SWNOVELS Chapter My CEO 354
354 The Future of Nexus Global
(Jayden)
Winona steps back into the room after checking the older kids in bed. She looks a little more at ease. She has the monitor screen in her hand.
"The monitors work well," she says, sitting down beside me. "But I don't know. It feels so impersonal. I'd
rather be more hands-on with the kids."
I nod, knowing exactly what she means. "It's a big house. Everything's spread out. Feels like we're miles away but moving into a guest wing isn't practical for the first night."
"I know," she says, glancing down at Henry, who's starting to doze off in his bassinet. "But Henry will sleep in our room tonight. There's a cot and I'll leave him in the bassinet. I don't care how good the monitors are. I want him close." I smile at that. "Of course. Can't leave him up to his own devices."
She leans back against the couch, letting out a small sigh. "I think the family house will be so much better. I can't wait to get started making it livable."
"I mean, the staff here could have it done in no time."
"I know. But I think it'll be cathartic for us to do it ourselves. For you."
"Don't think it will magically fix things for Gus and me."
"No, but it can't hurt to see you were wanted, Jayden. No matter how things turned out. You should see the backyard. It's massive and every kid's dream to explore."
"Not to mention full of kittens." I give a wry grin.
"Yes! Hundreds of them, all plotting against you." Winona laughs.
"The move, this ridiculous house, Nexus... everything is complicated right now."
"But, we eat the elephant one bite at a time."
I lean in closer, my hand still holding hers. "But I want you to know that you're the most important part of all this to me. The kids, you, us. That's what matters. Nexus is just a job." Winona looks up at me, her eyes searching mine. "You say that, but Nexus is more than a job, Jayden. It's your legacy. You're stepping into Gus's shoes, and that's a huge deal."
I let out a small laugh. "No, I'm stepping into my own shoes. I had a huge win today."
"Tell me about it."
The client I missed the meeting with... I ended up securing an even bigger deal with them. He is a billion-dollar Investor."
Winona raises an eyebrow, impressed. "Really? How'd you manage that?"
I grin. "I explained why I was late, and he was really understanding. His wife has just had twins, they are Henry's age."
1/2
354 The Future of Nexus Global
+20 BONUS
"Oh, wow. They definitely get it then."
I nod. "I pitched them on this new idea for Nexus-focusing on a family-centered approach. I said I want the future Nexus Global to be relevant, forward-thinking and inclusive. They loved it." Her smile widens. "That is such a brilliant idea, Jayden! I love it."
"I think it could be huge for Nexus," I say, feeling the excitement build inside me but I also know that to grow this idea means I don't sell up in 3 months. "Family matters. It's something people care about, and it's a direction I think we should take. It's modem, and It's what the company needs right now."
Winona looks thoughtful. "It sounds like a smart move. Having a balance with family and work is more Important than ever these days. People want to feel connected in all areas of their lives."
"Exactly," I agree. "It's the perfect way to bring Nexus into the future. We're not just a corporate giant- we're a company that cares about families. We give our workers adequate staffing levels to be able to take guilt-free time off with their families. Not just kids, but however your family looks."
"It's so perfect.
"We support childcare and school hours, working remotely and all the things underpins families functioning well while meeting work targets."
She nods, clearly seeing the potential in the idea. "I think it's brilliant. And if you're planning to bring that kind of focus into Nexus, it could really make a difference. But this will take time to implement."
I pause for a moment, then add, "Actually, I'd love for you to come to the office and meet the team. I could really use your input on some of these ideas. You've always had a great sense for what works. Plus, firsthand experience as a working mother smashing it "I wouldn't say I was smashing it after you left."
"But you would've gotten there."
"I can certainly see how support in that area could change parents' lives. Why should you have to choose?"
"Great. I'll line up some time with Sofia, you can bounce ideas off each other."
Winona smiles, but I notice the hesitation in her eyes. I'd love to help," she says softly, but there's something more she's not saying
I tilt my head, watching her carefully. "What is it?"
She lets out a sigh, her shoulders slumping slightly. "It's just... I don't know. Do you trust Sofia?"
"Sofia? Look, she's probably more than most, but I trust her professionally."
1 may be super-paranoid, but I got the feeling she was trying to make me jealous over the phone. Demanding your time and being overly friendly."
"I see." I'm not brushing this off. Winona's gut feelings are rarely wrong.
"I mean Judy has been here with Gus. She knows the team. I can't believe she doesn't have some. influence on some of them. That's how she works. Even if they don't realize it."
354 The Future of Nexus Global
+25 BONUS
I stiffen at the mention of Judy. "You think Judy's crewed up?"
"I don't know," she says, frustration creeping into her voice. "But think about it... a staffer takes your phone without permission. It's not overreaching to be a little suspect."
"It's never overreaching with Judy. But... you're here and we are having this conversation. That means we have the upper hand on her. We'll discuss everything we find suspicious and make sure we do the opposite." Winona nods, "I like it, in fact, we can play Judy at her own game by being more together than ever."
I grab her and pull her closer. "Like right now?"
"We will have a guest in the bedroom."
"I'm sure he'll love the walk-in closet. His own space."
Winona laughs. "You'd do that too."
"Watch me.
Winona leans into me, resting her head against my shoulder. "I just want us to be a family, Jayden. normal family."
"I think here is the best chance we have of building that."
"Are you pitching we stay on, here in Belgium?"
"I'm pitching we forget all of this chatter and go strike while the iron's hot, or at least while the baby sleeps. It's been too long since I've held you, Mrs. Brennan."
"I thought you'd never ask, Mr. Brennan."
Today's Bonus Offer