SWNOVELS Chapter My CEO 358
358 Meeting Matteo
358 Meeting Matteo
(Winona)
"Let's get to the next meeting." Jayden pops his head in the door. "You're about to meet the Italian version of Lance. Careful your ovaries don't explode."
I grin. "Good, he might be able to help melt this ice in my veins now.
Jayden laughs. "Astrid has that effect, but she'll come around, You okay?"
"Please, after dealing with your mother all my adult life, Astrid is water off a duck's back." We head off along the myriad of corridors and rooms. I swear a whole city works in here.
Employees dressed in sleek suits, working with an almost eerie silence, their eyes flicking up momentarily as we pass. Jayden strides confidently, like he owns every inch of this place-which, technically, he does. But these people look at him like he's a god. I can tell he's used to it in the short time here. I think he secretly loves it. I mean, who wouldn't?
The employees watch him with awe and thinly veiled envy. But no one says hello. No one speaks. It's like it's forbidden.
Back home, the janitors will have a friendly conversation with you.
Jayden's the king of this empire, and thèse employees are the loyal subjects. And then there's me-the queen nobody asked for.
The looks I get from some of them are mixed. A couple of secretaries give me awkward smiles, which I return, but most keep their gazes down or avoid making eye contact.
"Does anyone actually talk to you in here?"
Jayden shrugs. "Not really. They mostly look like scared rabbits if I speak to them. But they'll get used to it."
I arch an eyebrow at him. He grins back.
"Before you say anything, this office is stupidly grand. I'm going to downsize as soon as I can."
"Okay, this should be interesting. Got to hand it to Gus, at least he is consistent."
Jayden just chuckles as he pushes open the door. And he's right. It's like the penthouse in here.
Inside, I'm greeted by a sight that's completely out of place in the sterile halls of Nexus Global-a man bursting with life, noise, and energy.
"Jayden!" his deep voice calls out, and before I know what's happening, the tall, dark-haired man with an easy smile strides toward us.
He's impeccably dressed with Italian flair-collar open, cuffs casually rolled. He's not just moving-he's gliding, like he's floating on charm alone. He is built and everything he wears outlines every... bul -perfectly. And yes, my ovaries just exploded.
+25 BONUS
30 Meeting
This man is sex on a stick. I'm a happily married woman, but....phew, I am definitely picking up what he's putting down.
Jayden introduces us. "Meet my wife, Winona."
"Ah, la bella signoral" Matteo says, sweeping toward me. He takes my hand, bending slightly to kiss it. "It is an honor, Mrs. Brennan." He pronounces my name like it's poetry, his Italian accent rolling the 'r' and elongating the vowels. I'm struck by his confidence and grace. He kisses both my cheeks, a quick, warm gesture that somehow feels natural and intimate at the same time. When he steps back, his smile is all warmth and welcome.
Then he greets Jayden with a handshake and the same cheek kissing custom. I smile thinking about how Jayden must have felt the first time a man kissed his cheeks.
"Mr. Ricci is our CFO, Jayden explains, as if that's enough to sum up this whirlwind of a man. "A financial
whizz."
"Please, call me Matteo," he insists, turning his attention to me again. "Jayden, you did not tell me your wife is so-how do you say-sexy?" His smile widens, and for a second, I forget to breathe. "Uh, thank you," I manage to say, as I blush furiously like a teenager. "Please, call me Winona."
I must message Lisa about him. She will die.
Matteo laughs, a deep, rich sound. "Ah, signora, no need to be shy. You are smoking hot!" He gestures grandly. "We will be close friends. No?"
The man oozes charm, but it's more than that. There's an undercurrent of raw energy, like he could sweep you off
your feet at a moment's notice, and you'd thank him for it.
He's not openly flirting, but there's an intensity in his gaze, a heat that's unmistakable. I can see why Jayden warned me-this man is magnetic, a walking hurricane of testosterone and charisma. "I'm sure we will be friends, yes."
"Matteo, don't steal my wife off me," Jayden says, his voice holding a hint of fondness. I mean Jayden is the most jealous man on the planet and yet he clearly doesn't feel threatened by Matteo. Maybe he is changing.
"Steal your wife? Ah, you wound me, Jayden!" Matteo says, clutching his chest dramatically. "But I forgive you because you have brought Winona into our dull office world. She brings color, yes?" "She definitely colors my world."
"Ah, you are.... 'ow you say...lucky dog, no?"
Jayden grins. "Let's keep it professional while we're here."
"Mr. Brennan," Matteo says with a wink to me. "I am always professional."
"Matteo is fully supportive of growing Nexus Global into the future."
Matteo's face lights up. "Yes! Nexus Global is expanding, reaching new heights, and I have the privilege of helping. But first-tell me, Winona, how are you finding Brussels? It is a city of beauty and mystery, no?" +25 BONUS
358 Meeting Matteo
"It's...different," I admit. "Still getting used to everything.
"Ah, yes," he says, nodding sympathetically. "Moving to a new country is like falling in love with a person. At first, everything is strange and confusing. But then you find the rhythm, the language of the city, and it becomes a part of you." His words catch me off guard. There's a sincerity in his voice, a passion that makes you want to listen, to trust him. It's a little unsettling how effortlessly he draws you in.
But can I trust him? I mean, is he for Judy or against her?
"Let's get to work. What do you have for me?" Jayden gets Matteo back on track.
When the meeting ends, Matteo doesn't miss a beat. "We will continue later, Jayden. I have a promise to the signora to show her the best of Brussels. We'll do a long lunch again. The three of us." Jayden chuckles. "Set it up for next week."
Matteo gives a small bow. "Only the finest for la bella Winona." He winks, and I can't help but smile as he leaves Jayden's office.
"See?" he says, "Told you you'd like him."
I shake my head, still trying to process Matteo's whirlwind of energy. "He's... everything the rest of Nexus Global isn't," I admit. "I don't think I've ever met such opposing forces all working together somehow." Jayden laughs softly. "Welcome to my world."
Today's Bonus Offer