Jameson, Avery, and Grayson were huddled around the long mahogany table in Alisa’s office, the glow from a tablet casting sharp light across their faces. Stacks of papers littered the surface—legal drafts, press statements, timelines—all centered around one very specific disaster.

Avery’s recent media slip-up at one of the Hawthorne Foundation’s charity banquets.

It had taken less than twelve hours for the story to spiral. One careless quote, taken out of context, twisted into something ugly and headline-worthy. Now the press was circling like vultures, and the family needed the mess buried—fast.

Avery let out a frustrated sigh, rubbing their temples before leaning sideways and resting their head against Jameson’s shoulder. Jameson instinctively shifted closer, an arm coming up around them as Avery turned their attention back to Alisa.

“There has to be another way to handle this,” Avery said, voice tight. “I don’t want to pay the press hush money. That’ll just make it look like I have something to hide—and somehow ruin me even more.”

Alisa didn’t answer right away. Instead, she gathered the scattered documents, tapping them into a neat stack before setting them down with a soft thud. Her expression was thoughtful, unreadable.

“Well…” she said slowly, “there is another option.”

Avery straightened immediately. Jameson’s posture sharpened, and even Grayson—who’d been leaning back with his arms crossed—tilted his head, clearly listening now.

“I could call in a friend of mine,” Alisa continued. “Someone who could make this entire situation disappear in a matter of minutes.”

Avery’s eyes lit up. “Seriously? Who?” they asked, hope creeping into their voice.

Alisa hesitated. Her gaze flicked pointedly toward Jameson and Grayson, lips pressing into a thin, knowing smile. “The boys won’t like it.”

That was all it took.

Jameson’s amused expression froze, realization hitting him like a punch to the ribs. He let out a short, disbelieving laugh under his breath. Beside him, Grayson rolled his shoulders back stiffly, jaw tightening as he scoffed.

“No,” Grayson said flatly. “Absolutely not.”

Jameson shook his head, already grinning like this was a terrible joke. “Hell no. Not {{user}}.”

Alisa’s smile only widened.