388 London Delays
(Jayden)
Viktor walks briskly beside me as we enter the boardroom the next day, his low voice weaving through the latest developments.
“Grayson’s records don’t just have holes–they’re gutted. Missing files, doctored reports… a ghost operation right under your nose.”
I grit my teeth, forcing a measured nod. “Great. I suppose this will all be my fault for being here.”
Viktor raises an eyebrow. “This isn’t the first time embezzlement’s left Nexus London leaking. But Gus thought Grayson was clean.”
Irritation simmers beneath the surface. It’s been days of the same. I’ve already pushed back my time by a day, there’s no way I’m leaving here tomorrow.
Every time I pull back one layer of Grayson’s operation, another festering lie rots beneath it.
“Let’s stop digging for his faults and start sweeping this entire team. Top down. And if that means closing this office…” I shrug. “So be it.”
Viktor tilts his head, appraising. “It’d mean laying off a lot of loyal employees–there are a few good ones in the bunch.”
I stare at him for a beat, frustrated but agreeing. “They will all be treated fairly and once cleared of wrongdoing, they can reapply at Nexus Global for other positions.”
I unpack my laptop on the table and sit.
“It’s the only way to be sure. If Gus thought he had it covered and it wasn’t, there has to be more to it.”
“It could also be a fresh reaction to Gus being labeled a traitor. Maybe Grayson thought he’d never get found out as no one would care.”
“Whatever it is, the authorities can find out.”
Viktor pulls his phone from his pocket. “Got another update. Judy’s private jet is fueling up. It has a flight path booked to Dubai today.”
I exhale, gripping the edge of the desk, my jaw taut. “What’s she even playing at, jetting off to Dubai?” It’s too close for comfort.
“Possibly sniffing out a weak point,” Viktor murmurs, his eyes narrowing in thought. “You know the no- contact order doesn’t mean a thing out there. Dubai could be her way of testing just how untouchable your boundaries really are.”
The possibility churns in my gut. I can almost feel her presence like a shadow over Nexus, manipulating whatever strings she can still grasp.
“She thinks this gives her control? Unbelievable.” I mutter, running a hand over my face.
Viktor studies me, his gaze sharp. “Then maybe it’s time to stop running. Face her down. Show her she has no real hold over you–or your family.”
173
388 London Delays
+25 BONUS
“She’s a relentless power player, Viktor, and a dangerous one.” I shake my head. “Confronting her feels. like stepping into quicksand. She’s proven she’ll stop at nothing to get Winona out of my life.”
“Quicksand or not, she feeds off you running, Jayden. Playing the game means she still affects you. Let her know you’re done letting her bother you at all.” Viktor’s voice is calm, even. “If she pulls anything, have her arrested. Simple.”
A slow nod is all I give, but the wheels are turning. Running from Judy may have put me farther away physically, but I’ve left gaps in my defenses. She’s been playing this game longer than I have, and maybe it’s time I catch up.
But right now, I have this mess to deal with.
My phone buzzes, and I see Winona’s name. I answer, keeping my tone steady. “Hey.”
“Hey,” she says brightly, “how’s it going?”
I let out a quiet sigh. “Got tied up here longer than I’d planned. Looks like it will be at least another day before I get back.”
She’s silent for a moment, and I feel a pang of guilt. I’m choosing not to tell her about my mother’s movements until I know more.
“Well,” she says, “gives me another day to make sure things are perfect for you to come back to. The girls wanted to share a room again and it’s practically a mini art gallery in there now.”
I chuckle, the thought easing some of the tension. “Sounds like our girls. How’s the head of the household doing in my absence?”
“Henry?”
I laugh. “I meant Bobby, but Henry is probably ruling the roost as always.”
“They are both doing great. We do miss you, but you run a global business and there are times we’ll be apart.”
“Look, I’ll be back soon, I promise. Just have to sign off on a full investigation here.”
“Of course,” she replies, her tone steady. “This is what you have to do. Embezzlement on that scale is no joke.”
“You’re telling me. I think the London office will need to be shut down. I hate doing it but it’s needed.”
“You’ll make the right decision. You always do.”
Yeah, right. Like not mentioning Judy.
I promised Winona we’d have no secrets. But I can’t have her stressing over Judy showing up. I’ll have Viktor double down on security and put extra eyes on Judy.
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