Ari was quiet for a moment. ‘Look, Julian might have strong-armed him into doing this, but that’s what I’m trying to tell you: Kit’s only following the letter of his contract. You can be here if Julian insists on it, but don’t think Kit will give you anything. You’re on a fool’s errand. This is a waste of your time.’

Clover tipped her head to the side contemplatively, as she began to run a finger around the rim of her teacup. It was true Ari had done his best to dissuade her from pursuing the project. If he couldn’t stop Julian, he’d stop her? ‘And do you agree that that’s in his best interests? Us abandoning the project?’

Ari seemed surprised by the question. ‘Huh?’

‘Well, you’re his manager. It’s up to you to make decisions that will determine the best outcome for his career. Reputation is an intrinsic part of that. You’re surely not disputing that he has a serious image problem at the moment?’

Ari’s eyes narrowed.

‘The way things stand, he’s toxic – to sponsors, the public, other competitors . . . he won’t ever be able to fully move on until he addresses the past.’ She tapped the rim with her index finger. ‘I do understand why Kit’s resistant to working with us. I do. It’s not the easy choice.’ She shrugged. ‘And I won’t sit here and pretend that I didn’t become friends with Mia and Cor—’

Matty kicked her leg under the table, but Clover didn’t take her eyes off Ari.

‘—But this was never personal, Ari. We were never anti-Kit. We simply told Cory’s story after the accident in which Kit was the catalyst.’

‘Yeah, but it’s the way you told it. And he’s been demonized for it!’

‘So then if he’s got a side to give, now’s his chance to give it.’ She shrugged. ‘We’ll put it out there and people can make up their own minds.’

Ari watched her in defensive silence, the muscles of his jaw balling.

‘Ari, you’re his manager. I know you’re old friends and you want to protect him, but you need to look at this dispassionately and advise him frankly. Kit needs a rebrand. Fast.’

Ari shook his head stubbornly. ‘He won’t listen. As far as he’s concerned, you ruined his life.’

‘Fine. Then let him say that. Get him to talk to me and he can say whatever it is he wants to say. However angry he is. However much he hates me. I’ve come here to listen to him, and I will. I promise.’

Matty cleared her throat in an exaggerated fashion and this time Clover looked over at her. Matty’s eyes were wide and darting towards the stairs.