Page 139 of Claimed By The Other Brother

"You were hired to manage a crisis," the board chair says.

"Not create one."

I have no defense. In the end, they give me two options: resign, or accept a demotion to a junior associate role handling low-level accounts.

I take the demotion. It's humiliating–a massive step backward. But it's better than being fired outright. When I leave the office, I feel hollowed out.

That night, Jane and Sarah come over again. We're sitting on my couch, and I know I can't keep the secret any longer.

"There's something I need to tell you guys," I say.

They both turn to me, concern on their faces.

"I'm pregnant."

Sarah's wine glass freezes halfway to her mouth.

"What?"

"I found out a few days ago. I'm about six weeks along."

Jane sets down her glass carefully.

"Does Dax know?"

"No."

"Scarlett—"

"He can't know. Not yet. Not with everything that's happening."

Sarah moves closer. "What are you going to do?"

"I don't know." My voice cracks.

"Everything is such a mess. The scandal, my job, Miles—and now this. I can't think straight."

Jane puts her arm around me.

"We're here for you. Whatever you decide. Whatever you need."

"You have to tell Dax eventually," Sarah says gently.

"I know. But not now. I need to figure this out first."

They stay with me until late, talking through options, offering support, being the friends I desperately need. When they leave, I'm alone again. Alone with a secret that's growing inside me. A secret that will change everything.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Dax

Two weeks.It's been two weeks since Scarlett left for Chicago, and I feel like I'm losing my mind.

I've buried myself in work. Back-to-back meetings. Travel to Boston for acquisition discussions. Philadelphia for investor presentations. Conference calls with the in-house PR team managing the fallout from the photos.

The scandal.Ourscandal.

The media frenzy has died down somewhat, but it's still there—articles analyzing the ethics violations, speculation about our relationship, think pieces about power dynamics in corporate America.