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I’d forgotten how much more invasive life was in New York City for Paul, and now, with the case, we would have even less privacy. Good thing we had some time together.
Paul kept my hand in his as we walked past rows of glass windows. Inside, I could see Gunnar, Nicole, and a row of people in suits who had to be part of the legal team. My heart warmed seeing that Doctor Casey and Doctor Foster were also there. All hands on deck.
Gunnar squeezed Paul’s shoulder, then came around to me and grinned, pointing at his Summerfest T-shirt from Milwaukee. “I was hoping I’d get a laugh. Agata sent one for you, and Great Harvest bread.”
“Thank you…Thank you for helping my parents.” My voice shook and my chin trembled. Paul rubbed my back.
“That’s the part of my job I enjoy. I also out dad-joked your dad.” He shook his head and laughed. “Don’t tell him I studied a few books to prepare.” He winked at me.
Some tension eased inside me, and I took a deep breath.
He smiled. “That’s better.”
“Thanks, Gunnar,” I murmured.
“Now, shall we sit down because I have the good, the bad, and the ugly to share, and we need to get you all up to speed.”
Paul sat at the head, and Gunnar and I walked to the other side. I took the chair next to Doctor Casey, who reached over and squeezed my hand. “It’s going to be fine.” She tried to assure me, and I was grateful, but Gunnar never sugarcoated anything.
“We’re meeting today, and I expect you all to make a plan on how you can help the case,” Paul spoke in a commanding tone. “You are to do whatever is necessary to win. Gunnar?”
“Let’s start with the ugly. Nadia, your application to Lollipop is in discovery. The defense found a couple of girls who attended a mixer, and all are willing to testify you were there. Sophie’s affidavit, and Isabelle’s, both attest that you were there. The previous owner, Rita Maxwell, confirms you were there. Bottom line, your application to Lollipop will be a part of the questions in the criminal case. It will be judged by the media and public.”
I hunched my shoulders and nodded.
Paul reached over and squeezed my trembling hand. “What do we have to counter it?”
He smiled. “Doctor Foster?”
“We have turned over CCTV footage of you entering the clinic unwell the same night of the incident. With your consent, we can release copies of our drug screens and medical tests, assault kit—”
“The evidence proves you were a virgin and drugged. Sorry, Nadia. I’m going to fill in where everyone is tiptoeing.” Gunnar tapped the table.
“That’s right.” Paul leaned close to me and whispered, “Everyone here has worked for the Cranes for over twenty years. We’re all sworn to privacy here.”
I swallowed and lowered my head, but nodded in agreement. “Go on, Gunnar, please. Thanks.”
“The previous owner of Lollipop, Rita, I already mentioned, is also on our list of clients to testify for us. She can confirm you were locked in the office and sick. Our investigator has turned over evidence of a prescription for oxycodone in Sophie’s name, which we have planned for the civil suit. We also have Isabelle’s affidavit that Sophie admitted that she gave you what you believed was an aspirin. She also confirms you were sick.”
“We also have your application for surrogacy and more medical tests,” Doctor Casey added.
“Those came before the mixer, so we will hold back on that,” Gunnar said. “We’ve also sent our discovery of The Design School’s Academic Dean’s record of Sophie being placed on probation after admitting to ‘inadvertently’ giving you an oxycodone. While they can place you there, they have no record of you with any men. We have evidence that you were drugged and sick, and Rita removed your profile. Alex, you’re up.”
“Hello, I’m Alex,” a woman with an alto voice spoke out. “I’m part of the social media cleanup. I’ve got articles on the predatorial nature of human trafficking disguised as dating sites, the high cost of medical care and insurance, et cetera. This will give another insight into their smear work. Here are some photos and articles of Nadia in Paris.”
The papers were passed to Paul, and I could see images of me at the fashion show, hotel party, nightclub, and even pictures of me walking through the lobby in Monaco.
My stomach took a dive.
“We have your dad’s medical issues—”
“I don’t want to use my parents,” I interrupted.
“Paul?” Gunnar and Paul exchanged glances. Paul nodded for him to continue. “If you don’t, the defense will use your parents. It’s best we get ahead of it. They are painting you as after money. It adds a humanity element to your public profile. People struggling with medical bills are relatable. A few men have provided information on human trafficking in exchange for immunity on the boat incident. The criminal case is progressing. Your deposition and all the others will strengthen the case. Sugar Cookie has been shut down. Trevor is being forced by his shareholders to return to the United States, and will get fired, I am sure about that. Landon has been removed as head of his company by shareholders, but he’s not giving up. He’s countersuing for two hundred million, and I’m proud I delivered that with a straight face.”
There were outbursts of shock and disgust around the table.
“Quiet everyone,” Paul said. “We need to get back to the discussion, Gunnar?”
