The CEO’s Quadruplets

Anne nodded with an understand look. “I don’t want any bad press for the Blake family, and the threat of philandering or going against family values could hurt our ability to bring in funds for the foundation. Kids who need funding for their arts education are going to get hurt if these lies start getting more traction, or if she makes some dangerous move. She might be young, but I do not think she is a bimbo. Starla is definitely looking for fame in whatever form she can get it. It is unfortunate, but it is true.”

Evan sighed. “I had some teammates like that, and it’s those people who end up losing. They get kicked off teams and never get to medal in any event. Still, they make life hell in the process of the storms they like to create. But you know, Bells, I just do my best to put them out of my mind. If you can’t, then you are going to have it make your worries known just like we would have brought it up with coaches. I don’t know why I am telling you what to do. You might be the smartest person in the entire Blake family!”

Isabella appreciated the flattery, but still had to ask, “But how do I bring this up with Amory? He is such a doll. I do not know if he will even realize what I am talking about?”

Evan shrugged. “I’ve never talked to him about our relationship. Maybe he should take me out on a nice dinner so we can talk about our feelings.”

Anne shook her head. “You are such a dork, sweetie.”

Isabella asked, looking to his sister for advice, “I have never had to play hardball like this. I have never tried to get involved in his work. It just did not seem like a thing I should do.”

“That is when it was not about family,” Evan said bluntly.

“Sweetie, you are right,” Anne said, giving her husband a nod. “We have made a point to keep our family away from the drama that Hollywood feeds on for some terrible sadistic reason. If someone is going to start printing our name in tabloid trash, then we have to think about everyone who has to wear that Blake badge. This is not about a movie or a girl. This is about the repercussions of what might happen if this flame gets fed. We have to blow it out fast, and Amory needs to be the one to do it. He is the only one who can solve this matter.”

“Should I just tell him tonight?”

Anne shook her head. “I would tell him now. It’s a business issue. You could even go to his office.”

“Today?”

Her in-laws nodded, as Anne answered, “Yeah, as soon as you can, but come here first and help me pick out some wallpaper for Leo’s new playroom. I’m having the worst time with it!”

Isabella laughed. “All right!”

Putting it out of her head, she spent time with her family, but Isabella still was concocting in her mind. A smile crept across her face as Anne showed her swatches, but in the back of her mind a plan began to form. She thought of what she was going to do once she left the house, and just how to go about things. Her hesitation had come from not wanting to commit to any confrontation about the issue, but now she had decided as to what to do about it. Her plan felt simple, but she was not sure how Amory was going to react. Contingencies were laid in place as she sat there, and finally looked at the clock.

Isabella had plenty of time before her classes but knew she would have to fix herself if her master plan was going to work. She hugged Evan, Anne, and the tiny adorable Leo goodbye before setting out and putting her plan into full motion. With this trick up her sleeves, she had never felt so excited to visit Amory Blake at his corporate office.