SWNOVELS Chapter My CEO 324
324 No Games Here (Jayden)
As soon as Winona's face disappears from the screen, lean back in my chair and exhale, rubbing my hands over my face. The call didn't go quite how I'd hoped.
I want her to feel more connected to what I'm doing here, but maybe I was pushing it, throwing Sofia into the mix like that. Winona didn't seem too thrilled, and it wasn't just the timing Sofia seemed to think Winona would be okay with it. I better double check the hour next time.
I'm sure
e it's to
's tough being apart. But hey, at least you've got plenty to keep you occupied here. Plus, I'm here to make sure you don't get too lonely." She flicks her hair over her shoulder.
"Right, yeah. Thanks." I give a small, awkward chuckle, trying to refocus on work.
Before I can say anything else, the door swings open, and Astrid Koenig storms in like a gust of wind. She doesn't even knock, just strides in as if she owns the place-which, let's face it, she might as well.
She's all sharp angles and business, her platinum blonde hair in its usual sleek bob, her piercing blue eyes locked on Sofia with laser precision.
"Sofia," Astrid says, her voice icy but firm. "Your presence is no longer required."
Sofia visibly stiffens, her easy going demeanor faltering under Astrid's stare. "I was just "
Astrid cuts her off with a sharp wave. "I'm well aware of what you were doing. You have work to do." The finality in her tone is unmistakable, and there's no room for argument. "You might familiarize yourself with the personal relationship policy in your spare time." With a forced brightness, Sofia says, "Well, if you need anything. Jayden, you know where to find me."
Then she turns and walks out.
Astrid's eyes track her exit before turning back to me. "Mr. Brennan," she begins, and it's clear I'm about to get a lecture. "I advise you to keep a clear head when it comes to Ms. Fernandez."
I frown, leaning forward in my chair. "Astrid, it's not like that. Sofia's just helping me adjust to the role. She's being supportive."
Astrid's lips twitch into a tight, humorless smile. "Supportive? Let me remind you of Nexus Global's policy on personal relationships between employees. Instant dismissal. No exceptions ""I can assure you-
"While you cannot be dismissed, I can assure you Ms. Fernadez can and will be, if there is any proof of things being more than professional."
I hold up my hands in mock surrender. "I get it."
Her gaze hardens. This is a workplace, Mr. Brennan, not a playground. Nexus Global won't tolerate distractions."
I blink, taken aback by her intensity. "There's nothing personal going on," I insist, feeling the need to defend myself. "I love my wife, and Sofia's just-"
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324 No Games Here
"Being supportive," Astrid finishes, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Yes, you've mentioned that. But understand this: at Nexus Global, we don't need support. We need results." "Okay." Wow. Anally retentive: level expert
"Everyone here is expected to focus solely on their job, nothing more. If someone can't manage that, they're gone. You have more responsibility than anyone else to not give anyone a reason to assume you need support." There's no room for discussion,
I shift in my seat, still trying to regain my footing. "I get that, but I also don't see the harm in fostering a mutually helpful work environment. We're all on the same team, right?"
Astrid's expression remains cold and unyielding. "This isn't some tech startup where everyone holds hands and sings Kumbaya. This is Nexus Global. Either people handle the pressure and perform their duties, or they're replaced. It's that simple." She's not just the head of operations-she's the enforcer. The one making sure no one steps out of line,
least of all me.
Then she drops the bomb. "And for the record, Mr. Brennan, I don't have much faith in your ability to fill Gus's shoes. Not even his socks."
Her words cut deeper than I expected. My heart sinks, but I keep my face neutral, not letting her see how much that stings.
Astrid doesn't stop. "You've inherited the title, yes. But leadership requires more than just a name. It requires vision, decisiveness, and the ability to make difficult choices without hesitation. I haven't seen 'any of that from you yet."
I swallow, trying to suppress the frustration boiling inside me. Everything about this job, about Nexus Global, is so much bigger than what I'm used to. Brennan Industries feels like a playground compared to
this
I knew it would be intense, but Astrid's making it feel like an impossible mountain to climb.
"I didn't come here to be Gus," I say, my voice steady but quiet. "I came here to be me. And I'll do this job my way."
"I did hold out hope that something brushed off from your parentage, if not Gus then perhaps Judy. She understands the levity of what we do here."
"I can assure you, I have no interest in being anything like that woman." How dare Astrid even mention her
name to me.
Astrid raises a brow, clearly unimpressed. "Your loss. Understand this, Mr. Brennan-Nexus Global doesn't allow for trial and error. Either you succeed, or you fail, There's no middle ground."
Of course, Judy has put in the groundwork while she was here.
It's something I should've been prepared for. I've been too distracted lately. But if I'm bringing my family here, even temporarily, I need to make sure I'm on top of everything.
If that means putting in the ridiculous hours needed, I'll do that.
324 No Games Here
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"Don't underestimate my desire and ability to prove you wrong. Ms. Koenig."
Astrid takes a step back, her posture rigid. "I'll be watching. I hope, for this company's sake, you do prove
me wrong.'
The door clicks shut behind her, and I'm left sitting there, staring at the space where she stood.
I glance at the phone, the urge to call Winona tugging at me. I can't wake her again.
No. I've got to handle this. I've got to prove myself-to her, to Astrid, to everyone.
I call for a quick bite and some coffee.
Tonight is going to be a long night.
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