DRAMA NOVEL ONLINE Chapter My CEO 317
317 I'm The Boss (Jayden)
"Gentlemen, and ladies," Hugo says smoothly. "For those of you who don't already know, Mr. Jayden Brennan, the new head of Nexus Global."
I nod, giving them a polite but firm smile, trying to convey confidence despite the swirling doubts in my head. As I take my seat at the head of the table, I scan the faces in front of me. There's many more I don't know today.
Astrid Koenig sits directly across from me, her icy blue eyes fixed on me like a hawk watching its prey. She's dressed in a sharp, high-end designer suit, her platinum blonde hair perfectly styled.
Her expression is unreadable, but there's no mistaking the sharp intelligence behind those eyes.
To her right, I spot Matteo Ricci, the CFO. Still effortlessly stylish with his carefree look typical of Italians who know they can get away with anything. He leans back in his chair, his fingers steepled, observing me with a smile that feels more like a test.
Sofia Fernandez, head of PR, sits next to Matteo. She's poised, exuding confidence, and calm. Her eyes assess me with the same cool detachment I see in Astrid's. I wonder what's in store for today.
Worse than yesterday I assume.
These people run the show, and they aren't budging over for me.
I begin, my voice steady. "I'm looking forward to getting to know each of you and working together to ensure Nexus Global continues to thrive."
Astrid speaks then, her voice cool and clipped. "We've been reviewing the financials from the last quarter. and while growth is steady, there are areas that need immediate attention, particularly in Eastern Europe. As I mentioned yesterday. You'll need to familiarize yourself quickly."
"I've already started reviewing those reports," I say, meeting her gaze. "I'll make sure we address those concerns right away."
Astrid doesn't blink, but I can tell she has doubts. "Let's hope so."
The rest of the meeting blurs together-figures, strategies, names I've yet to familiarize myself with-but one thing is clear: running Nexus Global is going to be a lot more demanding than anything I've ever done.
These people expect perfection, and they don't have time to hold my hand.
After the meeting, Viktor is immediately at my side as we head toward my huge and luxurious private office, which Hugo insists I settle into.
"You handled yourself well, today, Sir," Viktor says in his usual no-nonsense tone.
"Thanks," I say, but I know I'm in over my head. "It's a lot to take in."
Viktor nods. "Give it time. They'll come around."
I wish I believed that, but right now, the skepticism from Hugo and Astrid feels like a mountain I'm going to have to climb daily.
*25 BONUS
317 im The Boer
Speaking of which, Hugo is waiting for me outside my office, and he's not alone. Astrid stands beside him, her arms crossed.
"We'll be spending the next few hours going over Nexus Global's key operations in Eastern Europe,"
announces.
Astrid's eyes flick over me, cold and assessing. "This isn't Brennan Industries," she says smoothly. "We don't have the luxury of downtime. I trust you can keep up?"
Her tone grates on me, but I bite my tongue. "I'm ready."
We head into the office, and the next couple of hours are a whirlwind of presentations, charts, and figures. Astrid runs through Nexus Global's operational complexities with surgical precision.
The depth and scale of it all are staggering-Brennan Industries feels like a small family business in comparison. Every department, every division, runs like a clock, and there's no room for error. And Astrid, well, she's the queen of this kingdom. I give a yawn I can't stifle. "Coffee time I think."
Astrid shoots me an annoyed look. "We're on a strict timeline."
"Jet lag is real," I say. "I won't be at my best until my family arrives."
I see Astrid bristle. 1 see"
"My family will be joining me soon," I say, cutting through the disapproval. "I'm counting on everyone here to help make that transition smooth."
Hugo gives me a thin smile. "Of course, Mr. Brennan. But might I remind you, this company has thrived because its leadership prioritized business over personal distractions."
The implication is clear-Gus didn't let family get in the way.
"I'm not Gus," I say, my tone steady but firm. "My family is my priority, and that's not going to change
Astrid raises an eyebrow, her expression skeptical "Let's hope you can manage both, Mr. Brennan. Nexus Global doesn't operate in half measures"
I meet her gaze, unflinching. "Neither do I. Right now, you can both join me for coffee if you wish and then I'm going to take a walk around and see how the day to day runs here." Viktor's silent nod is all the support I need.
They both shake their heads.
"I'd prefer that we pushed on here a little longer. Your arrival has already disrupted my routi says with a sure tone.
"Mr. Brennan... Jayden, I'm sure we can work through a few more items now," Hugo says in his authoritative voice.
Astrid
I'm sure, the last time I looked, that I am your boss here, not the other way around... So, feel free to join me for coffee, or go. I'll let you know when I need either of you later." The silence is deafening. I'm not here to make friends and they clearly aren't interested in making one of
+25 BONUS
317 I'm The Boss
1. me. Suits me fine.
"I have reports to analyze." Astrid gets up to leave.
"I'll check back after lunch." Hugo looks at his watch and gets up as well.
As I watch Hugo and Astrid leave, I know this fight has only just begun. They expect me to be another Gus
a man who puts the business before everything else,
But I'm not Gus. I'll never be him. Whether they like it or not.
I'm going to do things my way.