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."

chair. "Astrid, it's not like that. Sofia's just helping me adjust to the

humorless smile. "Supportive? Let me remind you of Nexus

can and will be,

hold up my hands in mock

is a workplace, Mr. Brennan, not a playground. Nexus Global

blink, taken aback by her intensity. "There's nothing personal going on," I insist,

+25 BONUS

324 No Games Here

you've mentioned that. But understand this: at Nexus Global, we don't need support. We need results." "Okay."

manage that, they're gone. You have more responsibility than anyone

trying to regain my footing. "I get that, but I also don't see the harm in fostering a mutually helpful work

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

least of all me.

I don't have much faith in your ability to fill Gus's shoes. Not even his

sinks, but I keep my face neutral, not letting her see how much

the title, yes. But leadership requires more than just a name. It requires vision, decisiveness, and the ability to

Global,

this

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

I say, my voice steady but quiet. "I

not Gus then perhaps

being anything like that woman." How dare Astrid

name to me.

allow for trial and error. Either

in the groundwork while she

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