Page 128 of Twisted Truth

I text Matthew back.

But why is Covington putting the bracelet on her like it’s a fucking engagement ring?

Covington asked her to model it; you know he isn’t one to pass up an opportunity. He jumped straight in so he could put the watch on her. I’m sure you hate that, but it made for good buzz. Although some outlets are asking whether you should be worried about him.

I wantto throw my phone.

Matthew texts again.

Don’t overreact. It was actually a really good thing she was at the launch. Vericom’s sales on their last watch were shaky at best. Now their new watch got boatloads more attention because Ella was there. The buzz surrounding it is unreal, and pre-sales are through the roof.

I don’t like it.

You don’t have to like it, but you can’t deny the usefulness of it. For instance, I just received a gushing thank-you email from Chanel because that’s what Ella was wearing today. My rep at Chanel told me they’ve sold out of the items she was wearing, as well as any similar items on their website. Jimmy Choo sent me flowers because she was wearing their heels, which are now also sold out, along with half a dozen of their other designs thanks to a huge uptick in online traffic.

And it doesn’t stop there. Knock-off styles, and anything that looks similar to what Ella has been wearing is also selling like crazy. I know neither of us was thinking about this beforehand, but Ella has become a walking human billboard, and everything she wears, and everything she does, blows up with attention.

“This is our solution!”Sterling says, over my shoulder.

“What are you talking about?” I turn. “Why are you reading my phone over my shoulder, you prick?”

“I had to see what was all-so-important as to distract you in the middle of a business meeting.”

“They’re discussing things among themselves; they don’t care that I have my phone out. This isn’t school.”

“Well, anyway. We have to use this.”

“Use what?”

“Ella, you stupidprick,” he says, throwing my insult back at me. “Did you read what Matthew texted? We’re here trying to persuade aluxury brandcompany to let us buy them, but they are hesitating because they aren’t sure about sales potential. Why don’t we show them what your beautiful girlfriend is capable of sales wise.”

“I’m not using Ella as some bargaining chip.”

Sterling rolls his eyes. “You’re a fucking idiot. A besotted, blind, fool. Tell Matthew to send details on those sales.Now.As fast as possible. And don’t you dare argue with me, or I swear to you, I’ll kick your ass when we leave this meeting.”

I roll my eyes. “Like you can kick my ass.”

Sterling snatches my phone from me and starts to text Matthew. “You’re getting old, and I’m still in my prime.”

“I’m only four years older than you, dumbass.”

Before I can grab my phone back, Sterling scoots away so that I can’t retaliate without looking like a complete fool in front of the executives. Sometimes I hate being in business with my annoying younger brothers.

The gentlemen turn back to us, ready to pick our discussion back up.

“Give us one moment,” Sterling says to them. “We’ve got another piece of information we’re sure you’re going to love.”

My phone vibrates over and over with alerts.

“Get out your tablet,” Sterling orders me in a quiet voice.

“I don’t like this,” I growl at him.

“I don’t give a shit whether you like it or not. You want to close this deal? Let’s fucking close it.”

“Fine.”

I pull my tablet out of my briefcase and pass it to Sterling. He pulls up all the alerts Matthew sent on the tablet and sets it on the table in front of the executives.