Legacy Unraveled (Kendall Roy X Reader)

Chapter Seven

The sun streamed through the tall trees, dappling the retreat grounds with patches of warm light. Employees from both Waystar and GoJo filtered out of their cabins, with some opting for morning yoga sessions while others engaged in team-building activities or "networking" over breakfast.

Emma, donning casual corporate attire suitable for a retreat, grabbed a coffee and walked to a seminar titled "Synergy in Modern Media." As she approached, she spotted Ebba, her eyes as sharp as her cheekbones, chatting animatedly with a group. Their eyes met, and there was a palpable undercurrent of tension. They both played it cool, the kind of frosty civility that was almost more brutal than outright hostility.

"Emma," Ebba greeted, a too-perfect smile on her face.

"Ebba," Emma replied, equally pleasant. "Enjoying the retreat?"

"It's... enlightening," Ebba responded, her gaze pointed. "New faces, new connections."

"Indeed," Emma responded with a smirk. "Some more than others."

Ebba's smile didn't waver, but there was a flash of something—irritation? jealousy?—in her eyes. "Well, let's hope it's productive for all."

Before the conversation could deepen or darken further, Emma was pulled away by Kendall, who had a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Hey, prodigal son, got a moment?"

Emma followed him, shooting a glance back at Ebba. "What's up?"

Kendall leaned in, his voice low and conspiratorial. "Roman and I, we think we've done it."

Emma frowned, "Done what exactly?"

"Tank the GoJo deal. We've thrown so many curveballs in the terms that there's no way Lukas will take the bait. No rational person would, at least."

Emma sighed. "You do know who we're dealing with, right? Lukas isn't exactly... rational."

Kendall smirked, "That's the point. If he's as unpredictable as we think, he might just walk away. But if he's truly nuts and takes our shitty offer, then at least Waystar isn't sold too cheaply."

Emma pondered this. "It's a risky game, Ken. And games with Lukas don't tend to end well."

Kendall shrugged, "It's the best move we've got. Either we get rid of him, or we squeeze him for every penny. Win-win."

Emma's gaze drifted towards the seminar, where Lukas was now talking to a group, Ebba at his side. "Let's just hope it doesn't backfire," she murmured.

Kendall exhaled, looking around as if ensuring no one was within earshot. "Look, um, Emma... I know we've, you know, had our... differences. Ups and downs and... whatever. But um, I trust you more than I do... basically everyone else here."

Emma raised an eyebrow, a little taken aback by Kendall's sudden vulnerability. "That's saying something, isn't it?"

Kendall ran a hand through his hair, a habit when he's feeling vulnerable. "Yeah, I mean, this whole GoJo thing has been... shit, it's been a whirlwind. And, um, not in a good way. The stakes are high and, honestly, I'm... I'm scared. I don't want to lose the company, not like this."

Emma took a moment, then stepped closer. "Kendall, I get it. Believe me, I do. We're all walking a tightrope with this. But we've faced challenges before. Remember the Hundred fiasco? or PGM? We'll figure it out."

Kendall gave a wry chuckle. "God, that feels like a lifetime ago. I guess, um, what I'm trying to say is... I need allies. Real allies. Not just the snakes who nod and then stab you in the back."

Emma smirked, "You want me in your corner?"

He nodded, looking earnest. "Yeah. I mean, um, not just for the company. Personally too. We're family, right?"