(Winona)“What the hell are you doing here?” The words slip out before I can stop them. I’m too on edge to care about politeness right now.“Is that any way to greet your daughter’s grandmother?” Judy’s voice is all syrupy sweetness, but her eyes—those cold, calculating eyes—are scanning me, taking in every detail.Gus gives me an apologetic smile. “I told her you didn’t like surprises.”“Abby’s at school,” I say, crossing my arms. “And we have plans after, so…”“So?” Judy cuts in, her tone sharp. “So we’ll wait. I’d love to catch up with you, Winona. Maybe we can chat while we wait for Abby to come home?”I do not want her near my mother.Is this coincidence that Steve is in town and Judy shows up?I’m not mentioning a word about anything. Not Jayden, not Steve and definitely not Ashlyn.I stand my ground.“Maybe I can help,” Judy offers, her voice too eager. “I could pick Abby up from school, like I used to. Spend some time with her while you handle your plans.”“No,” I say, too qui
(Judy)Something’s wrong. Winona is nervous. Jayden isn’t answering my calls, which isn’t unusual these days, but this time it feels different. He’s slipping away from me, and it’s driving me crazy.Then there’s Steve, the bastard who just won’t stay hidden. He contacted me yesterday, demanding money—no, demanding a fortune. He’s threatening to spill everything if he doesn’t get what he wants.The setup with Winona, the lies with Ashlyn, everything.He’s got all the dirt, and he’s not afraid to use it.I’ve been in this game long enough to know when someone needs to be dealt with permanently. I even told Steve as much, made it clear that if he kept pushing, he’d end up regretting it.But the slimy bastard didn’t even flinch. Instead, he laughed and told me to go ahead, that everything was already set up to go to the authorities if anything happened to him. And worse, he claimed Gus knows about the threat too.That threw me. If Gus knows, it means he’s keeping secrets from me. But Gus
(Winona)I drive through the city to Cass’s cafe, my hands grip the steering wheel a little too tightly. Abby’s in the backseat, chatting away about the dolls she wants to take to the park tomorrow.She has no idea what I’m about to do of course, and that’s the way it should be. Steve’s not going to control my life anymore, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure of that.I called Lisa to see if she could watch Abby for an hour. Mom’s asleep, and Jayden’s out of town dealing with business. That left Lisa—my one constant, the person I trust most in the world. She knows something’s up, but she didn’t hesitate.I hope she’s ready to be an alibi if I need one. I’ll leave my car there and call a ride, or something. I don’t know yet. But I’ll work it out. If Judy can get away with shit through lies and paying off people, so can I.I don’t have to be the bigger person this time or take the high road. This time I’m just going to do what I’ve always wanted to do. Once he’s gone, all our liv
(Winona)I drive back across town to Lisa’s place, gripping the steering wheel tight. Tension creeps into my shoulders. This is it—the last stop before I confront Steve. My heart pounds, every beat reminding me of what’s waiting for me.I park out front and get Abby out of the car, my hands trembling slightly as I unbuckle her seatbelt. She chatters on, oblivious to the storm brewing in my mind. Once we’re through the gate, she runs up to Lisa’s door with that boundless energy.They get along so well. Lisa would make a great mom. It’s a pity she couldn’t find her person. Then again, all you really need is a sperm donor, I suppose. I know several women raising kids alone and acing it.I mean, I did it. Okay, I had Anne, who I couldn’t have done it without. But still, I think about what it would be like if Lisa had her own little one running around, filling the house with that same laughter that Abby brings with her.Lisa opens the door, smiling wide as Abby practically tackles her with
(Winona)I look around the front and try the huge metal door, but it doesn’t budge. I’m super nervous in case he surprises me. He can’t be trusted. I know that. I don’t know why he wants me here. I just know why I want to be here.I don’t even want to listen to one poison word from his mouth. I’m going to shoot first and ask questions later. Get rid of him forever and then I can breathe. I can live without fear of him.Walking away from my past forever will never happen while he’s alive.There’s an alleyway down one side and I grip the gun in my hoodie pocket and walk carefully down there. I see a doorway. A side door. It’s ajar, a dark gap in the otherwise solid wall. I push it open and step inside, the musty smell hitting me immediately.I stop, it’s darker than I’d like. I should’ve brought a torch. I could use my cell phone, but I don’t want to drop it and I might need both hands for the gun. My eyes adjust to the light level as I move quietly inside.My eyes scanning, every inch
(Jayden)I sit in the car next to Winona. The day has gone from bad to worse, and worry is etched deep into her features. I can’t stand it. She’s so desperate to rid her life of him, she is prepared to kill him.Before I can start my car, my phone buzzes again, it’s security. This day just keeps on keeping on. Surely some better news this time.I answer it, my voice sharp. “Brennan.” I really want to get Winona home to check on her mother.“Sir, it’s about Cass. She’s left the penthouse. We tried to stop her, but she’s on her way to the townhouse. We’re keeping eyes on her, but she’s kneed Gary in the nuts, sir.”I close my eyes for a second. Of course she has, she’s Winona’s sister. “Alright, don’t lose her. Keep me updated.”“No problems.”“Are Abby and Lisa okay?”“They are inside, Sir.”I hang up and turn to Winona. “Cass left the penthouse. She’s heading to your place. Lisa and Abby are in the penthouse.”Winona’s eyes widen briefly, but she quickly nods, processing it. “They won
(Winona)I watch the streets blur by as the car winds its way through the city. I keep telling myself everything will be fine. But deep down, I know that’s a lie. Nothing’s been fine since Steve came back into my life.Apart from finding Mom and Cass. Having Mom has been everything I’ve needed for so long and never knew it. I love her so much and I want to give her a good life. Her and Cass. If Cass ever lets me.As we approach the townhouse, I’m eager to get out of this car. I need to check on Mom, make sure she’s still asleep and safe. But as the car pulls up outside, I see something that turns my world on its head.Cass is standing on the front steps, her face ashen, her eyes wide with shock. The front door is wide open behind her. She’s trembling, her arms wrapped around herself like she’s trying to hold herself together.“Cass!” I’m out of the car before it even comes to a complete stop, my heart pounding in my chest. I don’t know what I’m going to find, but the look on her face
(Jayden)Striding into the hospital, I haven’t felt fear like this in a long time, but I refuse to let it control me. This fear won’t make me frustrated or angry. It won’t make me lash out or wonder about my decisions. Not anymore. I know who I am. I know the man I want to be.Having this baby wasn’t something I ever considered. But since I’ve known, it’s changed me. Changed my outlook. Abby changed my life too, but I never got to see her or even know she existed when she was a baby.Because of my mother. Because of Ashlyn. Because my mind wasn’t where it should have been and Winona made a choice for the baby. Because I forced Winona into that choice and away from me. Mother will never be an influence on me again.In fact, I’m going to make her pay if she’s had anything to do with this with Ashlyn and I’ll need some strong proof to stop believing she’s the reason Ashlyn fell from that rooftop.I fire off a message to Winona, letting her know that I’ll be staying here as long as I ne
(Winona)The soft cry of a baby envelopes me. At first, it’s faint, like it’s coming from another room. Then it grows louder, more insistent. I’m fumbling, trying to pinpoint the direction, but I can’t find it. My hands press against empty air, the cries getting louder. I’m coming, baby. I’m coming. I wake with a gasp, my chest so tight I can’t draw a breath back in. My hands grip the sheets. It’s like I’ve been running. But I’m in bed. My bed.I look over and see Jayden isn’t beside me. But bright sun is coming through the window. I must have slept late.The room is still. I finally suck a breath into my lungs. No baby crying. No baby to find. No baby.The realization twists. I sit up, forcing myself to breathe slowly, deliberately. “It’s just a dream,” I whisper, running a hand through my hair. “Just a stupid dream.” ***After dressing in a loose shirt and jeans, I decide to head downstairs. The scent of coffee and toast wafts up, warm and inviting. I can hear the kids’ chat
(Cass)I stride through the penthouse, my stiletto heels clicking against the marble floor with purpose.I know I look good—stunning, actually. This dress hugs every curve just right, and the deep emerald green makes my eyes pop.Tonight is about reminding myself that I have a feminine side and I’m not afraid to use it. Gabriel may have been part of my past, but I’m going to show him just how irresistible the present me is. But as I head towards the elevator, Viktor steps out, his tall frame filling the space and his expression hard as stone. He crosses his arms and plants himself directly in front of the doors. “Ready for your date then??” he asks, his voice low, almost a growl. “You know I am,” I reply, refusing to let him intimidate me. “Unless you plan to stand there all night.” His eyes rake over me, lingering just a second too long on the neckline of my dress before snapping back to my face. “You’re really going out with Gabriel.” It’s not a question. “Yes, I am.” I tilt my
(Jayden)I find her on her laptop. “How are you really feeling?” I ask, standing by the edge of the bed. She looks up, her eyes softening. “Tired, but okay. It’s good to be home. That makes me feel one thousand percent better. You’ve got that look.”“What look?” I ask, kicking off my shoes and stripping down to my boxers.“The one that says you’ve got something weighing on you,” she replies, her tone softer now.I sigh, running a hand through my hair and sit on the edge of the bed. “It’s Cass. She’s in danger, Winona. Real danger.”Winona shifts, her eyes narrowing with concern. “What kind of danger? How?”“Don Alejandro, he hasn’t been arrested. He’s gone underground and he’s still calling the shots,” I say, my voice low.“But Cass has nothing to do with him, or Mia anymore. Gus cleared her of anything drug-related. How can she be in danger?”“Cass went to her old apartment. To clear it up. Trying to make a clean slate, I think. While she was there, they turned up.”“Who?”“Mia fir
(Jayden)“Daddy’s home!” Abbey squeals, her feet thundering across the wooden floor towards me. I barely have time to drop my briefcase before she launches herself at me. I scoop her up, spinning her in a slow circle while she giggles wildly. “Hey, princess,” I say, kissing her cheek. “Did you miss me?” She nods, curls bouncing. “Missed you so much! Mommy’s upstairs. She said you were bringing Henry back, but you didn’t. Where is he?” “Henry’s asleep in the car,” I explain, setting her down. “I’ll grab him in a minute. I had to get my Abbey hug first.” Bobby appears in the doorway, leaning casually against the frame like he’s auditioning for a teen drama. “Dinner’s almost ready. Sarah and I are making sure everything’s perfect for Mom. We’re making up trays.” “That so?” I ruffle his hair, and he swats my hand away with a grin. “Good work, kid. You’re the man of the house when I’m not here, right?” “Obviously,” he says, puffing his chest out. “This place would fall apart without
(Mia)“You know what, Gabriel?” I say, my voice sharp. “Maybe you’re not as noble as you want everyone to believe. You think I don’t see what you’re doing? You’re not trying to protect this family. You’re trying to control it.”He narrows his eyes. “What are you talking about?”“Don’t play dumb,” I snap. “You just want Brennan Industries for yourself. That’s what this is really about, isn’t it? Turning Ana and Eva against me so they’ll sell to you.”“That’s ridiculous,” Gabriel retorts, his tone cold. “I’m protecting the company from you. You’ve already proven you can’t be trusted. Someone has to safeguard what Papá built.”“What Papa started,” I say, crossing my arms. “That company was built by Judy Brennan. Our father was an awful businessman. But he loved us, all of us. Don’t forget, Gabriel, we all share the same blood. The same father. We all deserve to benefit from the legacy, not just you.”Ana shifts uncomfortably, her eyes darting between us. “Mía, it’s not about taking sides
(Mia)The townhouse is spotless. Every vase, every gold fixture, every inch of marble gleams under the crystal chandelier’s glow. I’ve made sure of it, not for me, but for them. My family is coming, and I know the judgment in their eyes will be as sharp as their words. They will think I don’t belong here. Such luxury and display of wealth is unbecoming. I should be more humble. Show more gratitude and grace.I don’t care. I do belong here. All I want is for mother to love and respect me as a woman. Not to always see me as her baby girl who needs constant mothering.I straighten the throw pillows for the third time, my nerves simmering beneath my skin. When the doorbell rings, I force my shoulders back and my face into a practiced smile. “Come in,” I say as I open the door. Mama steps in first, her dark eyes scanning the room like she’s searching for something to scold me about. Behind her, Ana and Eva follow, their expressions less obvious but no less guarded. Gabriel brings up
(Winona)“Winona,” he says, walking over to kiss my temple. “Welcome home. It feels so good here, right?”“You feel it too?” That makes me happy. Knowing Jayden feels the same vibe the kids and I do in this place.“You chose perfectly. I’m heading out for a meeting with Gus and Viktor. Figured I’d take Henry with me. He can nap in the car. If that’s okay with you? Is Henry being with Gus okay?” I nod. “Gus visited me, and we sorted some stuff. It’s fine with me if it’s fine with you.”He kisses my lips and whispers in my ear, “I can’t wait to snuggle with you tonight. I have missed you so, so much after dinner time.” He nuzzles my ear.I smile as Henry tries to grab my hair.“Hey, you two, get a room!” Lisa teases.“Oh, we will.” He steps away and Henry reaches for me and I hold his little hand in mine. I’ve missed him so much.“Anyway, I better bounce. Get this Global Nexus stuff done,” Jayden says.“Henry can stay here if it’s easier.”“No need. He’s my right-hand man these days. H
(Winona)The moment I step into the farmhouse, the scent of lavender and woodland spice welcomes me like an old friend. I know it’s one of Klara’s aromatherapy concoctions that I love.Lisa has given me a ride home to save Jayden the trip into the city as he’s here with the kids.The kids are buzzing around like a small tornado, their excitement obvious. It’s a stark contrast to the opulence of Brussels high-end estate or Jayden’s Penthouse here. This place is different. It’s ours. Once I have the renovations done, it will still be luxurious, of course—heated floors, state-of-the-art kitchen, and furnishings you’d see in a design magazine—but not excessive.It’s cozy, warm, and every inch of it feels lived-in. It’s like the cottage in a way. A family home but this place has something the cottage didn’t have. A history in its walls of previous families. It feels like home in a way nowhere else I’ve ever lived has.Even my townhouse, which was perfect for me at the time, pales in com
(Cass)I sit on the couch at Jayden’s penthouse, picking at my nails, while Viktor stands near the window, arms crossed, eyes focused on the city below.His broad shoulders are tense, his entire posture screaming disapproval.I’ve just told him what I overheard in my apartment and he’s acting like I heard it on purpose.“Say it,” I snap, breaking the silence.He turns, his blue eyes icy. “You shouldn’t have gone there alone.”“Tell me why you went there,” he demands, his voice a coiled spring ready to snap. “I didn’t know they’d be there!” I snap, my frustration bubbling to the surface. “I was cleaning up, minding my own business, and then they just… showed up.” “Does anyone else know?” he growls, his accent thickening with his anger. “Did you see anyone on the way in, or out? If he finds out…” “No.” I fire back. “No one else was around. Stop being so dramatic.”“You need to take this seriously,” he says, his voice sharp enough to cut glass. “Don Alejandro is one of the most danger