problems. Two days later, she leaked photos of him dressed in a bra, panties, black fishnet stockings, and high heels to the
National Enquirer
.
“I knew that he’s challenging their prenup, but since when is adultery a valid reason to void a prenuptial agreement?”
“It’s not. At least it’s not typical.” Diamonds flashed as Pepper waved away that idea. “After all, everyone cheats.”
“I don’t.”
“Of course you don’t, darling,” the agent soothed expertly. “Apparently, he’s trying to break it by claiming that he wasn’t aware of the full extent of her fortune. Along with impaired judgment.”
“I can identify with that one,” Madeline muttered. Obviously her own judgment had been flawed when it came to her marriage. “How, exactly, was his judgment impaired?”
“He says he was high on cocaine when he signed it.”
“Well, that’s a novel excuse.”
“Isn’t it? I suspect he hired someone to make that horrid video to embarrass her.”
“I don’t know about Katrin, but it sure as hell has embarrassed me,” Madeline admitted.
“You’re the injured party. You should hold your head high. My guess is that if her husband can somehow prove that her and Maxime’s relationship goes back to before the marriage, he might be able to argue that she didn’t enter into the marriage in good faith.”
“I can’t believe this.” Madeline rubbed her temples where the mother of all migraines was threatening to strike. Bad enough that she was publicly humiliated. Now her marriage was going to be dragged into the divorce of the century?
“It’ll blow over,” Pepper assured her quickly. “Things like this always do. Meanwhile, looking at the bright side: Not only is any publicity good publicity, but you’re going to be perceived as the victim.”
“Just what I wanted.”
“Well, of course you don’t. But better the victim than the slut home wrecker, darling. And think how many women out there will identify with you.”
“I’d rather not.” Publicly Cheated-on Wives wasn’t exactly a club Madeline had ever imagined joining.
“Well, let’s get on to the good news,” her agent said.
“Let’s,” Madeline agreed. Anything to get off this topic.
“I received a call from a representative of OneWorld Airlines this morning. They want you to create a signature menu for their European flights.”
“You’re suggesting I cook airline meals?” Could this day get any worse?
“Well, you wouldn’t be the one actually
cooking
them. But, yes, I think it would be a very positive opportunity. After Lufthansa started offering chef-driven meals for business and first class, the idea’s proven hugely popular with flyers. Tommy Tang even inked a deal with Thai Airways.”
“He told me. Quite honestly, I was a little surprised.”
Madeline had run into the Godfather of Thai Cooking during a layover at LAX a few months ago, which was when he’d told her about the deal. Although their culinary styles couldn’t be any more different, his tiger prawns topped with mango salsa were high on the list of top ten dishes she’d want for her last meal.
“People who can afford to spring for first class pay attention to chef’s name on a menu when they get great food,” Pepper pointed out. “Especially when the airline’s spending big bucks to promote those meals. Which, in turn, builds name recognition and makes them more likely to frequent those chef’s restaurants.”
“Now you’re talking about synergy,” Madeline murmured. Which she’d been hearing as often as
ancillary marketing
these days.
“Exactly!” Either her agent didn’t notice Madeline’s decided lack of enthusiasm, or, more likely, merely chose to overlook it.
“Let me give it some thought. The timing isn’t exactly the best right now.”
“I totally understand.” Pepper nodded sympathetically. Then polished off the rest of the martini. “Go home; talk things out with Maxime. Why don’t I give you a call
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