(Winona)The stillness in the room is deafening, every second stretching out unbearably as I lean over Abby. She isn’t breathing but I can hear a slow, faint heartbeat in my ear as I press it to her chest.“Call 911!” I cry out as I prepare to get some breaths into Abby. I’m too scared to try compressions as it may do more damage than help.Phillip’s voice breaks through my fog of panic. “I’m on it, calling them now!” His voice is laced with urgency. “Tell them she’s under Dr. Green at St. Michael’s hospital. She needs to go there.”His words tumble out as he speaks. “Yes, it’s an emergency. My daughter, she’s... she’s not breathing and she just had heart surgery two months ago. We need an ambulance now!”I hear him recounting details of the hospital and doctor. He tells them what I’m doing. I’m giving her gentle but regular breaths. Please let it help.Anne talks now. “I’m calling Sheila Hobbs.”As I continue the breaths, slowly puffing air into Abby’s lungs, Phillip kneels beside u
(Jayden)“Meet me at St Michael’s. Abby is heading there now by ambulance.” I instruct Gus as I stride out from my office having just taken the call from Sheila Hobbs.“I’m not sure I have time.”“I’m not in the mood for your cryptic shit, Gus. Meet me there. I want answers and I want them now. Do not make me have to leave my daughter and come to you,” I demand because I really am not taking any more of his shit.I disconnected the call. I’m getting my family back together and Gus is going to help me whether he likes it or not. It’s the least he owes me.I reach my SUV and the driver. “St Michael’s Hospital and hurry.”“Yes, Sir.”I call Mother to let her know what’s going on. “Jayden, twice in one day…”“Abby is heading to the hospital. Winona found her unresponsive on the floor.”“She needs to be with someone who can watch her all the time.”“No one watches her as much as Winona. She needs to be with her mother. I need you to shut the fuck up about my daughter’s needs and just foll
(Jayden)“Abby, Abby, Daddy’s here. Don’t be scared. I’ll get Mommy to you as soon as I can.”“Jayden. I told you to wait in the staff room until I called for you.” Dr. Green admonishes me.I rush to Abby's side, her tiny, limp body lying on the stretcher, surrounded by paramedics and medical staff. My heart is pounding, and all I can think about is losing her now.Phillip moves across from me, looking like he’s in charge, like he has any right to be here. “I’m here, Abby. Just keep holding on.” Phillip says as he takes her hand.The sight of him touching Abby, trying to take my place, makes my blood boil. I push past a paramedic, getting right in Phillip's face. “What the hell are you doing here?”Phillip doesn’t back down. “I’m here for Abby. She needs someone who can stay calm and help. Winona can’t be here, so I’m stepping up.”“Stepping up? More like interfering.” I spit out the words, fury coursing through me. “You think you can take my place?”“Jayden, now’s not the time for t
(Winona)Sheila comes into the living room where I’m sitting alone. My head is so full I can’t even function.“Jayden texted me. The ambulance isn’t quite there, but Abby is still holding on. Doctor Green is waiting, ready.”“Oh, thank God!” Tears are coming from somewhere; I didn’t think I had any left. “She’s still alive.”“Jayden was very adamant about you knowing that the doctor said the actions you took are the reasons Abby is still alive now. Jayden said to thank you.”My whole body is shaking. What’s the point of him being nice about that? He still believes the worst of me. He broke my heart into a million pieces again that day in the jail cell. I just can’t see a way back from that.Anne comes in with a fruit and cheese platter.“Abby is with the doctor now. She made it to the hospital. Jayden is with her.”“She’s a fighter, Winona. You know that. Now you need to keep up your strength, so eat a little something.” Anne says as she pops the platter on the side table. “Help yours
(Jayden)I look in the hospital bathroom mirror and see a bruise on my cheek, redness around one eye –pfft, must have been when we fell, I never felt his fist land up there – a very swollen bottom lip and my ribs feel like hell. Lucky shot is all.There’s blood on my white business shirt but I don’t have time to change now. Phillip has already wasted enough of my time. I’m going to be with Abby when she wakes up. I stride out of the bathroom and Gus falls in step beside me.“Do you have any evidence incriminating Ashlyn and supporting Winona’s claim she set her up?” I ask quietly.“My security has turned in every bit of video and audio they have.”“Have you listened to any of it?”“No.”“Don’t fuck me around, Gus. I need Winona cleared of all this.”“Okay, okay,” he concedes. “There’s some words but I couldn’t really make out anything clearly. It needs an expert to pick up the audio. It’s with them now.”“Someone must have gotten something. Maybe if we check the videos, we can see w
(Winona)The doorbell rings, jolting me from my thoughts. I glance at the nearest screen to check who it is. It’s Gordon Brown, thank God. “Gordon’s here. I hope it’s good news,” I say, heading towards the door with a mix of hope and anxiety swirling in my chest. “Anne, Gordon Brown is here,” I call out as I make my way to the front door, figuring she might want to know.I open the door and give Gordon a weak smile. “Gordon, come in.”He steps inside, his expression serious yet hopeful. “Winona, I have permission here for you to go see Abby in the hospital.”Relief floods through me like a tidal wave. “Thank God.” My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I glance at the screen. It’s Phillip. “Go right in, I have to take this call,” I say, shutting the front door behind Gordon and walking back to the sitting room as I connect the call. “Phillip, how is she?”“She’s awake. Jayden’s in with her now. One at a time. I thought I’d call you and let him go first,” Phillip says, his voice a mix of
(Winona)The next day, I’m feeling better. The visit with Abby was amazing. She even sipped a little milk. She’ll be back home before we know it. Maybe today will be a good day. Phillip is still in bed, resting his sore head, no doubt.Gordon and I are in the private office. He’s sipping a coffee, looking more animated than usual. His eyes gleam with a certain excitement that makes me both hopeful and anxious.“Alright, Gordon,” I say, settling into the chair opposite him. “Spill. How did last night go?”Gordon leans back, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips. “Last night was... enlightening, to say the least.”“Yeah, exciting stuff watching men guzzle beer and shots.” I’m still a little surprised still that Gordon and Jayden’s lawyer, Daniel, were involved in this.I mean, I know they’re human, but it strikes me as a little odd, all the same. They are supremely professional men at the top of their game.“The real purpose of me going out with them was to get a read on Jayden and his
(Winona)Later that day, Dr. Green called to say that Abby could come home tomorrow, and her surgery was still scheduled for one month’s time. Mixed feelings wash over me. I can’t believe five months have passed already. So much of that time was blissful in Santa Monica with Jayden and Abby, a bubble of happiness that now feels like a distant dream.But it wasn’t reality. I see that now. The fantasy we lived was just that—a fantasy. Lisa is coming to talk about the weather again. Maybe we can’t talk about anything much, but her being here makes my life slightly bearable. Having lost my freedom to come and go, I realize just how much of life I took for granted. Simple things like a walk in the park or grabbing coffee with a friend seem like luxuries now.On the other hand, I have felt quite safe within these walls. I’m not sure what’s going on in the world of the media, but I’m sure this case is still alive and well, not to mention the tumultuous life of the Brennan billionaires.
(Jayden)Henry is in his highchair, making a complete mess of himself with mustard and ketchup. Bobby and Sarah are locked in a dramatic debate over whether onions belong on hot dogs, while Abby is curled up between us singing the song on the movie. Winona leans over to me, her body warm against mine.I tighten my arm around her. “We’re okay? Yes?” She hesitates. “Yes, we’re just fine. Sorry I get in my head so much with feelings.” “Sorry I don’t get in mine enough with your feelings.”She smiles back at me and I’m glad we just get each other these days. “But what about sleep? Are you getting enough?” I’m really asking if Winona is still having the nightmares about the baby crying…“Mostly.”“So you still having them, huh?”“It’s been better with Vault to focus on. Staying busy.”“If you need to get to the point of exhaustion before you can sleep soundly, that isn’t good long term.”She leans over and kisses me. “I’m okay. I promise. It’s getting better. Let’s not ruin the fun ni
(Jayden)Henry shrieks in delight as the bucket tips over, drenching him in a torrent of water that would terrify most kids his age. His little hands slap the wet surface, his laugh infectious as Sarah and Abby cheer him on. “I told you he’d love it,” Bobby calls from the climbing ropes, shaking his head as he swings across to the next section. “He’s used to the hose at home.”“I’m not sure you and your little brother are safe together.” I laugh and Bobby climbs higher. This is a fantastic kids park, it has everything and not just for kids. Winona and I have given them a run for their money today.Kit chuckles beside me. “Gotta admit, the kid’s fearless.” “No argument there,” I say, keeping a watchful eye on Henry as he wobbles through the shallow splash area, River close behind. It’s been a perfect day—the kind we don’t get nearly enough of. No meetings, no deadlines, no PR disasters. Just us. The family. All playing and having loads of fun. The film crew is here, but they’ve don
(Winona)Sofia’s voice cues the next topic. “You’ve both had demanding careers. How do you make sure the kids come first?” I shift, pushing my sunglasses up onto my head. “We make it work by making sure that when we are together, we are fully present. No distractions.” Jayden smirks. “Well, most of the time. There’s always the occasional emergency.” “Business emergencies are one thing. But the kids know they’re our priority. They always come first,” I say.Bobby speaks up. “We have a family video call every night, before bed. We never miss it. No matter where we are.” I nod. “That’s right. And this is our first family trip but not our last. The kids have chores. Bobby gets out in the garden and he’s great at landscape design. We just find ways to drown out the negative white noise with positive family energy.”The day finally comes to an end and cameras capture it all. The smiles, the laughter, the easy dynamic we’ve spent years building. I’m proud of us. Sofia was right. This was
(Winona)The sun blazes down, the sky a perfect, uninterrupted blue as we step onto the deck of the yacht. Dubai’s skyline looms behind us, glass towers gleaming in the heat, the water an impossible shade of turquoise. The cameras are already set up, discreet but ever-present. A carefully curated glimpse into the life of a family that—on paper—has it all. Jayden shakes hands with the producer, exchanging pleasantries, while I shift Henry on my hip, forcing a smile. I see Sofia Fernandez, Nexus Global’s Head of Public Relations. I’m a little relieved to see a familiar face and someone I bonded with in Brussels. Then behind her I see Astrid Koenig. I stiffen slightly at the blank expression but that’s just Astrid. Sofia comes straight in with a huge smile and hug for me.As I hug her back, I see Astrid approach Jayden. She’s not a hugger but she does touch his hand and eyeball him while giving a definite nod. He smiles back like he’s not trying to smile. I can tell she likes him.A w
(Winona)Dubai is breathtaking. The resort is pure indulgence—pristine beaches, towering glass buildings, the smell of salt and luxury in the air. The kids are all fed and crashed in bed and Jayden has arranged a late dinner for us.Dinner is set on the resort rooftop, candles flickering against the warm night breeze, the city stretching out beneath us in a blanket of gold lights.Jayden reaches for my hand across the table. “It’s nice, isn’t it? Us, here. Without work hanging over our heads. Our family all together. I’ve missed the kids so much.”I smile, but it’s not quite real. I’m trying to forget earlier. “The kids?”“And you as well, that goes without saying.”“Does it?”He studies me. “You okay?”“Not really. But I will be. It’s been hectic and I so looked forward to being here,” I say, “ without the media.”“I can guarantee you there’s no media or cameras clicking tonight. I made sure we had absolute privacy.” “We may as well get to the first of the herd of elephants in the r
(Winona)The airport is a swirling mass of bodies, luggage, and barely controlled chaos. Some flights have been cancelled because of the weather, and I just hope ours is not one of them.I refused the private jet as I want the kids to see how the majority of people travel. We’re still business class but even that lounge is backed up right now.Sarah is not one for big crowds, so she’s on edge. I’m trying to stay calm to show her it’s okay and we can cope with this.“When will we get there?” she asks for the tenth time. Bobby groans loudly beside me. “Sarah, we’re not even on the plane yet. Stop asking dumb questions.” “Don’t be mean,” I chide, shifting Henry higher on my hip. He’s already getting restless, his little hands grabbing at my necklace. I just hope he doesn’t need another diaper change anytime soon.River chuckles, adjusting her backpack. “Gonna be a long flight, I think.” Kit smirks. “Oh yeah. Definitely. But it’s just energy in here. The kids pick up on it.” Sarah pou
(Mia)The ink is barely dry on the new contract, Ana has let half her shares come to me, another step closer to control of Brennan Industries. I should feel satisfied.Instead, my skin crawls. Because I know what’s coming. I try to ignore the feeling of dread as I step into the underground parking garage, but it’s useless. The moment I see them—two of his men, stationed by a sleek black sedan—I know. I school my features, walking toward them with measured steps. They don’t speak, just open the door. I slide inside, the door clicks shut, and he is sitting across from me. Don Alejandro, watching me with the patience of a man who has spent his entire life winning wars that no one even knew he started. He doesn’t speak right away. Just lets the silence press down on me like a vice, his eyes sharp, assessing. Then, finally, he sighs. “You have been busy, mi princesa.” I don’t flinch. “Securing my future.” His head tilts slightly, amusement flickering in his gaze. He lets the silence
(Winona)Henry’s screams are relentless. His face is red, tiny fists flailing as he buries his head into my shoulder, but nothing I do settles him. His little body is warm, his exhaustion radiating into mine. So much for a relaxing Saturday at home with only one business call.Bobby is circling the kitchen, pushing the stroller towards me like a man on a mission. “This usually works,” he offers.We lay Henry in there and it doesn’t help. Bobby pushes him towards the kitchen door to head outside. But Henry isn’t settling, and I can tell he won’t. I call Bobby back. No point us both being deafened.At least Sarah and Abbey are happy outside, shrieking in delight over whatever game they’ve invented. Kit and River are off for the day, finally getting some time to set up their home. Anne’s out of state. I’m alone. Henry wails louder, his little face blotchy with frustration, arms flailing as I take him from Bobby’s arms.“Alright, baby. What is it?” I bounce him gently, pressing his da
(Lisa)The office is too big. Too polished. Too… corporate. I drop into the massive leather chair behind my desk and glare at the sheer size of the space. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a sweeping view of the city, the kind of view people kill for.It’s ridiculous. How is this my life now? Howe is there any money left for the actual charities when I have an office like this. It seems top heavy. Something I’d like to change. I’m not sure Logan will agree.A week ago, I wasn’t even sure I could do this. Now, here I am—CEO, handling meetings, locking in funding, making things happen. And for the first time in my life, I’m actually working for something.Not just existing, floating from party to party, living off old money and good genes. I should feel on top of the world. I do, in many ways.But exhaustion drags at my bones. I’m not sure this is sustainable for me. Or maybe I will get used to it. I don’t know.My body isn’t my own anymore, and I know why. But I won’t say it. Won