Freedom (Billionaire Secrets 2)

“He’s my son’s father,” Heather said, her eyes flashing with anger. “I know he’s just made things worse for us, but I’m not going to go after him. I’m not putting my son through something like this. Things are bad enough; I refuse to stoop down to Gary’s level.”

“You’ve got to be joking,” Linda said fiercely. “Your ex-husband just accused you of being a liar. He says you’re still sleeping with Simon—”

“I’m not,” Heather cut her off sharply.

Simon tried his best not to take her tone personally, but damn it was hard not to. She sounded almost insulted that anyone would insinuate that she was still sleeping with him. Which meant that Heather really must have put their relationship behind her.

She was over him, and now he knew it.

Linda glared at Heather, and he put his hands up, trying to keep the peace.

“Things are tense right now, but we’re all on the same side. We all want what’s best for Dover,” he said.

“You’re right. I’m sorry.” Linda sighed. “I just worry that things are spinning out of control. I know you don’t often like my advice, Simon, but it’s never been this bad before. The timing of this story has really put us in a difficult position.”

“I understand that.” He didn’t blame Linda for being disappointed or on edge. But right now, they had to work together. Had to be on the same team. “My position is on the line here, too. The board might suspend me over this.”

“Like hell they will,” Linda snapped. “I won’t stand for it. If they try that they’ll have to fire me.”

“Don’t jeopardize your job for me,” he said firmly. “I appreciate your loyalty, but I want to protect everyone at Dover from this. This was my mistake. Not yours. Nobody should pay for this but me.”

“And me,” Heather said softly.

Linda’s expression softened. “Everyone makes mistakes.”

“Is that how the rest of the staff feels?” Heather asked. “Because, from the looks of things, they’re probably gossiping about me as we speak. They probably hate me, and I don’t blame them.”

“This story isn’t good for morale,” Linda admitted. “But in this business people love to vilify women, and I won’t stand for it. That’s why I want us to stand up to your ex-husband.”

“I’m grateful, but I couldn’t face my son if I did something to hurt his father,” Heather said.

Linda nodded. “I understand.” Her brow furrowed, a pensive expression flitting across her face. “There’s got to be another way to contain this mess.”

“I had an idea,” Simon said.

“You have an idea on how to deal with the media?” Linda chuckled. “I’ve got to hear this.”

Simon quickly filled her in on his idea to attend his high school reunion  .

“You know, that idea isn’t half bad,” Linda said.

“What?” Heather gasped. “You can’t actually be serious. My ex-husband just told the media that Simon and I are still sleeping with each other. Going to the reunion   together isn’t going to put those rumors to rest.”

“It might, though. I noticed something after you released your statement, Heather.” Linda leaned forward. “The media frenzy died down after your statement came out. People believed you were genuine when you said your relationship with Simon was over and that you had no ill will. They sympathized with you because you were brave enough to release a statement.”

“Linda, that’s crazy,” Heather insisted. “You make it sound like I have some power over the press.”

“You do,” Linda said. “You have a lot more power than you realize. The press likes you. Which means the public will like you enough to trust Dover and its products again. We could use something like this to our benefit.”

Heather bit her lip. “What if I screw things up? Squander whatever good will the media has for me?”

“Well, the reunion   is next week. We could have been much more prepared if Simon had told me about this reunion   weeks ago when he first got the invite, but there’s no going back now. There isn’t much time, but we can do some prep. I can coach you on how to deal with an appearance like this,” Linda said. “I don’t want to pressure you, but I think Simon has the right idea. It sounds counterintuitive but hiding will only look suspicious now that your ex has talked to the media. Being transparent could work in your favor.”