Craig nodded eagerly. ‘As soon as you sent it to me, I knew it would be a hit. It’s a brilliant book. Didn’t it make you cry, Rachel?’ he asked his colleague.

I tried not to react but, again, I knew this was a lie. When Hayley had sent Jake’s new book over, the article furore had been in full swing, and Craig had ignored it, left it sat on his desk for two months because he wasn’t bothered about publishing it. And when he’d finally read it, he had side-stepped talk of a new deal until now. Now opinion was back on Jake’s side, Craig’s attitude had taken a 360-degree turn.

This meeting seemed so fake.

Then I looked down at my outfit in dismay. Was I now just as fake?

I tried to shake off my thoughts and focus on what Craig was saying about their plans for Jake’s books, but my mind was racing. I really wanted this to be my career but now I was questioning at what cost I was willing to make it happen.

‘We are so happy you’re still on board with us,’ Craig said then.

Jake let out a loud exhale that turned all heads in his direction. I looked at him too, wondering what was on his mind, and if his thoughts were at all similar to mine. ‘I haven’t said that I am.’

Hayley threw a sharp glare at Jake but he kept his eyes on Craig and ploughed on regardless. I couldn’t help but admire his bravery because if she ever looked at me like that, I’d want to shrink like a tortoise retreating into its shell.

‘Um… what do you mean?’ Craig asked uneasily, his confidence suddenly shaken. I was kind of pleased about that.

‘Well, you weren’t exactly supportive over these past six months,’ Jake replied. ‘I thought you didn’t want to publish this book. I know we are skirting around that fact but I think it’s important to put it out there. I made a mistake, yes, but I didn’t appreciate the way you all tried to wash your hands of me.’

There were sharp intakes of breath, murmurings and tense expressions all around the table at Jake’s words. They were completely true but everyone was shocked he had uttered them.

‘Jake, I think—’ Hayley began, but Jake cut her off.