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“This is a new beginning for Playboy.
There will be more changes ahead.
Thank you all for coming.
We will now move to the interview area.”
At the end of the press conference, Julian gave his closing remarks.
The event hall was full of reporters.
When Julian, Faith, and Taylor moved to the backdrop printed with rabbit-head logos, the press surged toward them.
“Faith and I are colleagues.”
“It was a misunderstanding.
The reporters followed us, and I wanted to protect a colleague’s privacy.”
“Yes, Faith is beautiful.
What does that prove?
It is worth noting that Faith also plans to record new music.
As for the details, I have to keep some suspense.”
“Taylor Swift is only the beginning.
The company will focus on discovering promising new artists and contributing to popular music.”
Established artists were too expensive to buy.
He needed unknown names who would one day dominate.
Justin, Ariana, Adele, and others like them.
“Also, Taylor and Faith Hill will be featured as next month’s cover stars, with a special pictorial for the magazine.
You can look forward to that.
Who has another question?”
“What do you think about the nickname Python?” a female reporter asked suddenly.
She really dared.
Julian looked helpless for half a second.
“If you are that curious, ask me off the record.”
“Ohhhh.”
The reporters around them immediately reacted.
The reporter flushed, then went pale, and the microphone trembled slightly in her hand.
Not far away, Faith was surrounded by reporters of her own.
As the newly appointed head of the music division, she had dressed carefully for the event: a dark brown sequined gown, pure black stiletto heels, formal enough for business but stylish enough for a star.
The sapphire necklace at her throat drew the eye.
Julian had bought it for her.
Faith faced the same kind of invasive questions.
Entertainment reporters were not known for their ethics.
They wanted a headline.
“If Julian pursued you, would you consider dating him?”
“There is nothing to decide right now,” Faith said.
“Ask me again if he ever makes the offer.”
“So you agree.”
“Please do not twist my words.”
“What made you reach that decision?
His youth, his body, his money, his ambition?”
“Those are certainly strengths he has, but…”
“Understood.
You are fascinated by his young and energetic body, overwhelmed by his money, and joined his company to help him advance his career.”
Faith nearly cursed into the microphone.
If the press-conference rules had not required each principal to accept forty minutes of open questions, she would have walked away.
Taylor, meanwhile, was overwhelmed in a different way.
It was her first time being interviewed by so many outlets as a central figure.
Julian’s goal had been more than met.
The media was happy to use Taylor as a mainstream-friendly entry point into the story.
She wore the cream dress from the previous day.
Her hair had been pulled up and pinned, with a delicate headpiece of silver chains and crystal.
She looked elegant, bright, and memorable, her large eyes impossible to ignore.
Her performance that day had also surprised people.
With the styling, the voice, and the novelty of the launch, several outlets showed real interest in the young country artist.
Most questions were about music.
But a few were not.
“Faith Hill is your mentor, and Julian is your boss.
How do you view the rumors about them?”
“There is nothing between them.
I swear.”
“Why are you so eager to prove that?
Do you not want them together, or are you interested in him yourself?”
Reporters did not care about truth.
They cared about creating news.
Taylor rolled her eyes, genuinely angry for the first time.
“Who I date is no one’s business.
That is private.”
Taylor was still new to this level of scrutiny, and deliberately malicious questions hit harder than she expected.
“So you are not ruling out a relationship with your boss.
Would that put you in conflict with Faith, or would you both share the same man?”
“I said there is nothing between them, and there is nothing between Julian and me.”
“Enough,” Saul said, stepping in front of Taylor.
“Your questions have gone too far.
She is an eighteen-year-old artist.
Today, Taylor will discuss music only.
Thank you for cooperating.”
Saul was following Julian’s instructions.
His job was to help Taylor control the situation.
When the open interview session ended, Taylor thanked him.
“Do not thank me,” Saul said.
“Julian arranged it.
Also, your new song today was good.
Keep going.”
“I will, Mr.
Saul.”
Under security escort, Taylor returned to the lounge.
Julian and Faith were already waiting.
“You were wonderful today,” Faith said, pulling Taylor into a hug.
“I am proud of you.”
They walked toward Julian together.
“She will be a star,” Faith said, sitting beside him.
“I hope so,” Taylor said, still worried.
“The album needs final work.
We have to get back to Nashville immediately.”
“Correct,” Julian said.
“Before the new issue comes out, the lead single needs to launch.
The album can follow once the recording, mixing, mastering, and distribution are ready.
Faith, you are going to have a rough few weeks.
I will book tomorrow’s flights for both of you.
This afternoon, we shoot the cover.”
“It will not be…” Faith hesitated, remembering the magazines Julian had read on the plane.
“No.
I have a better idea.”
Julian thought back over the last few days: candlelit dinner, dancing in the music room, the round window connected to the pool, the round bed, classical decor, blond women, elegance laced with suggestion.
The effect would work.
He called the photography director immediately.
“Arrange the crew.
Remember, all women.”
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Ready for more?
I hope this chapter drew you further into the story.
Stick around, because there’s still a lot waiting just ahead.