FULL NOVELXO Chapter My CEO 320
320 Trillionaire Lifestyle (Jayden)
"Welcome, monsieur Brennan," he says, his French accent sharp as ever. "Gus's estate is now yours, as are its many... intricacies. I hope you can handle all this and respect the traditions."
I don't miss the hint of doubt in his voice. I try not to look too overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of
this place.
"This... is Gus's home?" I ask, glancing back at the massive structure behind us. "Fuck, it's mental
"Indeed," Hugo replies. "One of several, but this is the crown jewel. A gift from a royal family here in Belgium, many years ago. It has been updated over the years, of course, to meet more modern standards. But the history is rich. And the connections it holds... priceless." "Royal family?"
"Yes. Belgium has a proud royal history, as do many European countries and each of them are carefully kept as allies. We never want to upset or offend any of our connections."
"Here is a list of the gifts just in this last year alone." He hands me a print-out. "You must confer with your advisors before interacting with any of them. And do not accept or refuse any gift without discussing it with me and Sofia."
"I doubt I can fart without clearing it first."
He remains poker-faced. "PR is everything for Nexus Global and you'll find Sofia takes it very seriously She's the best in the world, that's why we employ her."
I read down the list. Royalty, diplomats, oil magnates... these are the people Gus rubbed shoulders with. And now, so will I. Temporarily anyway. Racehorses, diamonds, land, antiques, vehicles. This list is crazy.
"Come, I'll show you around," Hugo says, leading the way inside. Viktor follows behind us.
"There are twenty bedrooms, most with ensuites. There are East and West wings for extended family or VIPs." He hands me another print-out. "This is the floorplan and the grounds. You can explore more at your leisure. You'll find the cellar list and the precious jewelry and gems housed in the vault. Also, a list of the antiques and artwork."
Inside, it's more of the same uber-luxury-marble floors that stretch as far as the eye can see, chandeliers hanging from ceilings that must be fifty feet high.
I'm actually speechless.
I glance quickly down each page he gives me.
The collection of rare wines and whiskies Gus had amassed, bottles worth more than some people's houses. Picasso, Rembrandt, the lists go on and on.
"Now. We'll get you dressed in the proper attire. Follow me to the dressing room." Hugo'says as he sets a fast pace along a hallway.
I can't help but think how much Winona won't want to live like this. I mean she has problems with the extravagance of my penthouse. This place makes that look like a backpacker inn.
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Hugo glances back as he opens a tall wooden door. "There is no place for modesty in this world, monsieur Brennan. We have it and so we flaunt it."
I stare into a room the size of my entire bedroom suite at home. This is just for suits, so it seems.
"I think I'll rent an apartment in Brussels." I mutter as I stare at around one hundred suits of varying style. and muted tones.
Hugo frowns and stops to look at me. "Out of the question. You are no longer just a businessman, monsieur. You are Nexus Global. Your every move, every decision, reflects on the company. On all of us."
I let out a breath, shaking my head. "This is ridiculous though... more than I expected."
"You will adjust," Hugo says with finality. "You must."
Gus's life was a different level, something I hadn't fully grasped until now. The servants don't even make eye contact, like they're not worthy.
There's a heady feeling in knowing you can snap your fingers, and anything you want, anything at all, is done. I have to resist getting caught up in that. But for now, I know I need to give the impression that I'm handling it. We step into the room lined with suits. Hugo walks over to one, pulling it off the rack like it's no big deal. These were made for you. Custom-tailored by the best designers from your measurements."
"A little overkill, surely," I say.
"You'll find that appearances are everything here, monsieur Brennan. You must look the part at all times."
I nod, running my hand over the fabric. It's softer than anything I've ever worn, the kind of suit that
Sams wealth and power.
"Your more casual clothing is in the next room. You choose what you like, and we'll have the rest taken away. Choose a suit now to change into."
"Now?"
"Oul. The suit is only the beginning of the lifestyle," Hugo continues. "There will be dinners, events, meetings with dignitaries. You will need to be careful. One wrong word, one misstep, and you could insult a very powerful ally." Great. No pressure.
I take a navy-blue suit with a white shirt off the rack. Immediately there are two young men ushering me. into a smaller room to help me change. "I'm okay. I can dress myself."
"Yes sir, we know, sir, but this is our job. Please."
They go about helping me undress and step into the suit which fits like a glove. It does feel amazing. But Winona is not going to be down with servants dressing me. This is going to be very tricky.
As we leave the dressing room and head back to a reception room, a servant approaches with a tray of champagne, offering me a glass. I take one, feeling a bit dazed by everything.
Another comes by with a tray of canapes, smoked salmon, caviar, truffle.
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I grab one of those and Hugo has an elevator open. "Let's go up to the entertainment level and the grand balcony."
Lavish gifts, lavish food, staff for literally everything... This is my new reality. I stare at my canape, too perfect to bite. Victor stays close. I glance at him and say, "What do you think, Viktor?"
Viktor's eyes are steady. "Use this influence to your advantage, but don't let it change you."
Hugo, overhearing, gives a quiet scoff. "Spoken like a man who does not understand the importance of optics."
Viktor doesn't respond.
They don't see eye to eye. Yet they coexist for the work they must do. That is above their personal feelings towards each other. Nothing gets in the way of Nexus Global and the work that needs to be done.
As we step outside onto the estate's grand balcony, overlooking miles of rolling hills and distant snow-capped mountains, I take a deep breath.
It truly is a beautiful country. This view is stunning.
Hugo glances at his watch. "You are Nexus Global now, monsieur Brennan. The world will be watching this change and ready to pounce on any sign of weakness."
I exhale. It's not just a company. It's an empire.
And, even if temporarily, I'm in charge of it now.
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