469 Jayden’s Request

(Winona)

The phone buzzes on the counter, Jayden's name flashes on the screen. It's been a few hours since we last spoke, and he sounded strained then. I swipe to answer.

"Jayden," I say, "everything okay?"

"Not exactly, I need a favor."

"Of course. What's going on?"

He exhales, and I can hear the faint clatter of papers in the background. "I need you to go to Brennan Industries. Talk to the employees. Offer them some support after everything that's happened with Lance and Judy." My stomach tightens at the mention of Judy. The entire feud between us has been splashed across every media outlet forever. Everyone at Brennan Industries knew, and they'd seen the fallout.

"Why me?" I ask cautiously.

"Because you've worked with them," Jayden says. "You're respected there. They deserve some support because everyone loved Lance and Judy was a well-respected CEO despite her side game with us." "Jayden, they know about everything between Judy and me. What if they think I'm just showing up to... I don't know, gloat?"

He snorts softly. "Anyone who knows you, knows better than that. Mia's not equipped for this. She's too inexperienced and also from another country. And I'm definitely not leaving something as sensitive as this up to Phillip." Shit. Okay. Fair point I guess.

"The employees need support, they may need professional services or time off. I know you can facilitate all of that. But, only if you don't feel it's adding pressure for you and the baby."

"Okay. I'll go. I think being involved like that actually helps my stress levels anyway."

"Thank you," he says, relief evident in his tone. "I know it's a lot to ask."

"How are things on your end?"

"Busy. Lawyers, funeral directors, and making sure Nexus

Have

he says, his voice tightening.

that doesn't sound awful. "I'll miss him, a lot. He

make it easy, but did he ever?" There's a pause, then Jayden clears his

she can find a way to be happy again one

number cruncher we have.

I don't want it, but for now, what I say goes. I say you are acting in my stead until I arrive and I'm emailing legal documents saying as much right now. Is that okay? It'll be like a week tops."

You just get

"Call me after, okay?"

Take

***

mind races with memories of Lance, Judy, and the tangled web of relationships that brought

of the office greets me. Employees move about and I'm greeted with smiles and hellos, and some

are going through

through the lobby towards reception, I'm

Phillip near

fet

Mia. His gaze locks on mine, and a

surprise, annoyance,

striding over. Mia stays back, her expression

"Phillip," I reply evenly.

do we owe the pleasure?" he asks, his

he hasn't checked his emails

to come. To support the employees. It's been a rough week. He's

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