383 No Room for Weakness

(Jayden)

“This is not the level of management Gus tolerated, and I won’t put up with incompetence either.”

Grayson’s face flickers with shock, quickly masked by that mask of politeness. He straightens his posture, clearly readying himself for another lecture, but I don’t give him the chance.

“We hire strategists here, not outdated relics clinging to tradition.” My words are precise, each one landing with a deliberate sting. “This isn’t a game for you to play by your own rules.”

Grayson forces a smile. “Mr. Brennan, perhaps if you took the time to understand our approach instead of—”

“Understand?” I interrupt. “The only thing I understand is that you’ve misled this company, mismanaged it. You lost a crucial deal due to pure negligence. The time for your excuses is over, Grayson. You’re a liability.”

A murmur ripples through the room, a few of the other executives glancing at Grayson, visibly uncomfortable. Good. Let them squirm.

Grayson’s smile is gone now, replaced by a steely glare.