The Insider

Chapter 7: Secrets and Scandals

The sun was shining brightly as Avery arrived at Remi's house, a look of concern etched on her face. "Hey, what's going on? Your text sounded urgent."

Remi let out a deep breath, her eyes welling up with tears. "It's just...I have something to tell you. Something that could ruin my reputation forever."

Avery's expression turned serious. "What is it, Remi? You can trust me."

Remi took another deep breath before launching into the story. "So, you know how I spent the summer at my family's beach house? Well, I met this guy...and we started dating. But things got out of hand one night, and...and he recorded me while I was drunk."

Avery's eyes widened in shock. "Oh my god, Remi. I'm so sorry."

Remi's voice cracked. "It gets worse. He has a s*x tape of me, Avery. And I'm terrified that The Insider is going to expose it."

Avery's expression turned determined. "We'll figure something out, Remi. But first, we need to come up with a plan to make it seem like you don't care if the video gets out."

Remi looked at Avery in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Avery explained, "If whoever has the video thinks you're not bothered by it, they might not think it's worth tipping off The Insider again. We need to make you seem unbothered, Remi."

Remi's eyes lit up with understanding. "That's genius, Avery. Thank you so much for being here for me."

Avery smiled. "Anytime, Remi. You're my best friend."

Remi smiled back, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "I'm so grateful for you, Avery. You're the best."

Just then, Remi's expression turned serious. "Avery, can I tell you something else?"

Avery nodded. "Of course, what is it?"

Remi hesitated before speaking. "I saw Nilani one evening meeting with someone in a car. But I didn't get to see who it was."

Avery's eyes narrowed. "That's weird. Who do you think it could have been?"

Remi shrugged. "I don't know, but I had a crazy thought...maybe it was your dad."

Avery's expression changed in an instant, her eyes widening in shock. "What? No way. My dad would never reach out to my mom again. They hate each other."

Remi looked at Avery curiously. "Are you sure? Maybe they're trying to work things out or something."

Avery shook her head vehemently. "No, Remi. I'm positive. My dad would never do that."

As Avery's words hung in the air, The Insider watched from the shadows, a sly smile spreading across their face.

"Spotted: Remi and Avery, socialite BFFs, cooking up a plan to take down The Insider. But little do they know, I've got a secret that could destroy them both. Stay tuned, darlings...Hearts & Hellos, The Insider."

Julian's eyes drifted to the photo of Avery on his phone, a smile spreading across his face. He couldn't help but feel drawn to her, even though they'd barely spoken.

Just then, his dad, Harrison, walked into the room, a stern expression on his face. "Julian, what's going on here?"

Julian quickly hid the phone, trying to play it cool. "Nothing, Dad. Just checking my messages."

But Harrison's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. "Don't lie to me, Julian. I saw the look on your face. You're interested in Avery, aren't you?"

Julian's eyes widened in surprise. "How do you know her name?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Harrison's expression didn't change. "I know a lot of things, Julian. And I know that Avery is not the right girl for you."

Julian felt a shiver run down his spine. His dad's words sent a chill through him. How did Harrison know Avery's name? And how did he know what she looked like?

"What's going on, Dad?" Julian asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Harrison's expression turned imposing. "Just stay away from Avery, Julian. She's...complicated. And I won't have you getting tangled up in her drama."

Julian felt a surge of defiance, but Harrison's intense gaze made him back down. "Okay, Dad," he said finally, trying to sound convincing.

But as he watched Harrison walk out of the room, Julian couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to the story. What did his dad know about Avery? And why was he so adamant that Julian stay away from her?