Love Drug Novel

Lucas had negotiated for hours before finally getting his hands on a partial surveillance clip .

I also tried tracking down Philip , Lucas said .

But hes already fled overseas to ride out the backlash .

Still , the video footage proves that I was present at the hotel , too .

Once its shown at the press conference , the rumors about you and Philip should fall apart .

He paused before adding , But now that the pregnancys out in the open , people are going to want answers .

Youll need to give them something .

Summer exhaled slowly .

Mr.

Lucas , thank you .

Lucas studied her delicate face , noting the tiredness she couldnt quite hide .

His hand lifted .

almost instinctively , wanting to rest gently on her shoulder to comfort her .

But Summer saw the movement from the corner of her eye and shifted away , just slightly .

Lucass hand paused in mid air for a beat before he silently withdrew it , the light in his dimming .

eyes He smiled , brushing it off .

Dont worry .

Tomorrows press conference will go just fine .

Thank you , Summer said again .

He gave her a teasing look .

If you say thank you one more time , Im going to start charging interest .

Summer had told Julia shed be working late to prepare for the press conference and wouldnt be coming home .

She didnt want to worry her mother .

But the real reason ? She still hadnt been able to reach Fraser .

This place Frasers home still carried the faint imprint of him .

A scent , a warmth , the memory of his voice in these walls .

Summer sat curled up on the bed , arms around her knees , staring out the floor to ceiling window at the brilliant lights of the city below .

The press conference was tomorrow .

And she still hadnt heard from him .

It wasnt the public pressure that scared her most it was the quiet fear in her chest .

What if something had hannoued ? Ever since that explosion at the Graham Groups overseas factory , she had sensed it : someone out there was targeting them .

Her fingers brushed the sapphire bracelet on her wrist .

Fraser , she whispered , where are you ? You never did ask me what kind of wedding I want .

When you come back … Ill tell you , okay ? The apartment had never felt this big before .

In the silence , it felt like the night itself was swallowing her whole .

She tossed and turned for what felt like forever .

Finally , she couldnt take it anymore .

Summer kicked off the covers and padded barefoot to the closet .

She opened the door and pulled out one of his black dress shirts .

Back in bed , she curled around it .

It smelled clean laundered and fresh but the scent of him was long gone .

Sull holding it close , her breathing began to slow .

And eventually , she drifted to sleep .

The next morning .

The Stewart Group press conference was set to begin .

Media outlets from across Havenbrook had swarmed the event , cameras flashing , microphones raised Everyone was ready to feast on scandal .

Haynes and Lucas stood beside Summer in the backstage area .

Haynes , head of PR , had worked overtime to prepare for every possible outcome .

She handed Summer a printed sheet of talking points .

Ms.

Summer , the press conference will be broadcast live .

The questions might get aggressive .

These are prepped responses you can use them if needed .

Summer nodded and took the paper .

: Summer tightened her grip on her phone and gave a small shake of her head .

No.

He wont be here today .

Lucass eyes darkened with anger .

Where the hell was Fraser ! This press conference was a battlefield .

And Summer was walking into it alone .

Lucas clenched his jaw .

He wanted to do more .

Say more .

Shield her from all of it .

But that man he was nowhere to be found .

And he had the nerve to think he deserved her ? Still , Lucas forced a steady tone .

Dont worry .

Im right here with you .

Onstage .

Haynes wrapped up her opening remarks .

The moment she finished , the reporters erupted .

Summer walked up calmly , her steps unhurried .

The crowd of journalists looked at her like a pack of wolves seeing blood .

The questions came hard and fast .

Ms.

Summer , are you actually pregnant ? Whos the father ? Is it true you had an affair with Philip from Dale Group ? Why did you get involved with a married man ? Youre both high level executives .

Do you realize what kind of damage this has done to your companies ? What are you going to do about it ? Arent you worried about how Philips wife must feel ?