Page 20 of Interview with the Billionaire

“Absolutely. That all sounds very reasonable.” She flashed him a charming smile.

Damien had to wonder at her easy acquiescence. If she didn’t want to talk about the abuse or the kidnapping, he couldn’t help but wonder what other aspects of his life she intended to dredge up. But, he supposed, he would see soon enough. “All right, then. That’s all I needed to hear.”

He headed back towards Nikki, noting her baffled expression. He slid in beside her, his arm going around her waist. She leaned closer, whispering, “What was that about?”

“I’ll tell you later.”

In front of them, Maggie faced the group . “Okay, everybody, let’s make some pretty pictures. Then I’ll start the interviews with the Steeles right after we get the photographs out of the way.”

You’re my proof that I must be a good man. How else could I deserve you?

- Entice Me

Transcript: Steele

Day 1, Session 1, 11:15 am

Audio Transcription by All Access Enterprises

Annotations added by client: Spicer, Magdalena

Location: Stark Home, Malibu, CA, Pool Deck

Subject(s): Jackson Steele, Sylvia Brooks Steele

Interview conducted by Maggie Bridge

Begin Interview

[They sit close, his arm around her shoulder. Her hand is on his thigh. This is an affectionate couple. Both have been photographed in the press, so no description is necessary. But there is no doubt that Jackson is related to Damien Stark.]

Bridge: Thank you both for doing this. It’s a great opportunity having you here Mr. Steele. I would love to do an extended interview about you and your career, too, if you have the time.

J. Steele: I’m flattered, but I’m afraid we don’t. Besides, it’s Damien who’s turning forty. I’ve already passed that milestone. And please, call me Jackson.

S. Steele: And I’m Sylvia.

Bridge: You’re a Project Manager for Stark Real Estate Development, is that right?

S. Steele: It is. My focus is bringing new projects to fruition. Finding the right location, acquiring the real estate, retaining the right architect for the job, putting together the right team.

Bridge: But before that, you were Damien Stark’s executive assistant?

S. Steele: I was.

Bridge: And what’s he like as a boss?

S. Steele: Couldn’t ask for better. He’s firm, but fair. He’s brilliant, so I learned a lot. He’s demanding, but he doesn’t ask anyone to work harder than he does. And he looks for talent in house. In some companies, I would have worked an exec’s desk for my entire career. At Stark International, I moved up and over.

Bridge: And how well did you know Nikki Stark—well, Nikki Fairchild—when you were working Mr. Stark’s desk?

S. Steele: Not well at all. I was passingly familiar with many of the women he went out with, but it wasn’t my habit to to get to know them.

Bridge: But you got to know Nikki.

S. Steele: Well, she is my sister-in-law.

Bridge: So you two only became close when you married Jackson?