Juan''s tactics were predictable, cycling through the same old tricks. Debra had anticipated this.


    "They have a big story? So do we," Debra said calmly. "News thrives on


    spectacle. And we''ve got seasoned veterans on our side."


    "Seasoned veterans?" Erica''s question hung in the air as Gand strode into the


    room.


    "That will be me," he said confidently.


    Erica was surprised. "Mr. Eaton? What brings you here?"


    "To save the day." Gand snapped his fingers.


    The doors swung open, revealing a lineup of New Age journalists and every heavyweight contact Gand had ever cultivated.


    Among them were legendary paparazzi who had exposed industry scandals, former chief editors of blockbuster publications, and elite reporters holding the hottest insider resources. Together, they formed an intimidating wall of media prowess.


    "These are the titans of journalism," Gand introduced. "With them here, the others will just flock to us."


    Erica and Randy gave him a thumbs-up. In this city, only Gand could pull off such a coup.


    Liza swept in next, tossing a dossier onto the table. "My family owns greatworks. Digging up dirt on Vickie was child''s y. Here''s everything."


    Erica blinked. "How''d you get this so fast?"


    Tel


    "The elite circles are tiny," Liza exined. "Vickie ims she was adopted by the Donaldson family and lived reclusively. Please. If she''d existed my friends would''ve known. When I asked, they told me that they had never heard of her. We checked medical aesthetesworks and consulted doctors. Turns out she underwent full facial reconstruction six months ago. This was her original face."


    She pped down photos of a woman with delicate features, vaguely resembling Debra before


    vagueterations sharpened her


    surgical


    nose and lips.


    Randy whistled. "Who knew you two ckers could be so efficient?"


    "ckers?" Liza snorted. "My family is a big deal."


    Debra studied the evidence and


    smiled. With this Juan and V


    theatrics would crumble. Content''  SW


    Across the street at the Donaldson Building, whispers rippled through the reporters.


    "Guys, Mr. Finan is at the press conference."


    "Mr. Finan? The paparazzi king who retired after exposing countless scandals?"


    "That''s him, along with Mr. Pegg''s team and Mr. Bary."