Page 92 of Claimed By The Other Brother

I set my bag on the desk and follow Emma back into the corridor. We head to a conference room where several people are gathered, chatting over coffee.

"Everyone," Emma announces, "this is Scarlett Bradford, our crisis management consultant. Scarlett, this is the team you'll be working with closely."

A woman in her forties with sharp eyes and an efficient demeanor steps forward first.

"Karen, VP of Media Relations. Good to have you here."

"Thank you. Happy to be here."

A younger man, maybe early thirties, extends his hand next.

"Daniel, senior publicist. I've been handling most of the MediaLink coordination."

"Scarlett. Looking forward to working with you."

A tall man with dark hair and an easy smile is next.

"Brad, media strategist. Welcome to the chaos."

I laugh. "Thanks. I'm sure we'll get through it."

A woman with red hair and a warm presence stepsup.

"Melanie, communications director. Anything you need, just ask."

"I appreciate that."

Two more men introduce themselves—John, digital media manager, and Mike, content director. I make mental notes on each of them, filing away names and roles.

"We have a team meeting in twenty minutes," Karen says.

"Full debrief on where we are with the crisis. You'll get caught up quickly."

"Perfect. I'll be ready."

Emma walks me back to my office.

"The meeting is in Conference Room A—the large one at the center of the floor. I'll come get you when it's time."

"Thank you, Emma."

She leaves, and I'm alone in this beautiful office with its stunning views. I sit at my desk and open the welcome packet, skimming through the information. Building directory, emergency contacts, IT support.

My phone buzzes. A text from Jane:

Jane: You there yet? How is it???

I smile and type back:

Scarlett: Just arrived. Office is incredible. Meeting the team now.

Jane: And Dax???

Scarlett: Haven't seen him yet.

Jane: Keep me posted. And remember—you're a professional badass. Don't let him rattle you.

I set my phone down and take a breath. Jane's right. I'm here to do a job. Whatever happens with Dax is secondary.