DRAMA NOVEL ONLINE Chapter My CEO 381
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381 Stamping My Authority
(Jayden)
The Nexus Global London office sprawls before me in slick, minimalist decor-glass walls, polished stone floors, and a sterile, almost clinical sense of order.
I'm here, and the cool indifference emanating from the walls almost dares me to feel out of place. But I won't give them the satisfaction. I've done my research and I'm ready to battle.
We step into the boardroom, and the low hum of conversation dies immediately. My eyes scan the table, taking in the steely expressions.
The London team looks at me like I'm here to disrupt their carefully curated world. I'm the outsider, the American, the wild card disrupting their routine, and the disdain isn't exactly subtle.
I don't let it rattle me. This is my company now.
At the head of the table sits Grayson Whitmore. Late forties, silver at the temples, his suit cut to perfection and his demeanor radiating the cold, meticulous confidence of someone who's run this show for years.
His air of superiority is so quintessentially British, every inch of him oozing a certain stiff upper lip arrogance. His gaze barely flickers over me as he acknowledges my presence with a nod, nothing more. Viktor, always attuned, clears his throat to break the icy silence. "Allow me to introduce Mr. Jayden Brennan," he announces, voice cutting through the stillness. "Chairman and head of Nexus Global." Grayson doesn't bother to rise, just extends a hand across the table, palm down, in a gesture so forced it's almost insulting. "Jayden. Welcome to London. We've heard...quite a lot about you."
I clasp his hand, giving a firm shake, matching his gaze. "Mr. Brennan to you. I've looked forward to this meeting."
Grayson leans back, folding his arms. "Mr. Brennan, indeed. I hope we can get through everything today to your...satisfaction."
The others around the table don't introduce themselves, but I recognize a few faces from my research- Leanne Bently, CFO; Harris Ridge, head of product development, a balding man with furrowed brows.
A few others who remain silent, casting sidelong glances my way. I get the impression they're waiting, measuring, testing me before they decide if I'm worth their respect.
"Let's get on with why I'm here," I say, scanning the room. "Hugo Deveraux identified a significant project that had recently...collapsed. Long term clients."
Grayson's face tightens. He clearly did not know that's why I'm here. Good work, Hugo.
"Ah, yes. We were going to inform you. But we thought it best to spare you the details. I had thought I had it under control."
My fingers tense against the arm of the chair, but I keep my voice even.
"I'd love to know what exactly caused this client to leave." I stand up and pace a little/
Grayson nods at Harris. "Go on, Harris. Give Mr. Brennan a summary."
Harris clears his throat, but I don't miss the slight tremor in his voice. "We were in the final stages of securing a contract."
He hesitates, shooting Grayson a
He hesitates, shooting Grayson
nervous
complications, the client expressed con before continuing. "However, due to... unforeseen
seek services elsewhere."
s over our proposed timelines and eventually decided to
"Unforeseen complications?" I echo, letting I
Silang stretch out as I look directly at Grayson. "I've read
the reports. I've spoken to the client in perso were also... discrepancies in budget allocation eadlines were missed. And if I'm not mistaken, there Significant ones."
Grayson looks me in the eye. "It's a complex matter, Mr. Brennan. The client had high expectations, and there were unavoidable delays due to circumstances beyond our control."
"Beyond your control?" I say, my tone sharp. "Did it occur to you that communication would've prevented this? That a little foresight could have kept the client from walking? Getting me involved would've saved this contract." Grayson shifts, but he recovers quickly, a thin smile stretching across his lips. "Mr. Brennan, with all due respect, we've been handling these accounts long before your involvement with Nexus."
He interlocks his fingers on the table in front of him and continues.
"We know how to navigate the market here. Our clients appreciate the level of respect and expertise we bring, without the need for... impulsive interventions."
I let his words hang in the air, feeling the tension build. "You're saying these kinds of losses are normal?"
"Precisely," Grayson replies smoothly. "We handle high-stakes projects, Mr. Brennan. There will always be risks."
"Risks, yes," I say, leaning forward. "But negligence? That's another matter entirely."
The atmosphere in the room shifts, a ripple of unease passing through the other executives. I see Grayson's face tighten, the slightest hint of a vein throbbing at his temple.
"You're suggesting we were negligent?" His voice drops, the veneer of politeness slipping. "I'd watch your tone, Mr. Brennan. You're in our territory now. We understand the subtleties of this market far better than you ever will." The patronizing tone grates at me, the condescension clear as day.
I stay cool, meeting his gaze with an unflinching stare. You let a multi-million-pound contract fall through because of unforeseen complications, you did little to no damage control and you think that's acceptable?" Grayson's eyes flash but he doesn't reply.
"The complacency I'm seeing here is unacceptable. Nexus Global is evolving, and if you can't keep up, then maybe you don't belong here."
A few executives shift in their seats, exchanging uneasy glances. Grayson's face flushes, and I see a flicker of anger in his eyes. I'm pushing him, and he knows it.
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991 Stamping My Authority
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He clears his throat, forcing a smile. "It's easy to criticize from a distance, Mr. Brennan. But we don't need flashy speeches or impulsive decisions here. We rely on stability, on calculated actions. Perhaps that's a lesson you could stand to learn." The words hit, and I know they're intended to dig at my personal life, to call out what he assumes is a reckless American attitude. But he's mistaken if he thinks that'll faze me.
"Make no mistake-there will be changes. And If you're not ready to embrace the pace, then I suggest you find the exit."
I stand at the head of the boardroom table and all eyes are now on me.