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"Media strategies evolve, just like the game itself," she replied smoothly. "What works in one market might not in another."

"Evolution. Adaptation." Westfield nodded, eyes never leaving her face. "Necessary qualities in changing environments. Speaking of change, I wanted to discuss the organizational restructuring Darby and Darby is implementing."

Here it comes, Stephanie thought.

"We're consolidating several departments for greater operational synergy. Communications and Analytics will merge under a single director, reporting directly to me." He slid a folder across the desk. "I'd like you to consider taking on this expanded role."

Stephanie's fingers stilled on the folder. That wasn’t what she had expected. Of course, if the blackmail information got out, she could kiss this promotion goodbye.

"It sounds interesting," she said carefully. "What’s the timeline for this transition?"

"Immediately. We'd announce after tonight's game." Westfield gestured to the folder. "All the details are there, including a very generous compensation package. You'd have complete authority to reshape the analytics approach to better serve your media objectives."

It was everything Reed had accused her of in Boston—manipulating data to fit narratives, suppressing unfavorable metrics—Westfield was now offering as a job perk. Was he involved in the blackmail? To what end? He didn’t need the money and if he wanted her out, he could just fire her.

"This is certainly unexpected," she said, buying time while her mind raced. "I'll need to review the details."

"Of course. But we'll need your decision by soon. Opportunities like this don't come along often, Stephanie. Especially for someone with your professional history."

Was Reed pulling the strings behind this? Setting her up for failure? Then he could sweep in and take over her position. She’d see him in hell first.

"I appreciate the vote of confidence," she said, rising with practiced poise. "I'll let you know after the game tomorrow night."

As she left Westfield's office, laptop tucked under her arm, she bumped into Reed coming down the hallway. Adrenaline surged through her system.

“What are you doing here?” she snarled.

"Important meeting with Jack," he said smoothly.

"Is it about blackmail and sabotage?" she asked sweetly.

Reed's smile never wavered. "Direct as always. It's what I admired about you, before you decided to try and ruin my reputation."

"Your actions were doing a fine job of that all on their own.” Her voice remained steady despite the hammering of her heart. "You’re not going to get away with this.”

He looked down at his watch pointedly. "We’ll see."

If she quit instead of taking the new position, Reed could slip right into it. He was already cozying up to Jack about it. And with Marcus gone too, he could have his dream job and do whatever he wanted.

“You’re not going to win this,” she told him.

"Every sports journalist in North America is going to receive documentation of how the Chill's PR Director systematically misrepresents team performance metrics while a player compiles invasive personal profiles on his team mates." Reed leaned forward slightly. Stephanie refused to flinch back. "Your career ends. His ends. And I step in to clean up the mess, just like I did in Boston."

So no matter what, Reed wins and she and Marcus were out of a job. There had to be a way out of this.

“I’m so looking forward to this.” He brushed by her and went into the conference room

She would not let him win.

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