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228 Bad Influence
Last Updated:
2024-09-05 15:24:21
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 229 A Hidden Storm
(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
Last Updated : 2024-09-05Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 230 What’s His Agenda?
(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
Last Updated : 2024-09-05Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 231 Choices
(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
Last Updated : 2024-09-06Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 232 Cass’s Surprise
(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
Last Updated : 2024-09-06Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 233 Setting the Date
(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
Last Updated : 2024-09-06Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 234 Calm Before the Gala
(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
Last Updated : 2024-09-07Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 235 Gala Night
(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
Last Updated : 2024-09-07Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 236 Hot In Here
(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
Last Updated : 2024-09-07
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 562 Family Ties
(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
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 561 Good Times
(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
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 560 Alone At last
(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
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 559 Lights, Cameras, Action
(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
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 558 Picture Perfect
(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
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 557 Travel and Trouble
(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
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 556 If I Fail
(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
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 555 A Lullaby and a Warning
(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
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 554 A Ticking Time Bomb
(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
