(Judy)The news of Ashlyn’s commitment to a high-security mental health facility had come as no surprise to me. After all, I was the one who had put the wheels in motion, ensuring that Ashlyn would be deemed unfit for trial.Knowing that her chaotic presence is now contained, though not entirely neutralized, is great because I still need her long-term.My thoughts drift back to the day Ashlyn shot Jayden. It was supposed to be Winona in the crosshairs, not my son. I didn’t know he would jump in front of her. I didn’t want to risk his life, just eliminate the thorn in my side, Winona.I grip my teacup tightly, pushing the guilt away. Jayden survived, again, and that’s what matters. Now, I need to play my part to perfection no matter how long it takes. Winning Winona’s trust is crucial if I’m going to get what I want—Jayden and Abby all to myself.I’ve invited Winona and Abby over today. My staff answers the door and Winona greets me with a guarded expression when she enters my sitting
(Judy)I’ve managed to smuggle an untraceable phone into Ashlyn’s facility, ensuring we can stay in touch. I mean, the poor girl; she needs someone who cares. Her mother has written her off completely now.It’s only right that I should visit. There’s no trouble bribing half the staff to turn a blind eye to Ashlyn using a phone in her bathroom. She contacts me when she can. Later this will come in handy.For now, I’m just pretending I care about Ashlyn. A few minutes later, my phone buzzes.A: I’ll do anything for JaydenJ: I know you truly love himA: I’m sorry I hurt himJ: He’s okay nowA: But he’s with herJ: Time will fix it all. Trust meThe irony isn’t lost on me. Ashlyn’s obsession with my son is both her greatest strength and her ultimate weakness. As long as she believes she’s doing this for him, she’ll follow my lead. I delete each text right away, ensuring there’s no trace of our communication.I pour myself a glass of wine and sink into my favorite armchair. The plan is w
(Winona)We're moving into the Brennan Wing family unit at the hospital today. It feels surreal to be back here, preparing for Abby's next heart operation. I remember the first time and all the fear I had over almost losing Abby to this unknown genetic fault.The air is heavy with anticipation, and despite our efforts to stay positive, there's an undercurrent of anxiety that we can’t shake off. But I know Abby is in the best hands and despite a bumpy road, she has a supportive family around her.Anne is visiting when she gets through the surgery. Bobby and Sarah aren’t coming. I felt it was a little too soon for us all. But I do hope to be able to help them rehabilitate from their ordeal and be a positive influence on their future.Abby is unusually quiet today, clinging to her favorite stuffed animal, Puppy. “Mommy, is the doctor going to make my heart all better?” she asks, her big eyes filled with innocent hope.She’s almost four and a half now and a far cry from being a toddler n
(Winona)Abby sleeps peacefully, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. She’s been a trooper through the surgery, and Dr. Green has just given us the best news we could hope for—she’s come through with flying colors.“We’ll need to keep her under observation for a couple of weeks,” Dr. Green explains, his face alight with a rare smile. “But if her recovery continues this way, we won’t need to consider another operation for at least 12 months. Just monthly check-ups.”Relief spreads through me, and tears of joy prick at my eyes. “Thank you, Dr. Green. That’s just the news we needed to hear.”He nods, his expression softening. “She’s a strong little girl. Just make sure she takes it easy and follows all the post-op care instructions.”“We will,” Jayden assures him, his hand squeezing mine. “We’ll do everything by the book.”As Dr. Green leaves, I look at Jayden, my heart swelling with gratitude and love. “For the first time since her first operation I think she’s going to be o
(Winona)As the days passed, Abby got stronger and the plans came together beautifully. The garden is transformed into a magical wonderland with twinkling lights and colorful decorations.We arranged for a caterer, a drinks service, a live band, and a photographer to capture every precious moment.There’s also children’s activities and child carers on hand for later.There’s a real energy picking up and I don’t think anyone has not been able to come.As Jayden and I head into the kitchen to check on last minute things, he brings up another topic that’s clearly been on both of our minds. “You know, with Mother and Gus planning to leave soon, things might finally be normal for us.”I nod. “I hope so. I’m not sure we even know how to do normal. Maybe with Judy gone, we can find some peace and stability.”Jayden’s expression turns serious. “I’ve been thinking a lot about what Mother almost did to you. What she ultimately did to me. Even though I know now she tried to call it off. It’s har
(Winona)It’s the early hours of the morning, and the last of our friends have finally left. Jayden and I have had more alcohol tonight than we’ve had in a long time, and the buzz was nice for a change but not something I want to repeat anytime soon.I know I’ll be feeling crap when I wake up.Anne is sleeping over with Bobby and Sarah in the guest quarters and Abby has collapsed into bed after her first late night in forever. The whole part was perfect.We’ve planned a night at our usual club for a catch-up and some fun next weekend, but right now, all I can think about is the way Jayden is looking at me.He scoops me up in his arms, his eyes electric with desire, and carries me to the bedroom. His touch is burning my skin, sending shivers down my spine. We tumble onto the bed, and his hands are everywhere, igniting a fire inside me.We’ve been flirting all day and it’s been amazing. To just be open about the desire we share is a relief but the fact that we haven’t been together sinc
(Winona)My heart stops, the words hitting me like a physical blow. “You think I’m crazy?”“I never said that,” he retorts. “I meant your reactions are not rational right now.”“Oh, because you would know all about rationality, wouldn’t you? Having lived with your mother and Ashlyn, you wouldn’t know normal if it hit you in the head.”Jayden’s eyes blaze with fury. “Oh, so now you’re the expert on normal, are you? I think I’m a pretty good judge of when someone needs professional help these days.”“That’s rich coming from the guy who believed every lie Ashlyn told him,” I say, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “You were so quick to divorce me and marry her.”I should stop but now I’m on a roll. “How do I know you won’t be as cruel to me again? I took the best part of two years trying to show you what we had. You never once gave me the benefit of the doubt. You were too busy thinking with your dick and bonking Ashlyn’s brains out.”Jayden’s jaw tightens. “I was confused and manipulated.
(Jayden)I wake up with a pounding headache that swears me off drinking forever. The sunlight is stabbing through the curtains like a knife, and I groan, pulling the covers over my head. My mouth is fully carpeted, and I must have swallowed sandpaper.I roll over and the bed is empty. Wait. My hazy mind is slowly piecing things together. This isn’t Winona’s bedroom, it’s mine.Someone has put my body through a meat grinder, I’m certain. But that’s not the worst of it—no, the worst part is the memories flashing back of that argument, bringing with them a fresh wave of regret.Last night, well early this morning, was a disaster. I can still see the hurt in Winona’s eyes, hear the venom in our voices as we ripped into each other. The alcohol didn’t help, but that’s no excuse. I let my temper get the best of me, and now I’ll pay the price.Wow. Maybe I should just lay here all day. I mean, I could. The extra sleep will do me good. But my eyes pop open and I know there’s not chance of me
(Jayden)Winona’s phone buzzes against the table. She glances at the screen, mutters something, and pushes up from her seat. “Vault,” she says looking at me, already heading out to the terrace. I nod at Winona and give her a smile.“Jayden, the media shoot will go a long way to help turn public perception. Sorry we had to blow up your family time…” Sofia says with a smile. “But can I just say, those kids are adorable, and you guys really seem to have your shit sorted as a family.”“At least we have that perception down solid.” I grin at her. “Trust me, it feels the exact opposite sometimes. I appreciate you saying that, Sofia. We’ve worked hard to keep it real for the kids.”“And sacrificed a lot,” Astrid states.“There’s been a lot of changes, for sure. All worth it.”“Maybe we should do a segment on the kids. I know you adopted Bobby and Sarah… and Winona adopted Henry?”“Are you trying to get me killed? There’s no way Winona will ever go for an exposé on our kids, and neither wou
(Winona)The kids are out cold, completely wrecked from a full day of running, climbing, eating junk food, and making a mess of the suite. River and Kit have been off-duty since we got back from our day until we fly out tomorrow night.My muscles are really feeling sore right now. I make mental note to get more strength training sessions in. Maybe I better get out of the gym and do more outdoor activities. I loved the rock-climbing wall.I place the green salad on the table next to the warmed flatbreads. Jayden and I are hosting Astrid and Sofia for a late dinner. A bit of a debrief on the media situation and a friendly catch up outside of work. I’m looking forward to it but also a little nervous about being in close proximity to Astrid.She is very straightforward, and she doesn’t flinch at stating things how they are. Something I always appreciated about her even though at first it was a little jarring. So far, so good though. Jayden places the char-grilled meats and vegetable pl
(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