SWNOVELS Chapter My CEO 396
396 Beating Judy at her Own Game
(Jayden)
"Judy's jet is headed here, to London."
I pause, Viktor's words sinking in. She always seems to know when things are vulnerable, and now, with Nexus London under siege from within, here she comes. I mean how could she know this place is on its back foot. Unless... No, surely I'm being paranoid.
I force a shrug. "Might be a coincidence."
Viktor doesn't blink. "We both know it's not."
"Fine," I say, rubbing the back of my neck. "But I'm not meeting her. There's nothing she could say to make a difference to how I feel now. Whatever she thinks she's here to do, she'll be wasting her time."
"She can try, but she won't reach you. I'll intercept her." Viktor's tone is steady, his presence a constant
reassurance.
"At least she isn't heading for Winona and the kids."
Part of me feels grateful for that, but the rest of me-the part that feels like it's holding together a house of cards-can't shake the prickling unease that creeps in whenever my mother is around.
What more do I have to do to show her that she'll never poison Winona in my mind. There is nothing she can say or do that will put my love for Winona at risk.
I love her, no matter what. We've proven we can get through anything and this trip to Europe has only strengthened us.
But I also know that I can't avoid Mother forever. One day, I will have to be in the same room as her again.
I'm on edge, and I know it. My mind is split, consumed by the chaos at Nexus and the looming possibility of Judy crashing down around me. She won't get to me; Viktor will see to that. But her shadow over London... It's suffocating. "I don't want to see her. I'm fine with never seeing her again."
Viktor nods. "Understood."
"How long before she lands?"
"Four hours, Sir."
"So she'll be here before I fly home for my 24 hour break. I might be able to stay in Brussels longer, depends on how things pan out here." "Yes, Sir."
"I'm not running away from Judy, but I do need to get home and see my family. We have things we need to discuss about the kids' school."
"I can stay on here, if you prefer?"
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+25 BONUS
396 Beating Judy at her Own Gaine
"Yes, good idea. The investigators are interviewing everyone in upper management today, including me. Then I'll fly. The tension in here is going to have me break out in hives. I didn't expect those waiting for interviews to be so wired."
"I think everyone here is feeling like they wish they hadn't followed Grayson's advice."
I cut him off. "No excuses, Viktor. They're professionals. They knew the stakes, and now they're getting what they deserve. If anyone thinks they can coast under my watch, they are dead wrong."
"I'm sure the investigation will turn up if anyone other than Grayson is involved to the point of being complicit. For now, we just wait until the process is done."
I narrow my gaze. "What, you think I'm overreacting?"
"I think you've made your point. Perhaps some of this.. could be handled with a lighter touch." His voice is measured, calm. But there's something in it that grates on me, that pokes at the unease I'm trying to bury.
"A lighter touch?" I scoff. "That's exactly what led us here in the first place, Viktor. These people need to understand that this isn't just some corporate slap on the wrist. They've risked the entire global company. We'll need a miracle worker to save us from the media fallout alone." "Perhaps you need a break, Sir. I can handle things here if you want to go clear your head a little."
"I'm fine, Viktor," I say. "Maybe you're the one who's overstepping a little here. I think you need to remember you are my employee as well."
He doesn't flinch, his expression unwavering. "Understood."
Damn. Now I may have pissed off my one ally here.
But I push it aside. I don't have time to worry about Viktor's opinions. I'm not letting things slide, that's how Nexus London ended up in this mess in the first place.
With Gus being labeled a traitor of several countries, many opinions of him have fallen. But I can't let that bring Nexus Global down. But then, maybe selling up is best. I can't save everyone.
Life is about to change and they will soon find other jobs.
"I think selling up all of Nexus Global is the right answer here. I'm not sure I want this ongoing hassle. H prefer to have a life. All of this with the estate and stuff. Maybe it's just a temporary fix. What's the point if Gus's action brings everything down anyway?"
Viktor doesn't respond, but there's a slight shift in his stance, a sense of him pulling back. I know I've pushed, probably harder than necessary, but I don't need anyone second-guessing me. Not now. Not with everything on the line. This is my life, dammit.
I glance out at the employees waiting for their interviews, a grim determination settling over me.
There's no room for weakness here. I haven't brought my life with my family this far, for it all to end over this. Gus would not have left me a burning ship. Something else is up and I have a feeling I know what.
"Viktor, I'm not sure who we trust on the investigations team either, but..."
2/3
+25 BONUS
396 Beating Judy at her Own Gaine
"What is it?"
"I don't think Gus would hand me a company about to collapse. Get investigations to check into where all this started with Grayson. You mentioned this isn't the first time, and Gus thought Grayson was clean." "Yes:"
"What if Grayson's been set up?"
"Why would anyone here want to do that? He's been well-respected up until now."
"Exactly. But someone heading here in jet would find it very convenient to separate me from my family by causing a scandal."
"I will inform the team immediately, and also get Astrid to see if she can see anything from her end. She has access to all the files."
"Except if those files are locked for an investigation."
Viktor looks at me. "If Judy has done anything, I'll find out."
"If she isn't involved, I'll be very surprised. But maybe, this time, we can beat her at her own game." might be able to get something concrete on her for once.
Who fucking knows? She's like water through my fingers.
Right now, all I want to do is get back to see Winona and the kids. I didn't realize how much I was going to miss them. I can't wait to settle into the cottage with them. Nothing can break us apart. Not ever.