Legacy Unraveled (Kendall Roy X Reader)

Chapter Eight

The moment Emma steps into the Waystar Royco building, the tension wraps around her like a noose. The usual hum of the office is replaced by hushed tones and the soft rhythm of news anchors reporting the election chaos on ATN.

Frank intercepts her, face drawn. "You heard? They're calling it 'Firegate'. An entire voting center? It's got Roman's fingerprints all over it."

Emma's voice drips with icy sarcasm, "Firegate? We're really getting creative with our scandal names, aren't we?"

Frank smirks. "Leave it to you to find humor when Rome's burning."

"And leave it to Roman to light the match," she quips, but her eyes are steely. "Where are the Roys?"

Frank gives her a long look, "Preparing for Logan's grand exit. Tomorrow's going to be a media circus."

She nods, taking a moment. "Then let's give them a trapeze act they won't forget."

Karolina pops her head in, "ATN's ratings are through the roof, but every other channel is tearing us apart."

Emma doesn't blink. "Karolina, draft a statement. Subtle, apologetic. But no admissions. I want it leaked, not released."

Frank squints, "Leaked?"

"By who?" Karolina quickly catches on.

Emma smirks, "By someone deeply concerned about Waystar's future and the state of American democracy."

"You're playing a dangerous game," Frank notes, eyes narrowed.

Emma shrugs, "All the fun games are."

Her phone pings. A text. Roman, again: "Keep your friends close, Em. But your enemies? Cunt is as cunt does I guess"

She exhales slowly, tapping out a response: "I'll see you tomorrow, Ro."

In the eye of the storm, Emma was ready to play. On her terms.

Emma walked briskly to her office, not pausing for the murmured condolences and side-eyed glances that followed her. Shutting the door, she sank into her chair, thoughts racing. The phone rang, echoing in the stark silence. It was Gerri.

"Emma," Gerri's voice was crisp. "You've walked into a shitstorm."

Emma sighed, looking out at the skyline. "I had noticed, thanks. Roman?"

Gerri paused, "You think he's behind it?"

"He's capable of anything," Emma said, "But he's also not stupid. He knows playing with fire – no pun intended – is a dangerous game."

"Maybe. But with Logan gone, the jostling for power begins," Gerri mused. "Anyway, what's your play here?"

Emma leaned back. "Firstly, damage control. Secondly, find out who exactly lit the match. And thirdly? Make sure Waystar survives the chaos intact."

Gerri chuckled, "In that order?"

"Simultaneously," Emma replied.

There was a pause, "Are you attending the funeral?"

Emma exhaled slowly, "I have to, don't I? Logan and my father, their legacies are intertwined."

"I wish you strength," Gerri said quietly. "It's a circus out there. Between the election and... Logan. You're standing at the crossroads."

Emma's voice softened, "It's a game of chess, Gerri. And I intend to play."

The line went silent for a moment. "Then make your moves wisely. See you tomorrow."