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08 Making Deals
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 09 Into the Lion’s Den
(Winona)When I got back to the hotel, my daughter greeted me with the most adorable smile and ran up for a hug. “Mommy!”“Hi sweety. Are you having fun?”“Puppy,” she says, holding up her favorite teddy.“Puppy is so cute.”She wriggles and I put her down. Someone rings the doorbell. Must be housekeeping. Abby clings to my leg.When I open the door, I find Ashlyn staring at me angrily. Abby is quite shy, so she runs off to probably go find Anne. Thank goodness, Ashlyn wouldn’t have gotten a good look at her face. I step outside and shut the door behind me.“Why are you here? Did you follow me?” I say and watch her eyebrows raise as she has seen a child and she must guess I’m now a mother.She pushes up closer. She is shaking, with anger or nervousness, I don’t know. But she is definitely upset. “You told me you weren’t pregnant.”“And I wasn’t. But I met a man and we went into business together and then started dating. Abby is the result of that. Not that it’s any of your business.
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 10 Guess Who’s back?
(Winona)It’s the day of the party. Boy, the week just flew past. I don’t think I’ve ever worked that hard, but I achieved what I wanted. I also didn’t have to lock horns with Jayden much and I never saw Ashlyn or his mother Judy in that time. All in all, it’s been a good week and the past hasn’t come back to haunt me as much as I thought it would. Maybe this will all be fine, after all. But then there’s Abby that no one knows about except Ashlyn, and she can’t have told Judy or Jayden yet as they would be all over me about it. I wonder why? I can’t keep her a secret for much longer and I still haven’t been able to talk to Phillip about the solution.To be honest there is no permanent solution once they all see her because she looks like her father so much and short of dying her hair and using colored contact lenses, the truth will come out eventually. If I can just determine when that will be it will help keep Abby out of any drama.Ideally, I’d like for Jayden to remember somethi
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 11 Bringing down the house
(Winona)I turn around. My heart is pounding and I’m trying to concentrate on keeping my breathing even. It’s unbelievable that I’m even here, about to be civil to these two. I’d never have thought it possible two weeks ago.I steel myself, paste a smile on my face and turn.Jayden is standing there smiling and he looks amazing in his tuxedo with Ashlyn by his side. They look perfect together, just like Jayden and I had looked perfect together at our senior prom. The night we’d finally made love for the first time.He was older now but no less sexy. Definitely more sexy than ever. Not that I had any right or need to notice. But deep inside, the sight of him still affected me like he always had. We should be a happy family right now instead of this absolute mess. But I can’t dwell on that fact. I smile at Ashlyn, clinging to Jayden’s arm.She’s wearing an off-the-shoulder red dress that hugs her super-slim body tightly. I wore that exact same style and shade to senior prom. She’d helpe
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 12 Reality Bites
(Jayden)I hear screams and I see people gathered near the bathroom doors. Wait, is that Winona? I rushed over. What the hell has happened? Ashlyn is on the floor and Winona is standing over her. I see Phillip moving quickly towards them too and many eyes are interested.Damn it. It will be all over the media channels tomorrow.Now I’m close enough to hear Ashlyn’s words.“I didn’t know it was yours. I’m sorry! Please don’t push me again!” Ashlyn pleads.I see Winona roll her eyes. “Push you? I should kick your ass, is what I should do.” Winona says. “But honestly I can’t be bothered wasting the energy on either of you.” Winona glares at me.“Ashlyn? What happened?” I ask but my eyes are still locked with Winona’s.Ashlyn sobs her words. “She snatched the necklace from me and pushed me over. She’s a bitch. She hates me.”I help Ashlyn up and see the nail marks on her neck. “What the actual fuck are you doing attacking my Fiancée?” I demand.Winona looks surprisingly calm. She just s
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 13 Protecting What’s Mine
(Winona)Back at my hotel suite, I kick off the high-heels and stretch my toes. I’m not sure where Judy was tonight but I certainly count it as a positive that she wasn’t adding to that drama.I’m certain her and Ashlyn are still working together against me. I just wish they’d all leave me alone to get on with my life. Coming back here was crazy. But Phillip deserved the break. He’s worked so damn hard for our business.“Here, I got us some water. Are you hungry?”“Thanks for the water. I think Anne has some food we can reheat later. Right now, I need to tell you a few things.”He takes his suit coat off and unbutton cuffs and collar. “I see. It can wait if you want to eat now,” he offers.“No. I need to tell you everything.” I take a deep breath. “Jayden Brennan is my ex-husband. We divorced just before I moved and started up my marketing business.”“I see. Well, that explains the daggered stares he sends when he thinks I’m not looking.”“What? Is he bothering you?” I didn’t realize
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 14 The Board Meeting
(Winona)It’s Friday afternoon again and a week has passed since the ridiculous incident at our welcome party a week ago. All the paperwork is done for the adoption and has been lodged. I feel better now after Ashlyn saw Abby because I know she will be trying to find out about her.I’d never listed a name for the birth father. Mostly because I was trying to leave Jayden and all that pain behind. But also because I didn’t want his mother to use it against me somehow.There’s a stack of work to get done today and my first board meeting. I’ll need to work back again to catch up. Phillip left earlier to go meet with the podcast crew.I need to double down on the social media site marketing. But I’ll present both Phillip and my recommendations to the board and to the CEO Jayden today. My nerves are a little shot.I’d gone to speak with Jayden on Monday about some recommendations but found out he hadn’t come into the office that day. Apparently, he hadn’t been in all this week. I doubt he’d
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 15 The Club
(Winona)My brain is mush and it’s almost nine at night when I answer Phillip’s call.“I think you should call it a night,” he says.“Is Abby okay?” She’d been a little off this week. Maybe coming down with a virus.“She’s asleep. All tucked up with Puppy.”“Did she ask about me? I’m always there by bedtime.” I do feel guilty missing bedtimes all this week, but we usually get a video call in to say goodnight.Time just flew by tonight though after the board actioned all of our recommendations, I wanted to get the ball rolling.“She sure did. I told her you love her very much and you would be there to kiss her good morning. She was fine. Anne made her warm cocoa and I read her a book.”“Great. Thank you, Phillip. You’ll make the best dad.” He’d make an awesome husband too, but I just can’t go there, even though I know I’m being an idiot not to grab this opportunity. But love isn’t always logical.What am I saying? Love is never logical. It was painful, ridiculous, and dramatic, but nev
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 16 The Old Gang
(Winona)I’m really not in the mood to battle anything out with Jayden right now. Nor to have my emotions battling inside me like this.“I can go to a club without him, he trusts me.” I’m giving a subtle dig at his past possessive behavior towards me. But why bother, he doesn’t remember.Then a voice beside me sounds as hands almost pull me off the bar stool. “Winona! Yay! Come over to our old booth! Hi Jayden.”“Hi Lisa.”“I’m not sure I’m staying too long.” I say while giving Lisa a look I hope she remembers.“Oh, come one. Just for one drink.” She gets in between Jayden and I with her back to him and winks at me. “I have something I have to tell you.”I get the hint that she is getting me away from Jayden. Perfect. “Look, I’m only staying another hour. I’m beat.”“Sure. Let’s go.” Then she looks back at Jayden. “Sorry, secret women’s business. No insult meant.”“None taken,” he says. “Go ahead. I’m catching up with Lance, anyway.”Catching up with Lance? Has Lance planned this?Lis
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 439 Hello Mother
(Jayden)Evening settles over London as Viktor and I sift through the day’s progress in my suite. The investigation is almost over.I lean back in my chair, arms crossed, as Viktor shows me a file on his tablet.“I’ve identified the staff member who delivered the envelope,” Viktor says, his voice steady.“Someone in the Nexus Global network?” I ask, leaning forward.Viktor nods. “No. A junior member of the investigation team. She’s young, new to the company.”“Did she know what she was doing?”“Unlikely. Judy has a knack for using people without them realizing they’re being used. We’re watching her for now. It’s better Judy believes her line of communication is secure.”“Yes. It was most likely a one off just to get that envelope on my desk.”Viktor nods, but before he can respond, there’s a knock at the suite’s door. He exchanges a glance with me before heading along the hallway to answer it. I remain seated, my mind already racing with possibilities. It has to be her.I don’t move t
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 438 Finding Me
(Cass)“Cass,” Chef Thierry’s voice cuts through the chaos, sharp and commanding. It’s nice to hear an English word at last. I haven’t hear many in three days.I glance up, still scrubbing. He’s standing a few feet away, holding a small bowl in one hand and a spoon in the other. His expression is inscrutable, his sharp features etched like stone.“Here. As you are the… ‘ow you say, soup expert…” He gestures with the spoon, offering it to me. “Taste.”I wipe my hands on my apron, glancing around.They can be scared of him. I’m not. He’s just a man doing a job, like any other man.Taking the spoon, I dip it into the soup he’s holding and taste.The flavors bloom on my tongue—rich, earthy, with a faint hint of bitterness. It’s incredible, no question, but... there’s something missing.Thierry’s eyes narrow as he watches me, waiting. Almost daring me to defy him again.I grab a clean spoon, dip it into a jar of honey I’d seen him use earlier, and swirl a small amount into the soup. Then I
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 437 Late Night Comms
(Winona)Later that night, I curl up in bed, one eye on the baby monitor and the other on my phone. My laptop sits beside me, tabs open with properties and travel options, but I can’t focus.My thoughts are a tangled mess, and texting Jayden is the only way to untangle them.I feel like it’s safe. Staff don’t stay here at the cottage overnight. We’d agreed to debrief each other every evening. No matter what. It will help me keep my ducks in a row, or at least in some form of organized panic.I need this ultrasound fast, so we can get out of here and let Jayden and Viktor do their thing. I type him a message.W: Hey. Got a sec?It doesn’t take long before the little dots appear.J: Always. What’s up?W: Dr said I need an ultrasound ASAP. Big Q is... how tf do we make it happen w/o her finding out?J: We’ll figure it out. I’ll make it happen.So simple, like it’s nothing. I know it’s not nothing. But I do believe he will manage it. Lately he is doing exactly what he says he’ll do.I me
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 436 Informed Choices
(Winona)I sit in the starkly white exam room, tapping my fingers on the cold metal armrest of the chair. The anxiety radiates through my body as I wait for the doctor to return with my medical history files.Klara assured me he was one of the best general doctors in Brussels, known for his discretion and thoroughness.The door swings open, and Dr. Fischer, a tall man in his early fifties with wire-rimmed glasses, strides in. His accent is distinctly Germanic, every word precise and measured. He offers a smile, but there’s something reassuringly serious about his demeanor.“Ah, Frau Brennan,” he says, settling into the chair across from me and clicking open a folder. “I have reviewed your medical history and current concerns. How are you feeling today?”I shift uncomfortably. “Physically, I’ve been okay. A little queasy this morning, but nothing alarming. Mentally... well, there’s a lot riding on this pregnancy.”He nods, his brow furrowing slightly as he reads through my file. “Yes,
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 435 Operation Leaving Jayden
(Winona)The morning sun spills into the living room and laughter fills the space as I walk out into the living area to the kids already playing. It’s become a common sound here, one that warms me and brings a smile to my face even as my mind churns with plans and worries.They are up, dressed and ready for their day at school. They go twice a week and are all learning the local language along with being taught in English.This place, this life, has become a haven in ways I didn’t expect. It’s hard to think about leaving, but we have to. I wonder if the kids are more excited about going back to the States than I am right now?“Good morning. Well, look at you three! All ready for your day. I better get some breakfast on.”“Good morning, Mommy. It’s school day, yay!” Abby says as she bops about the floor.“You’ve only been a few times, how are you all liking the little school?”“Everyone’s really nice. I’ve learned some new words in Flemish and Dutch. Plus, they have the best lunches.”
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 434 Kids Are Full of Surprises
(Winona)I sit at the dining table, laptop open, and browse through cruise options, trying to piece together a plan that makes sense. Every search result that pops up seems to end in Florida.The very name of that state sends a shiver down my spine. Cancun isn’t all that far from Florida, and the memories of Cass’s kidnapping creep back in, making my stomach clench. It feels like a warning, a reminder that danger is never far away.I guess that was one disaster that Judy didn’t have her hand in. Gus took the fall and is headed for jail as a traitor to stop the crime syndicate from targeting his family.But the fact is, that smuggling ring runs deep and wide. They are still in operation and Greg’s secret Cuban family have direct links. Nothing has been proven against Gabriel.I don’t know what the situation is with him and Cass. But I force myself not to stress over that now.I sigh and click on another tab, this one for a road travel planner. Flying directly from Florida to our final
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 433 Inviting Judy
(Jayden)Back in London, I stare at the text my mother sent after I got the photos.Hard to believe that was just a few days ago. Now it feels like a lifetime. Everything has changed.My best friend relationship has imploded in the worst way. We’ll never be the same again. I can barely remember my life without Lance. We were like brothers. Not any longer.Even if Winona and I can get through this together, once again we are forced apart by my mother’s doing. Okay, Winona gave her the ammunition.But the way she’s used that to be the most damaging, isolating me from my close relationships, trying to give me no choice but her as my sole support. It makes it all icky.Regardless of the wrongs or rights of this situation, I need Judy to not be influencing my life behind the scenes. I need her to just let me go. If getting her in jail does that, then that’s what I do.The no-contact order wasn’t enough to make her see that it’s over for her and I. I won’t keep running away. Okay, I need to
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 432 Life Without Judy
(Winona)She types on her phone and then my phone buzzes.It’s a text from Lisa. I look at her and she winks at me.Meeting him for dinner. I’ll show him your note, so he gets what’s going onI nod and type back.Make sure he’s fully on board with how crucial this isLisa nods. “I guess we have a lot to plan to get back to the States. And once we get there.”“Being back in the States without Jayden... I don’t know, Lisa. The idea of single parenting all over again—it’s overwhelming. The questions from everyone.”Lisa crosses her arms, leaning back against the counter. “You’ve done it before, though. You’ll do it again. You don’t owe anyone explanations.”“Yeah, but it still feels daunting,” I admit. “I have no place to live there. Jayden’s penthouse is not an option. I refuse to go back there, feeling like I’m waiting for him to come home when he isn’t.”Lisa tilts her head, her brows knitting together. “Well, if we do cruise home, that will give you some time to secure something, may
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 431 Setting Things In Motion
(Winona)Back at the estate cottage the next day, I hand Lisa the folded note, my fingers lingering on the paper for a second before letting it go. It details all the plans, and I put my finger to my lips as she takes it.She stares at me, her eyes questioning, but she doesn’t speak.“Come in, Lisa. Let’s get coffee. I have so much to tell you.”“Coffee sounds perfect.” She unfolds the note and begins to read in silence.Speaking openly isn’t an option right now, not when we’re surrounded by the potential for prying ears.I watch her face closely as she reads, looking for any hint of her reaction. Her expression shifts slightly, but she keeps it controlled, her eyes narrowing as she takes in every word.When she finishes, Lisa folds the paper back up and tucks it into her pocket. She raises an eyebrow at me. “So, have you heard from Jayden? Are you okay?”“He’s impossible to talk to, as always. I’m over it, to be honest.” I go about the kitchen pouring our coffee and adding sugar and
