(Winona)I arrive at the office, but my thoughts are still clouded with everything that happened this morning. Cass’s words, her defiance, they all replay in my mind. Is she using again?And if she is, how do I help her without pushing her away?Probably not how I reacted this morning. I sigh. I practically booted her out. I flick her a quick text apologizing and say I hope she will be home when I get home today.Phillip greets me as I step into our shared workspace. He looks up from his desk, a knowing look in his eyes. “You okay? You look a little...tense.” Aside from Jayden and Anne, Phillip knows me the best.We spent a lot of time together, for work and in our personal lives. We’re close work associates again, and friends. I’m building my trust for him back up again. Which is nice.I sigh, sliding into the chair opposite him. “It’s Cass. She didn’t come home last night. Went out with Mia again and walked in looking like she’d been through hell. We had an argument. She said she’s
(Judy)Sitting behind my desk, I take a long, measured look at Gabriel. He’s calm, collected, dressed sharp in a tailored suit that makes him look every bit the professional he wants me to believe he is.But I’ve been around too long, seen too much, to take anyone at face value anymore. Especially not Greg’s long-lost son.“Let’s get straight to the point,” I say, folding my hands on the desk. “You’ve got shares now, but what exactly are you planning to do with them? Surely you have some kind of ambition.”Gabriel meets my gaze, his expression steady. “I want to help, but I can’t legally manage any businesses here without a green card. I can own shares, have a joint venture or even fund a start-up but not work in the U.S. until the green card is through.”“Have you got a green card application in?”“I do.”I narrow my eyes. “So, what’s your plan? Just sit on those shares while the rest of us do the heavy lifting?”Gabriel smiles. “Not at all. I’ve already been in touch with an immigra
(Winona)After dinner, the house falls into that familiar quiet. Abby’s already tucked into bed. Jayden’s sitting across from me in his den, sipping on his usual port nightcap.By the way he’s eyeing me, he knows something’s on my mind.I lean back in my chair, running my fingers through my hair. “So… I’ve been thinking.”Jayden raises an eyebrow, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. “Should I be worried?”I roll my eyes but can’t help but grin. “Depends.”He chuckles softly, setting his port glass down. “Alright, hit me. What’s on your mind?”I take a deep breath, deciding to just dive in. “It’s about the no contact order with Judy. I’ve been wondering if you’ve reconsidered letting Abby see her—supervised, of course. I’d be there. And… There's also the matter of Phillip and me having Brennan Industries as a client. I don’t want it to cause any issues for my business.”Jayden’s expression shifts, the playfulness gone. He leans forward, elbows resting on the table, his ga
(Winona)It’s Tuesday morning, and the city outside our penthouse is already buzzing with activity. I’ve got a full day ahead of me. The work calendar is packed tight, and I know today will be a marathon, but my mind drifts to Cass.After our argument yesterday, I’m worried. She’s still not home. I have to leave very soon.I pace the living room, finishing my second cup of coffee when I finally hear the front door click open.Cass walks in, looking disheveled but not exactly hungover.“Morning,” I say, trying to keep my voice casual, though I’m anything but relaxed.“Morning,” she replies, dropping her bag on the floor and kicking off her work shoes.“I’m just about to head to the office. Everything okay?” I don’t want to sound like I’m lecturing her again.Cass shrugs, but she’s still got that smile. “Yeah, actually. Everything’s great. I got offered a trainee position in the kitchen at the restaurant. Full-time.”I blink, taken aback. “Wait, really? That’s amazing, Cass!” I wasn’t e
(Winona)Jayden and I are in our bedroom, getting ready for bed. The room is dimly lit, just enough to see the soft outlines of the furniture and each other. It’s a peaceful moment, but my mind’s buzzing with everything that’s happened over the past few days.We climb into bed and automatically gravitate towards each other.“It’s been amazing having you close at night.”I manage a small smile, but I’m distracted, my thoughts still on the conversation I had earlier today with Gus and Phillip. “I’m glad you think so.” But inside I worry that I should be taking this to the next level. We’re not teenagers.Jayden tightens his arms around me. “You seem tense. What’s going on?”I’m not sure I can tell him what’s really bothering me, so I opt for the second line thing that’s bothering me. It is something I do need to tell Jayden anyway. I’m not sure what he’ll make of it all.“It’s just… Gus came by to talk about Maria and Greg’s kids. To my office.”“Okay, get it off your chest. What’s Gus
(Winona)One Month LaterSitting around the dinner table with everyone feels like a common occurrence these days. It’s been a full month of peace, and I’m not used to it yet.I glance over at Jayden, who’s dishing Abby her pasta while she chatters nonstop about the wedding and attendants dresses we chose, starring, of course, her gorgeous pink princess dress as flower girl.“You know, we can’t let Daddy know how we will all look. It’s bad luck.”Abby clamps her little hand over her mouth, her blue eyes are wide.I laugh. “It’s okay, Sweety. I know you’re very excited. We all are.”“I can’t wait, Mommy!”“Eat some dinner. We can make some secret plans tomorrow.” I wink at her and she munches into her mac and cheese Anne has made. “Actually, if you, Bobby and Sarah would like to go eat at the breakfast bar in the kitchen, you can. A Friday night treat.”“Yay!” Sarah says with a smile.Bobby grins. “Cool.”The three of them take their bowls and head into the kitchen leaving us in the di
(Winona)As Jayden and I descend the grand staircase, arm in arm, I can’t help but admire the sparkling crystals hanging from the ceiling, casting shimmering reflections across the room.The place is studded with high-profile people, all dressed in their finest, as waiters expertly weave through the crowd offering canapés and champagne. The buzz of conversation fills the air, and I know there is more to come along with the red carpet entry.“Looks perfect, doesn’t it?” Jayden murmurs in my ear, his arm tightening around me.“Yeah,” I say, letting my eyes sweep over the glittering scene below us. “Almost too perfect.”He chuckles softly. “You’re still looking for Judy, aren’t you?”I laugh, but there’s no real humor in it. “You know me too well.”We make it to the bottom of the staircase, and I scan the room again. No sign of her. Maybe she won’t come after all. A part of me feels relieved, but another part—an admittedly smaller, more cynical part—knows better.Judy wouldn’t miss bei
(Winona)Gabriel Brennan and some beauty.He’s wearing a sharp, tailored suit, his dark hair cut short with a mop of curls on top, exuding confidence with every step. There’s no denying it, he’s attractive. Dangerously so. But it’s the woman with him that really catches my attention.She’s stunning, a bombshell in every sense of the word. Slim, with short, sleek hair and a dress that hugs her curves like a second skin. The way she carries herself, the way everyone in the room is watching her... there’s something magnetic about her. Something almost familiar.I squint, trying to figure out who she is, and then Lisa jabs me in the ribs, her eyes wide with disbelief.“Holy shit,” she whispers. “That’s Cass.”I freeze, staring harder. It is Cass. What the hell is she doing?She’s practically glowing, her usual dark, baggy clothes replaced with this slinky silver number that shows off every inch of her body. A body that every male and half the females in the room wish they were escorting
(Jayden)Gus steps out, his posture as straight as ever, his piercing eyes scanning the surroundings like he’s still in charge of the world. He looks older—more weathered—but there’s still that unmistakable aura about him.The one that tells you he’s better off as your friend than your enemy.I climb out of the car, my leather boots crunching against the gravel as I approach him. Viktor lingers by the driver’s side, watching, his face as stoic as ever. Not even a hint of a smile. “Jayden,” Gus greets me, his voice steady, calm, as if he’s walking out of a board meeting instead of a federal prison. “I didn’t expect you.”“Gus,” I reply, my tone neutral. I’m not playing doting son. There’s too much history, too much unresolved. “How was the hospitality?” A ghost of a smile tugs at his lips. “Let’s just say I’ve had better accommodations.” Viktor steps forward, his arms crossed over his broad chest. “Let’s not linger.”“Very well.” Gus moves towards the car.I follow and get into the
(Mia)The chandelier glitters overhead, casting rainbows across the marble floor as I pace the room, my heels clicking loudly in the oppressive silence.Judy might be gone, but the specter of her looms large over this place. Gold fixtures, crystal vases, and overpriced art that screams wealth and power.I stare out the window of Judy’s luxury apartment as I clutch my phone. The screen glows with a message from Gus’s people, promising me that everything will be fine.That they’ll protect me. That I’m safe.Safe.I’ve just met with the person they are supposedly keeping me safe from at Cass’s old apartment. I had a key cut, just in case I needed it.No one is safe from Don Alejandro, my grandfather. That’s what they don’t realize. There is no escape from him. They’ll never get anyone close enough to him to kill him.Gabriel’s voice echoes down the hall, he’s staying here with me.I sink into one of the velvet armchairs. Gabriel was supposed to sell me more shares. He promised he’d think
(Cass)The smell of mildew hits me the moment I open the door to my tiny apartment. My stomach churns as I step inside, taking in the chaos left behind. Furniture overturned, drawers yanked open, and everything I once owned strewn across the floor like a crime scene.I should clean this place up and sell it. But letting it go is harder than I imagined. It’s what I bought with money from Mom, to start my new life. To be the person she always believed I’d be.That worked well, didn’t it?I drag myself out of the downward funk, this time I’ll make good.I swallow hard, gripping the strap of my duffel bag. It’s been months since I fled this place, running from my own disasters. Part of me wonders why I came back at all.But I know it’s because it’s all I have left of Mom—her money barely stretched far enough to buy this shoebox, but it was something of my own. My tiny sanctuary.I drop my bag on the only chair still upright and let out a shaky breath. “Okay, Cass,” I mutter to myself. “Le
(Lisa)I wake up feeling like I’ve been hit by a truck. My stomach churns, my mouth tastes like regret, and I’m not entirely sure if it’s from the stress of everything with Winona or the bug the nurses warned me was going around. Either way, I feel gross.I sit up in bed slowly, trying to shake off the nausea. “Okay, Lisa,” I mutter to myself. “You’re just stressed. Stress does weird things to your body, right?”I think maybe I need to get back into my meditation and herbal teas.My stomach rolls again, and I press a hand to it, glaring at the offending body part like it’s personally betrayed me. “You will not ruin this day for me.”I’m working on my meeting agenda today to run by Winona tonight, ready for our meeting with the CEO in a week.This evening, I’m heading back in to help Winona shower after dinner. Once she has all of that under control, she can go home. Jayden does dayshifts with her and then heads home to the kids.The kids aren’t allowed in intensive care, so Winona is
(Lisa)I carry the tray carefully into the room, the smell of generic hospital soup wafting up.Winona’s sitting up in bed. She looks pale but more alert, her eyes flicking toward me as I set the tray down on the small table beside her bed. “Dinner is served,” I announce, gesturing to the soup like I’m unveiling a five-star meal. “Courtesy of the world-renowned Hospital Cafeteria. I am willing to risk my life and my palate eating this with you.” Winona lets out a faint laugh, the sound weak but genuine. “You’re a true hero, Lisa. Braving the wilds of hospital dining for me.” “You’d better appreciate it,” I say, as I sit beside her again. “I even got crackers. They didn’t come with the soup, so I had to charm the grumpy lady at the counter. She now thinks I’m a struggling single mom of five kids, so you owe me.” Winona raises an eyebrow, a small smirk tugging at her lips. “Five kids? Really?” “Hey, I panicked, okay? She looked like the kind of person who gives you the stink eye fo
(Winona) Dr. Harris’s words hang in the air long after she leaves. Recovery is a process… it’s okay to take things slow.Slow. It’s all anyone keeps saying. But slow isn’t in my nature. Slow doesn’t keep the thoughts at bay, the quiet moments where I can’t escape the emptiness. I stare at the ceiling, my fingers making light circles on my abdomen again. I pull them back. It’s a cruel reflex—reaching for something that isn’t there anymore. The door clicks open, and Lisa steps in, her expression softer than usual. “Hey, warrior queen. The nurse said you were ready for some company.” “Hey,” I say, trying to summon a smile. “I sure am. I need some non-medical talk for a while.”Lisa pulls up a chair beside my bed and crosses her legs.She studies me for a moment before speaking. “You look like shit, but like… badass shit. Like you survived a car crash and are about to storm into a boardroom meeting.” I huff out a small laugh. “Your bedside manner could use some work.” “Honesty is m
(Winona) “Dr Harris will be with you soon. How are your pain levels?”“It’s okay. A dull ache at most.” Physically anyway.She finishes fluffing the pillows behind me and checks the monitors one last time. “I’ll make a note for the doctor.”I nod.My hand covers my stomach. There’s no baby anymore. No heartbeat to wait for. Just a dull ache where hope used to be. I hear the door click open. I look over but it isn’t the doctor, it’s Jayden back again.“Can I get a moment with Winona? I won’t be long…” he asks the nurse.“Sure, if it’s okay with Winona.”“It’s fine.” I tell her.“Hey,” he says quietly, walking over to the chair by my bed. “Hey,” I reply. “I’m going to head to the penthouse for a shower and go see the kids, okay?”“More than okay. I feel better knowing you’re with them.”“I don’t want to leave you if you’re not ready.”I shrug. “I’m sore. Empty. Tired.” I pause, my throat tightening. “I don’t even know how I’m supposed to feel. But I do know we have to push forward
(Jayden)The next morning, I sat at the edge of her bed in the dim light of the intensive care room. The machines hum softly around us, their rhythmic beeping a constant reminder of how fragile this moment is.Winona’s face is pale, her lashes fluttering against her cheeks like she’s caught in a restless dream. But she’s here, she’s going to be okay. But U still have to tell her the news.She still has to hear me say the words about our baby, about her operation.Her fingers twitch against the sheets, and my heart leaps. She’s waking up. “Winona?” I lean forward, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Hey, sweetheart. I’m here. You’re okay.” Her eyelids flutter open, her gaze unfocused at first, then locking onto mine. Her lips part, dry and cracked, as she tries to speak. “Jayden…” Her voice is a hoarse whisper, barely audible over the hum of the machines. “I’m here,” I repeat, my voice steady even though my chest is about to cave in. She blinks, her hand moving instinctivel
(Cass)I spin to see Viktor striding toward us, his expression impassive, his massive shoulders squared. His black jacket and dark jeans make him look even more formidable than usual. Gabriel steps back, but there’s a subtle challenge in the way he straightens his posture.“What are you doing here?” I ask, surprised. “Business,” he says curtly, his razor-blue eyes flicking to Gabriel for a brief second before landing back on me. “I need to speak with Jayden. Is he still in the Brennan Wing?” Of course, business. This is a coincidence. “No. He’s in intensive care ward with Winona. It’s limited visitors but one of the nurses will let him know you’re there.” “I was just checking in on Cass, and Winona myself” Gabriel says smoothly, his tone polite but pointed. “How considerate,” Viktor replies, his voice cold. The tension between them is so thick I could cut it with a knife. I’m caught between a molten meteorite and one iceberg king, and I’m the shiny object they both want to prot