Jasper Dalton, one of the most successful campaign managers of all time, is sitting in my office. I awkwardly sit at the head of my desk, staring in disbelief at Jasper.

I can't believe my sister and mother's solution is him.

It's not like Jasper isn't good at what he does. Because he is. He's actually fantastic at his job. But, hiring him is political suicide.

You see, Jasper Dalton has worked for every shady politician there is. He's the literal definition of sleazy. "Well, I'm not going to lie, Miss Revaz," Jasper says slowly, "you're quite despised due to your illegitimate son." Well that's obvious. "But, I'm sure we can spin this. We just need a plan—"

"Uh, actually," I say, clearing my throat, "could you excuse me for a moment?"

He looks at me, a little bit of amusement playing in his eyes. I stand up, pushing my chair back. I walk past him, exiting my office. Standing just outside the door is Isa and Mom. "Are you kidding me?!" I say in a shout-whisper. "Jasper Dalton? Are you trying to make this situation worse?" Mom scowls and opens her mouth to speak, but I speak first, "He is the definition of sleazy! I will not work with him!"

"You are being ungrateful, Scarlett!" Mom snaps. "Your sister and I went to all the trouble of finding and paying him to be here, and what do we get in return?" She shakes her head, as if disappointed. It takes all my self-restraint not to snap back at her.

"Jasper Dalton is not the solution to this," I say, gritting my teeth. "I will not work with him."

"He is your only option," Isa chips in, placing a hand on my shoulder. I think it's supposed to be comforting. "Nobody wants to work with you, Scarlett. They think your campaign is ruined after this scandal." I know Isa is right, but that doesn't stop the hurt I feel from her words. "He was the only one who was interested in working with you. He is our last resort."

I feel tears prick at my eyes.

They're right. If I want a chance of saving my reputation and campaign, I need to work with Jasper. At least until my polling goes up. Sighing, I nod.

"Fine," I say softly. "I'll work with him."

"Good," Mom says, motioning towards the door. "I expect results, Scarlett."

I nod and step back into the office, releasing a long, shaky breath. "Sorry about that," I say to Jasper, who barely even acknowledges my presence. I travel towards my desk and take my seat again, smiling politely at Jasper, who watches my movements very carefully. "You were saying that we needed to 'spin' this situation?" Jasper nods, leaning back in his chair.

"Right. I will be observing you and your son for the next few days. I need to figure out what picture to paint," Jasper says, his brow slightly furrowed in thought. I nod slowly. "For now, we need to get a handle on the rumors and speak with the press."

Speak to the press. God no. I'm not ready to face the public. Not even close. "I'll speak to the press when I feel ready," I say. Jasper laughs. He laughs. I narrow my eyes at him. "Did I say something funny?" He stands off, taking off his dress coat.

"It's adorable how you think this is your decision," Jasper tells me, and I scowl at his patronizing tone. He hangs his soaked dress coat on his now vacant chair. He carries himself with such confidence—it makes me dislike him just a little bit. "Miss Revaz, I know what I am doing. So sit still and be quiet. I'll handle this."

My eyes widen slightly and I feel a lump form in my throat. The only thing I can do is nod my head. Jasper smiles, grabbing his coat and slinging it over his shoulder. "I expect clean and ironed clothes by tonight. Make yourself useful, will you?"

Jasper exits the office and I sit there like an idiot, hands clasped tightly together.

I am going to murder my mother.

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