(Jayden)


    My driver pulls up outside Brennan Industries, and I step out, the morning air biting against my skin.


    Lance''s absence is a void that''s both personal and professional, and the tension in my shoulders feels like it''s pulling me apart. He was the best and matching him won''t be easy. But Lance had something here that is hard to find. He cared about his work and his colleagues.


    Lance was never in it for the money. His money came from his parents. But he wanted to be a part of something and belong somewhere and Brennan Industries was that for him.


    Inside, the lobby is busy but there''s a definite subdued energy. This speaks volumes about the morale of the staff. Mother and Lance both leave a huge gap and it''s my job now to bridge that.


    As I walk through, people greet me with polite nods and murmured "Good mornings." Their eyes follow me, probably trying to gauge how things will change now that I''m back.


    I reach the top floor boardroom, the management team is already gathered and seated. The conversations hush as I walk in, their faces turning to me with a mix of anticipation and unease.


    "Good morning," I say as I take my seat at the head of the table. I stay calm and measured, trying to lead by example. But that isn''t how I feel inside.


    Mia sits near the end of the table, closest to me, her posture poised and self-assured. I catch her watching me closely. She''s young and hungry, I get that. But if she thinks I''m just handing her control on a silver tter, she''s wrong. She hasn''t earned my trust, and I don''t have the luxury of giving it freely.


    "Let''s get started," I continue. "As you all know, the past weeks have been... difficult. Lance''s passing left us with a significant gap in financial leadership. Judy''s loss has caused ructions with our main investors, and we need to stabilize quickly." The room is silent except for the faint hum of the air conditioning. I scan the faces around the table, taking in the gravity of their expressions.


    "Effective immediately," I say, "I will handle the CFO responsibilities on an interim basis while we look for a permanent recement."


    There''s a ripple of acknowledgment, though a few of them exchange nces.


    Mia clears her throat, drawing my attention. "If I may, Mr. Brennan," she begins, her tone smooth but firm. "I''ve been closely involved with operations under Judy''s guidance, and Lance''s. I could take on some of the CFO duties, at least temporarily."


    I lean back in my chair, keeping my expression neutral. "No. I barely know you and your skill level can only be entry level at best. I will advertise the position and conduct interviews."


    "Judy-"


    "I," I raise my voice, "am not Judy. Your position here is predominantly a paid intern and work sponsorship visa. I will honor that sponsorship, unless you choose to end it?"


    Her eyes narrow slightly, though she manages to keep herposure. "I''ll remain," she says, her voice clipped.


    I nod and continue, "I know Winona has been overseeing the supportworks for you all and these will be in ce for several months. Please take full advantage at this difficult time. Now, we''ll work through any immediate concerns or issues you need to move forward on in your departments.


    We move through the department updates, and I listen carefully, taking notes where necessary. By the time the meeting wraps up, I have a clearer picture of the challenges ahead and a long list of problems to address.


    But still,pared to the enormity of what I handled at Nexus Global, this seems like child''s y. I realize how much I''ve grown as a businessman since going to Europe.


    As the team files out, Mia lingers, her gaze fixed on me.


    "Something else?" I ask.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She crosses her arms. "I''m just trying to understand why I''m being sidelined. I''ve proven my loyalty to thispany."


    "And I''m sure that loyalty will continue to serve you well," I reply evenly. "But until I know more, I''m not making any assumptions. You may bear the Brennan surname, but you and I are strangers. It takes years of experience to run a multi-facetedpany like this." "I think I''ve been more than capable." Her Cuban ent is strong but hermand of English is wless.


    "You think you have, but I assure


    you, Judy had control over every aspect without you even knowing.


    need to see a lot more from you ne


    You are free to apply for the positions and be vetted the


    same as


    any other candidate."


    She opens her mouth to respond, but the door opens before she can speak. Phillip strolls in, a box tucked under one arm and an infuriating smirk stered on his face.


    "Jayden," he says casually. "Wee back. Bad news about Judy and Lance though. It''s hard to believe. How are you holding up?"


    My blood boils instantly. Like I''m going to chit-chat with him. Just seeing him is enough to stir up the images I''ve been trying to bury-the photos, the betrayal, the rage. "Phillip," I say coldly.


    His smirk widens, and he leans against the table, setting the box down. "Still touchy, I see. Let me guess you''re not over the photos yet? Judy really did a number on you there, huh?"


    Mia nces between us, her expression wary.


    "Mia," I say sharply, not taking my eyes off Phillip. "Leave."


    She nods and exits the room, closing the door behind her.


    Phillip straightens, his tone shifting


    to something more pointed. "Look, I get it. Seeing those photos must have been... unpleasant. But let''s not act like this is all on me. You gave her the freedom, Jayden. She made her choices."


    I take a step toward him, my hands clenching at my sides. "Watch your mouth."


    Phillip doesn''t flinch. If anything, he seems emboldened. "Would you rather it had been strangers? Men she didn''t trust, didn''t know? Or is it worse knowing she turned to people who actually care about her?" His words hit a nerve, and I can feel my control slipping.


    "You have no idea what you''re talking about," I growl.


    "Don''t I?" he counters. "You think you''re angry at me, but let''s be honest-you''re mad because you can''t control this. She made her choices, and now you have to live with them."


    I take another step forward, my voice dropping. "Say one more thing, and I''ll make sure you regret it."


    He holds his ground, his eyes locked


    on mine. "You don''t intimidate me. But let me give you some advice, free of charge: Stop living in the past, Jayden. You keep punishing her for something she did to survive


    the mess you both creat


    and


    you''re going to lose her for good."


    I shake my head, the anger and frustration boiling over. "I don''t need rtionship advice from you. You need to leave."


    Phillip shrugs, picking up his box. "Well, you can''t fire me. Winona already cancelled my contracts here."


    I blink, caught off guard. "She fired you?"


    He nods. "Yep."


    He heads for the door but pauses to look back. "For what it''s worth, I hope you figure it out. She''s worth it."


    The door closes behind him, and I''m left standing in the silence, my fists clenched and my mind racing.


    I run a hand through my hair, letting out a sharp breath.


    I hate him. I hate that he''s right.


    I hate that I saw those photos.


    The images in my head just won''t go away.


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