Jaxon

I hang up the phone with Max, my CFO. “Just hire whoever you think is best,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “We can’t afford to tank right now. Not with everything at stake.”

I lean back in my chair, rubbing my temples. My head’s spinning with numbers, reports, and the shitshow that is my life. Just when I think I can catch a break, the door swings open, and my mother walks in, wearing that look. You know the one.

“Hey, Mom.” I manage a tight ...