Stealing the Heart of Mr. Steele

[Atlas]

As I watched her walk out the door, my heart sank to the floor and shattered into a thousand pieces. She asked me not to follow her so I didn't. She wants her space. Needs it. This request has finally pushed her too far. I've already asked so much of her. And here I am, asking her again.

"You are such an idiot," my brother shakes his head as he places a hand on my shoulder. "I mean, I already knew you were a bit of a fool, but I didn't think you were a complete moron."NôvelDrama.Org content rights.

"Why are you two letting Angelica make such a fuss," Tilly asks, her hands on her hips, angry for the sake of her friend. "I know she's your old sweetheart, but she is a danger to herself and other people. Why hasn't she been placed in an institution better capable of meeting her needs?"

She has a point. "It isn't my call to make. I am not her next of kin\," I point out. "I am not her husband." And never will be, if I can help it.

Clark begins pacing, twisting his hands with nerves. "You know, before you came back, I had this great idea for getting rid of the Sydney problem and promoting our businesses, but it looks like we have to deal with this Angelica issue first," Clark hums. "How are we going to save our family, if it is tearing itself apart?"

"It would be a lot easier if we just didn't involve them," Tilly points out. "We have a plan, right? It doesn't need their cooperation. Let them deal with Angelica." Tilly slaps her hands together and then brushes the top one away to signal being done with a thing. "We need to worry about Cordelia's mental health. She's pregnant, Atlas. She needs us to care for her so she can care for your baby."

"What if someone recognizes her out there?" Clark looks out the blinds. "What if she runs into someone who saw her picture on social media and they give her a hard time? You know how LA loves a good scandal. And problems with the EPA will get her canceled, regardless of what she says or how others clear her name."

I hadn't thought of that. "If that's the case, what do we do to make this better?"

"Well," Clark suggests. "First, I think we need to have a press conference as soon as possible to refute everything that is being said and make sure that we have evidence to back it up. Then, you need to take Cordelia away from all of this for a nice vacation together. Somewhere far away where nobody will

recognize you. Romance the hell out of her so maybe she'll forgive you."

"Okay,' I have some ideas, but first I need her to start talking to me again.

"Finally," Clark goes over his plan he has to build Cordelia's reputation and put to rest any rumors that she copied someone else's line, while also boosting Steele Industries at the same time--a fashion reality TV show. It's a crazy idea, but it is also brilliant. The world loves reality TV.

"It'll be like that Runway show but in LA and it'll be our families competing in a judged competition with themes etc, while also showing our backstage family drama. There can be challenges and guest designers. Think of it as a huge commercial for our family businesses." "And we can satisfy our contract with the Bryants by bringing Sydney on as a contestant," I think out loud. Holy crap, this could solve everything.

"Yeah, and with me behind the

cameras, it will be easy," Clark smiles bashfully, still a bit modest even after so much personal

success. "It will be like no other thing anyone has ever seen. We'll add our own flair and make sure that

Cordelia is shown in the best

possible light."

I want to tell Cordelia. I need to tell her.

But first I need to find her.

"Bring her back in one piece!" Tilly calls after me as I rush towards the door.

"IF she swings at you, protect your pretty face! We need it for the cameras!" Clark laughs as the door shuts behind me.