consent wasn’t given. Let me set the record straight: I do not consent to the publication of illegally obtained or doctored photos of myself. Everyone is now on notice. I won’t tolerate it and I will come after each and every one of you for publishing private or doctored photographs of me.’” The news anchor kept her eyes on the camera as she finished reading the most relevant part of the press release.
“Miss Jessamine goes on to say: ’Further, it appears my old team colluded to use these images to force my hand into starring in Tony Ketron’s newest film. I’ll say what no one else wants to because I’m no longer afraid: Tony Ketron is an abusive, sexist, misogynist and I refuse to have my name attached to him in any way.’” The anchor took a deep breath and then pressed her finger to her ear. “We’re getting word that several A-list actresses are already responding online. Gina Toussaint is the first among the several who have just sent out messages of support. Her post simply reads, ‘I support Skye Jessamine. #IwillneverworkwithTony.’”
Skye watched as snapshots from several of Hollywood’s top actresses’ social media accounts were flashed across the screen with the same general message.
“In further news, it looks as if Miss Jessamine isn’t done shaking things up in her inner circle because this press release came from the office of Morgan Davies Public Relations and not Miss Jessamine’s longtime PR firm. Stay tuned for more tomorrow or follow us online for up-to-the-minute updates on this developing story.”
The show ended and Harper turned the television volume down.
“Well, that should make things interesting,” Shaw said over the phone. “Stay on your toes. You’re not playing their Hollywood game right now, and I expect to see some retaliation. I’ll check in soon.”
Castle hung up and everyone was quiet for a moment. Skye was just trying to remember how to breathe. Suddenly Harper placed a shot of bourbon in front of her. “I thought you might need this. That was badass, ladies. Badass.” She handed Olivia a shot too.
“My phone is exploding,” Skye said after taking the shot. Texts from her friends and fellow colleagues flooded in along with threats from Lenny, Rebecca, Bernie, and Jim. Mason sent a supportive text that was so touching it almost made her cry. She was doing the right thing, no matter what happened next.
“Olivia Townsend,” Olivia said, moving to put her phone on speaker. Bernie’s voice filled the room as he called Olivia every horrible name in the book. The viler the threats, the wider Olivia’s smile got. However, no one else at the table was smiling. The men looked ready to rip Bernie to shreds. Harper looked as if she’d gut him. Karri was wide-eyed, yet Olivia kept quiet as she listened. “Are you done with your little tantrum?”
“You bitch. I’ll show you—”
“Let me tell you how this is going to go, Mr. Ganoti. You’re finished acting like a petulant little child. You will cease and desist all contact with my client Skye Jessamine. You will close your mouth and keep it closed or I will close it for you. Do you understand me?” Olivia’s tone was ice-cold as she spoke calmly into the phone.
“You can’t touch me. You’re nothing but a nameless associate. I’m calling your boss and when I’m done with you, you’ll be begging me to let you practice law again,” Bernie threatened and Skye was shaken to her core that this was the man she’d trusted.
Olivia winked at her and then looked back at the phone. “Go ahead. This nameless associate will be the one stringing you up by the balls with barbed wire if I find out you’ve said one negative or confidential thing about my client. Or worse, if I find out you had anything to do with those leaked photos or the fraudulent contract my client allegedly signed with Tony Ketron. Did you, Bernie? Did you tell Jim he could sign Skye’s name to the Tony Ketron contract? If you did, I’m coming for you. And unlike other attorneys, I don’t go straight for the kill. I like to play a little first. Do you want to play with me, Bernie?”
“You don’t want to tangle with me, little girl,” Bernie spat, but now he sounded less sure of himself.
“On the contrary, Bernie. I’m happy to tangle with you. Like Skye, I’m not afraid of men like you. You amuse me until you don’t and that’s when I stop