Fake Dating My Ex's Hockey Star Brother (Maya Scott) novel Chapter 58

BRAYDON’S POV

Flying to New York once a week is definitely no joke but the rule doesn’t say how long I have to be at the office.

Today, I swung by for a couple of hours, just enough time to sift through files and peek at the financial records to make sure my old man isn’t pulling any sneaky moves behind my back.

But one thing that actually makes me feel a little better? The employees.

Most of them were really close to my mom and remember all the messy stuff like him cheating with her secretary. They don’t just sit there letting him run the place into the ground. That loyalty, that little pushback, is honestly part of why he’s not been able to pull off some of his schemes.

During my short stay, people kept checking in, giving updates, and promising to keep everything running smooth while I’m away.

And then Mr. Fred-the director of the Audit and Compliance Committee-popped in. I told him about the rule that I have to show up at least once a week to keep my CEO title. He casually mentioned that the board could technically overrule it if 80% of them agree.

“That’s nothing difficult to achieve,” he had said. “I’ll speak to everyone and we can have a Zoom call to vote.”

Just like that, one of my biggest headaches is suddenly on the fast track to being solved. I can’t wait to see my old man’s face when he finds out the board can overrule the attendance rule. And his mistress? Honestly, I hope she combusts on sight.

Now I’m back in my room and the first person I saw when I came in was Justin. For a second, I almost tackled him because I totally forgot I gave him a spare key.

He’s half-reclined on my couch, pizza box open, a greasy slice hanging off his fingers.

“This stuff is good,” he mumbles, chewing like it’s the best thing he’s eaten all week. “You should’ve gotten more juice, man. All you have is beer in the fridge.”

I settle on the sofa beside him, towel thrown around my neck as I dry my hair. Glancing at the fridge, then back at Justin, I shake my head.

“You shouldn’t complain when you’re mooching off me,” I say, grabbing a slice for myself. You finished the yogurt I had. Maybe you should be buying, not me.”

He leans back, his arms crossed, and grins like he’s won some invisible argument. “For letting my sister tutor you, I should always get freebies here. Heck, I can take your TV when I want.”

I groan and roll my eyes. He’s pulling this card again. If he thought using Katy could get my soul out of me, he could’ve tried that a long time ago. Instead, he goes for the more subtle route: last week, he practically extorted a grand from me just for letting his sister stay close. to me. Yeah. That’s my life. That’s the kind of best friend I have. Charming, isn’t he?

“Midterms next week,” I say, shoving another greasy slice into my mouth. “After that, you won’t have anything to hold over my head.”

He smirks, completely unfazed, and dives back into the game he’s playing. I lean back against the sofa, towel still draped around my neck, and exhale like I’m a deflating balloon. I’m wiped. I have a game tomorrow, the last one before midterms. And we’re playing some tiny college team in New Hampshire, which means Sunday is my only chance to revise everything Katy and I have studied. Fantastic.

But I can do it. I have to.

“Stacy texted me about you,” Justin cuts into my mental pep talk. Slowly, I drag my gaze over. He glances up at me, his fingers still flying across the pad. “She’s whining about you ignoring her.”

I drag a hand over my face and let out a groan. “And what’d you say?”

“Told her to fuck off,” He says without even looking up from his game.

I snort and shake my head. “Thanks for getting her off my back.”

And honestly, I’m hella grateful. Stacy seemed fine when we first met, a little annoying maybe, but fine. Now? She’s turned into some kind of full-on creep.

She texts me in the middle of the night, sends me unsolicited…you know, stuff, as random checking in messages. Had to block her so fast. Really, some people have zero chill.

“But seriously, dude, everyone’s talking about how you’ve changed,” Justin says, still focused on his game.

I lift an eyebrow at him. “How exactly?”

He shrugs, smirking. “You know how Luke and the boys are.” He scoffs. “Haven’t your checked the group chat?”

“Nope. Not yet.” My hand rummages behind me, finally finding my phone. I scroll to the group chat, mentally bracing myself.

Knowing them, they’ve probably been running commentary on my life like it’s some live sports feed.

THE KINGS GROUP CHAT

LUKE: Yo, anyone snagged Cap’s ?

MARTIN: No way it ain’t under Katy’s pillow.

MAX: I thought I left this group. Who added me back?

Max leaves the group.

Luke adds Max back.

MAX: What the hell!

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