My CEO 375

375 Playing Along (Judy)

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"Mia," I begin smoothly, my voice laced with the warmth I've practiced for years. "I'm so pleased you are taking the time to learn the business. It's been quite refreshing having you around."

Mia meets my gaze, a hint of challenge in her expression. "This is my father's legacy, my legacy. Thank you for helping me."

There it is-the notion that this business is hers to shape, a piece of her inheritance to mold as she sees fit. I smile, keeping my tone steady and calm, though a flicker of irritation sparks beneath the surface.

I nod, careful to conceal my real thoughts. "I'm always here should you decide to sell."

She raises an eyebrow. "It seems to me that Brennan Industries is just as much a legacy for my sisters and Gabriel. I'm not sure anyone should sell."

So, she's catching on-realizing I'm angling for those shares. I force a smile, concealing the irritation bubbling within.

But she has no idea what I've sacrificed to bring Brennan Industries to where it is today.

"Mia," I say, softening my voice, "I turned this company around. Greg was too busy... distracted," I add delicately, "to be the driving force behind anything here." Mia doesn't flinch, but I see the slight narrowing of her eyes and it annoys me.

"Perhaps," she says slowly, her words calculated. "From what I've gathered, he had big plans, but he wasn't going to lose his family because of it."

Greg's grand ideas sunk us into debt. He ran through money like water, all while hiding a second life and family in Cuba.

"I'll be honest with you, Mia, those ambitions would've buried us if I hadn't stepped in. That's why I want to make sure Brennan Industries remains stable and strong."

Mia's expression remains composed, though I can tell she's watching me carefully. "And you think that means I should sell my shares to you?"

I smile. She's caught on quicker than I expected, but I keep my tone calm, almost motherly. "Not immediately, of course," I say, though the words are a lie. "You are here under my sponsorship to get your green card. That must be our first priority. Rest assured I will pay you above the recommended price."

not convinced. "But for now, I'll hold onto them. See what

gracious smile. "Of course. Take all the

shares, they could fracture Brennan Industries. They don't understand the stakes-only I do. And I've sacrificed too much to

giving Mia a brief wink before his gaze

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375 Playing Along

arrived at the company, though his

follow her, the slight shift in his demeanor when she's around. Lance may be good at his job, but he's not subtle

you later at home."

of warning in my tone, "don't let that little flirtation with Mia get in

now,

to keep your focus where it

that. Now why am

family doesn't

unfazed. "You are the root of the family complications, so take

him of his place, but I hold back. Lance is too valuable to risk losing; he knows

I built it, and I'll be the one who decides its future. Jayden will inherit it one day, yes, but I'll ensure he has a

one who understands what's at stake. Winona is the one who ruined all of that. I watch him, keeping my expression neutral. "I trust

don't you ask

I glare at him.

need the financial reports on

next week. That will take me the rest

best get started

leaves in a huff and I love it when I can

of a contact who owes me more than

arrangements you requested regarding Gus Brennan. Unfortunately..." he hesitates, choosing his words carefully, "I can't help you." I laugh. "I don't need to remind you of what you owe me,

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