Page 20 of Love so Hot
Are they seriously spinning this like I'm some mustache-twirling villain tying damsels to railroad tracks?
I’m incredulous as snippets of the broadcast filter through. The images on the screen show me, mid-confrontation with Willow, the anger in my stance edited into something almost sinister.
Roman
Whoa, Larry, cool your jets
Remember what happened last time you lost it on national TV?
Victor
Your face was a meme for weeks, bro.
Lawrence
Not helping, Vic.
The media’s twisting things.
Again.
Sebastian
Looks like they're painting you as the Big Bad Wolf huffing and puffing.
Not exactly the knight in shining armor bit you were going for.
"Shut it, Seb," I mutter, but the damage is done. My image, carefully cultivated through expensive suits and charming smiles, is being shredded in high-definition.
Lawrence
Gotta bounce. Time to rally the PR knights and storm the fortress of public opinion.
Victor
Good luck!
Roman
Save the forest, save the world
Roman rounds off, his humor never failing to make the weight on my shoulders feel just a little bit lighter.
Sebastian
Keep calm and schmooze on ??
"Idiots," I mutter with an affectionate roll of my eyes, tossing the phone onto the bed. But even as I do, I can't help but feel grateful for these guys—for their relentless humor, their unwavering support, and the odd sense of normalcy they bring to my tumultuous life.
With one last glance at the damning report flickering on the TV, I switch it off, the screen going dark like my mood. It's time to play the game—charming, cunning Lawrence Sinclair in action. Because if there's one thing I know how to do, it's spin a story, and this narrative needs a new hero.
Chapter Ten
Lawrence
I jabat the screen of my phone, the glow harsh against the shadows of my bedroom. It's late, or early, depending on how you look at it, but that's never stopped me before. The call connects, and I press the device to my ear, already pacing the edge of my bed.
"Emily Carter," her voice is crisp, like she's been awake for hours, not roused from sleep by a demanding boss.