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."

that. Sofia's just helping me

humorless smile. "Supportive? Let me remind you of Nexus Global's policy on personal relationships between employees. Instant dismissal. No exceptions ""I can assure

can and will be, if there is

my hands in mock surrender. "I get

is a workplace, Mr. Brennan, not a playground. Nexus Global won't tolerate

aback by her intensity. "There's nothing personal going on," I insist, feeling the need to defend

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324 No Games Here

tone dripping with sarcasm. "Yes, you've mentioned that. But understand this: at Nexus Global, we don't

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

also don't

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

least of all me.

don't have

I expected. My heart sinks, but I keep my face

stop. "You've inherited the title, yes. But leadership requires more than just a name. It requires vision,

job, about Nexus Global, is so much bigger

this

it would be intense, but Astrid's making it feel like an impossible mountain to

Gus," I say, my voice steady but quiet. "I came here

off from your parentage, if not Gus then perhaps

interest in being anything

name to me.

allow for trial and error.

course, Judy has put in the groundwork while she was

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