone’s way.
“Ready when you are, Susan,” the producer said.
Susan turned her dead–eyed smile to catmera #2. “Thank you for joining us this evening. Tonight I am sitting down with Logan Hatfield and the woman we now know is his wife, Hazel Whitaker for an exclusive interview.” She looked at us. “Good evening to both of you.”
“Good evening.” Logan said.
+25 BONUS
“Hello,” I said. The cameras were already making me nervous. I wasn’t used to being in the limelight. I squeezed Logan’s hand as tightly as I could. He squeezed it back in solidarity.
“My first question is for you, Hazel, and it’s been the one on everyone’s mind,” Susan said.
I braced myself.
Susan spoke, “How difficult was it for a down–on–her–luck girl like you to seduce a billionaire?”
Even braced, I hadn’t been prepared for that. My face paled. “Excuse me?”
Susan’s smile twisted into a self–satisfied smirk. Beside me, Logan tensed.
“You had a quickie wedding in Vegas, didn’t you? Just how drunk did you have to get him before he agreed to go along with it?” Susan continued, her voice spiked, aiming to hurt.
“She didn’t get me drunk,” Logan snapped.
“So you weren’t drunk?” Susan asked. “You are saying there was no alcohol involved?”
“That had nothing to do with my decision to marry Hazel,” Logan said.
“Maybe we should let Hazel speak for herself,” Susan said. Those cold, calculating eyes turned back to me. “Did you or did you not whore yourself to this man
My stomach dropped.
Logan immediately stood. “That’s enough.”
At the same time, Mabel rushed forward, “Susan, what the actual hell?” To the producer, she said, “Cut that footage or so help me, I’ll bring in all the lawyers I know.”
The producer grimaced, but motioned for the cameraman to stop filming.
Susan looked up at Logan, unthreatened by his looming, intimidating presence. She’d likely reported on him for many years, knew him for longer. She would know he would never actually hurt a woman.