Legacy Unraveled (Kendall Roy X Reader)

Chapter Nine

Inside the sprawling Roy estate, the repass continued, a blend of grief, corporate machinations, and opulence. Mencken, a vision of self-assured triumph so soon after his election win, stood near a gilded mirror, sipping on an old fashioned, the ice clinking softly. Despite the opulence around him, his every move radiated a rough, 'man of the people' charisma.

Emma and Matsson, having strategized in hushed tones, approached him. Their pitch was clear and purposeful; both knew the delicate line they had to walk with Mencken.

"Mr. President-elect," Emma began, offering a measured smile.

Mencken looked her way, his eyes appraising, "Emma Donovan. Quite the eventful day for all of us, isn't it?"

She nodded, "Indeed. Congratulations on your win. But we're here with a proposal we think might interest you."

Matsson chimed in, "It's in line with the promises you've made to your voter base. A new, reimagined media landscape. Progressive. Green."

Emma continued, "We're discussing an international division, under Waystar, but it's not just media. It's sustainable, it's innovative. It's the future."

Mencken raised an eyebrow, his attention now fully on them. "And how does this fit into my plans?"

"It's optics," Matsson said. "GoJo acquiring Waystar with this eco-driven vision shows you're backing companies that care about the future. Plus, it's a move towards global collaboration."

Emma added, "It's a show of strength and vision on your part, right at the start of your term. You're not just championing America-first, but a sustainable, global America."

Mencken took a moment, swirling his drink. "I've heard whispers about GoJo and Waystar. Rumors about CEO positions, about the Roy family infighting."

Matsson nodded, "There are... discussions. But this is bigger than that. This is legacy."

Mencken smirked, "Legacy? Yours or mine?"

Emma locked eyes with him, "Both."

He chuckled, "I appreciate the pitch. But I'll need more than just promises. Details, figures, projections. And, if you want my public support, there needs to be something in it for me and my administration."

Matsson leaned in, "Give us 48 hours. We'll present you with a concrete plan. And as for what's in it for you... Well, we're open to negotiation."

Emma added, "We're in this for the long haul, Mr. Mencken. Aligning with us? That's how empires are built."

Mencken smirked, intrigued, "Then let's build."

With the successful pitch behind them, a sense of exhilaration passed between Matsson and Emma. The two made their way out of the repass, away from the subdued opulence of the Roy estate and into the chilly evening.

As they approached the sleek black car awaiting them, Matsson glanced over at Emma, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "You know, I wasn't entirely truthful back there with Mencken."

Emma raised an eyebrow, her sharp intuition in full swing. "Which part?"

"The part where I implied we needed 48 hours. Honestly, we probably need 72. But who cares? We pulled off a hell of a move today."

She smirked, opening the car door, "Impatient and optimistic, that's a dangerous mix."

Settling into the plush leather seats of the car, the two shared a moment, an unspoken acknowledgment of their dynamic partnership, and something deeper bubbling just below the surface. The car roared to life, pulling away from the estate.