DRAMA NOVEL ONLINE Chapter My CEO 359
359 Hugo's Disapproval (Winona)
We've had our 11am meeting Astrid mentioned earlier and have just come back to Jayden's office when Hugo Devereux makes his entrance.
His arrival is marked by an air of authority sweeping through the room.
Everything about him-his suit, his crisp posture, the way he closes the door softly yet decisively-signals. that he's a man who's used to controlling every detail. I know his type. Judy lives for these power plays. "Hugo, welcome back. I trust the past few days away were fruitful?"
Hugo acknowledges Jayden with a brief nod. "Oul, Mr. Brennan. I'm ready to address the current gaps in the strategic allocations with you."
He doesn't glance my way, which is almost more dismissive than a look of disapproval.
"Hugo," Jayden responds, his tone neutral but carrying that edge I've come to recognize as his business
voice.
He's trying to avoid tension. "We'll look at that later. I'm taking Winona through some key things today. And it's been a big morning. Also, it's lunch time."
There's a pause as Hugo considers this, his eyes narrowing slightly. It's almost as if he's trying to figure out what Jayden's playing at by having me here.
"Of course," Hugo replies, his voice tight. "But I must insist we prioritize the decisions that cannot be delayed, monsieur. Nexus Global cannot afford to let these matters linger."
I don't miss the subtext there. Don't get distracted with unimportant things, like your wife. Jayden remains composed, but I see the tension in his jaw.
"Hugo, I'll address it," Jayden says, keeping his voice firm. "For now, I'd like my usual lunch and same for Mrs. Brennan."
Hugo's eyes shift toward me for the briefest moment. "Of course." He makes a quick phone call about lunch.
"Tell me how the trip to Paris went. Did you catch up with family? You're from there aren't you?"
"I have no family. It was purely business."
"I see. Okay hit me with it."
I listen closely, trying to grasp the layers of what Hugo is saying. He talks about international relations, policy influences, and European market dynamics with the fluency of someone who's been navigating these waters for decades. It's hard not to be impressed by his depth of knowledge, but it's clear he doesn't expect me to keep up or
even want me too.
"Mr. Brennan," Hugo continues, shifting his stance slightly. "There are matters concerning the London sector that require immediate attention in the form of your personal attendance."
1/3
359 Hugo's Disapproval
"TII keep it in mind."
+25 BONUS
it would be prudent to act quickly, some sectors are losing confidence in the lack of direct action."
"My family have just arrived, I'm not jetting off to London right now."
"This is exactly why having family here doesn't work. Nexus global needs your utmost attention."
Viktor, who's been standing at the door silently, his eyes always scanning, now speaks. "Mr. Brennan has made it perfectly clear, family is his priority."
Hugo turns slightly, his posture rigid. "Viktor," he addresses curtly, his voice holding a note of irritation. My role is to ensure the efficiency and legacy of this company. There is no need for you to have an opinion other than that of security."
II
The two men lock eyes briefly, and clearly these two don't like each other. Viktor, however, doesn't flinch. He steps forward, a solid presence that seems ready to push back whenever necessary. "Security, yes," Viktor replies, his voice cool, his eyes fixed on Hugo. "I am here to protect Mr. Brennan, and his family, in every way."
Hugo's face remains composed, but his eyes flash with restrained anger. It's clear he doesn't appreciate Viktor's subtle reprimand, and even clearer that these two have a history of butting heads. Yet they remain supremely professional.
"I serve Nexus Global, as I have for many years," Hugo says, voice taut with emphasis. "And I will continue to maintain that."
Viktor inclines his head slightly, but his eyes don't leave Hugo's. It's a tense moment, one that feels like a silent battle of wills, and Jayden steps in to break it. "Change is nothing to fear."
"Thank you, both," Jayden says, his tone carrying a weight of finality that ends the standoff. "Hugo, after lunch, I'll work out a London trip with you. I appreciate you keeping an eye on protocols for me. Viktor, will you accompany me there?" "I would normally, yes. But if you prefer I be here, I can facilitate that."
"I'll discuss it with Winona. She may want to join me in London." Lunch arrives and Jayden waves them off. I'll get back to you both in an hour."
Hugo's jaw tightens, but he nods. "Of course, monsieur," he says, his voice devoid of warmth. He turns on his heel, and with a swift, almost military precision, exits the room.
Viktor's like a sentinel-always watching, always alert. "I'll give you both some privacy."
Viktor catches my eye and gives a slight nod, almost as if to reassure me that he's got this under control. I return the nod. He steps out and we are finally alone.
"That was huge. Hugo's disapproval isn't just about me and the kids being here-it's about you disrupting the traditions that he's spent decades upholding with Gus." "Exactly. Traditions that, in his eyes, makes Nexus Global what it is today, And he isn't interested in changing that. It's like he's humoring me until Gus and sanity returns." 2/3
+25 BONUS
359 Hugo's Disapproval.
"Well, Mr. Brennan, let's eat lunch. It smells amazing. What Belgian delicacy do you have for me today?"
Jayden grins and lifts the lid on the box. I see two double bacon cheeseburgers inside.
"Now, you are speaking my language." I grin at him and my stomach growls in anticipation.
"Sofia put me onto the place. Owned by someone from the US apparently."
I bristle a little at her name. "Am I meeting her today?"
"Yes, last thing today. I've set aside extra time for the marketing meeting to give you time to talk with her."
"Oh, okay. Nice." I take a big bite out of my burger to cover my nerves.
Sofia, I'll almost bet Judy is using her to make me jealous.
I wish I could say it wasn't working.