SWNOVELS Chapter My CEO 356
356 The Perfect Storm (Judy)
The next morning, I'm already at my desk, tea in hand, reviewing the photos again. The images are intimate, just on the edge of scandalous.
There's enough innuendo, enough skin, enough suggestion to make Jayden question everything.
This is going to be delicious. I can feel it. The downfall of Winona Nolan is inevitable. She's no Brennan, never will be.
A smile tugs at my lips. It's a victory I've been planning forever. I want Jayden shattered-emotionally wrecked and vulnerable.
I'll remind him that it was always me who stood by him, me who knew what was best for him. Winona is just a con, a fleeting bad phase in his life. I am permanent. I will always be here. The thing about Jayden is, he's too trusting of her.
He thinks just because she's in his life now, she'll always be loyal. But I know people. I know how weak they are, how easy they are to manipulate when you know what buttons to press. And Winona? She's the weakest of them all, throwing herself at men like Phillip and Lance.
I feel the tension and anticipation curling in my gut as I stash the photos back in the safe.
Phillip is coming by this morning to discuss the new marketing campaign for Brennan Industries. I can't risk him seeing the photos. He'll run and tell his precious Winona.
"He's always been a bit of a wildcard-since the idiot fell for her. But more fool him.
I dial the number, waiting as it rings.
"Hello?" comes the smooth voice on the other end.
"It's Judy," I say, my tone sharp. "I need you to plant some doubts. Keep it subtle, though. I don't want him to think it's coming from me."
The voice on the other end chuckles. "I can be very subtle, Judy. What's the angle this time?"
"Winona," I reply, my voice like ice. "Do what you can to separate them and cause doubt I'll email you some stuff to use."
"Consider it done," the voice says confidently.
I hang up, satisfied. It won't take much. Just a few well-placed whispers, a comment here and there, to make Jayden question what he thinks he knows.
With that in motion, I sit back and think about how perfectly everything is falling into place. The photos will be the final blow, but for now, I need to let the seeds of doubt grow.
I can almost hear Jayden's thoughts already.
What's Winona hiding? Why didn't she tell me about this? Is she really over Phillip? And Lance-why was he even with her? He's my best friend.
356 The Perfect Storm
+25 BONUS
The jealousy will eat away at him, day by day, until there's nothing left but anger. And when that moment comes, I'll strike.
A knock on the door.
"Come in," I call, straightening my posture, smoothing my blouse.
Phillip steps inside, the professional mask he wears in place. He's good at it, I'll give him that. But I'm better.
"Judy," he says with a curt nod, closing the door behind him.
"Phillip," I respond, gesturing for him to sit. "How are things? I imagine business must be running a bit. differently now that your... partner has left the country.
I can see the irritation flicker in his eyes at the mention of Winona. Perfect.
"Things are fine," he says, his voice clipped. "I've managed. Business doesn't stop just because someone chooses to leave."
"Well, you've basically ran it on your own lately anyway. I mean, all those kids, no time for work."
"I'm not here to discuss Winona."
I smile sweetly, leaning forward a little. "Of course, but I was wondering... Is the business for sale now? Since Winona left, I mean. Do you have enough capital to buy her out? I can make an offer and help you out..."
His jaw clenches, and the tension radiates from him. This is going exactly as I want it to.
"It's not for sale," he says tightly. "And even if it was, you wouldn't be the one buying it."
I laugh softly, the sound full of mock amusement. "Oh, Phillip, you wound me. I thought we were on the same side."
"We're not. Not anymore."
"Pity," I say, my tone casual, though I'm delighted by his hostility. It means I've hit a nerve.
I don't care. Two birds with one stone. Suits me fine.
His eyes narrow slightly, but he doesn't take the bait. "Is there a point to this, Judy?" His voice is sharper now, more direct. "If we aren't here to talk about the marketing contract, I'll leave."
I meet his gaze, unfazed by his anger. "Yes, the marketing proposal you have for me. I'll see it now."
Phillip pulls his laptop out of his bag, his movements tight and controlled. I can tell he's barely holding back his frustration, and it thrills me. His loyalty to Winona is laughable.
He knows as well as I do that he's just another pawn in Winona's game. He hates it and I love it.
"Just give me a second to pull it up." He taps away at his keyboard, the tension in the room thick. "Go ahead. I'm all ears.. and eyes."