She leans forward, eyes shining. “You need to meet them where they live. Town halls, not press releases. Face to face, not through a mouthpiece. Let them see a man who cares about their children, not a tech mogul playing with their futures.”
“And the media narrative?”
“You don't fight it. You redirect it. The current story is 'Reckless CEO Endangers Children.' The story you want is 'Community Comes Together After Tragedy.' You can't get there by being defensive. You get there by being present.”
I nod slowly. “That's strong.”
“It's the obvious approach,” Miles cuts in, voice tight. “We were planning to recommend exactly that in phase two of?—“
“Emma.” I keep my focus on her. “What else?”
Her chin lifts. “You need to get ahead of the next strike. Whoever's feeding this media frenzy isn't going to stop. They're going to escalate. You need to identify their endgame and cut them off before they reach it.”
She knows. Maybe not the details, but she knows this isn't random.
“Thank you,” I say. “That's exactly the kind of thinking this account needs.”
Miles looks like he's swallowed something bitter. Hawthorne looks impressed.
“Well,” Hawthorne says, gathering his materials. “I believe we've provided a solid overview. Happy to answer any follow-up questions.”
“I want Emma to lead the account.”
The words are out before I can stop them. Miles makes a strangled sound. Hawthorne's composure slips.
“Emma is one of our rising talents,” Hawthorne says carefully. “Typically, for an account of this magnitude, we'd assign a senior lead.”
“I'm certain she'll have all the support she needs.” I offer a sharp smile. “I want her as the point person. That's my condition.”
I look at Emma, waiting for the spark of triumph, the secret look we’d share.
It doesn't come.
Her face goes blank. Completely blank. She doesn't look at me. Doesn't blink. She stares at a knot in the mahogany table with an intensity that makes the air feel thin.
Something is wrong.
“We'll discuss this internally and reach out,” Hawthorne says, breaking the silence.
After the goodbyes, the GVM team files out. Ethan and Logan head to their next meeting.
I catch Emma's arm as she passes. “Can you stay for a moment? I'd like to discuss some details.”
She glances at Hawthorne, who nods. Miles hovers by the door, eyes burning.
“Just Emma,” I say.
The door clicks shut. We're alone.
I've never seen Emma angry. Not really. I'm about to.
“What the hell was that, Kaiden?”
I blink. “What?”
“I want Emma to lead the account. That's my condition.” She mimics my voice, sharp and mocking. “Do you have any idea what you just did to me?”
“I gave you an opportunity. A major campaign that could fast-track your career.”
