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289 Out of the Frying Pan
Last Updated:
2024-09-25 16:00:19Related chapters
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 290 The Waiting Game
(Jayden)I’m pacing the length of the room, my eyes flicking to Gus’s laptop every few seconds. The signal from Winona’s GPS tracker hasn’t moved in thirty minutes. My stomach churns with anxiety.Every second that ticks by feels like an eternity. “Are they just standing still?”“No, we’ve lost satellite transmission.”I had high hopes when I could see the van on the road but that froze soon after.Gus sits at the desk, calm and focused as he types away. He’s too calm. How can he be so calm?“They should have made contact by now,” I say, unable to keep the frustration out of my voice.“The van crashed. It went off road before it got to the interception point. They’ve just tracked it down.” Gus replies, not looking up from the screen.“Crashed?” I snap. “Are they okay?”Gus finally looks up, his expression neutral. “They aren’t there. A dead guy in the back. The driver and passenger both died too.”“Fuck! Where are Winona and Cass?”“We assume they are alive.”“Assume?” Winona is out
Last Updated : 2024-09-25Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 291 Home Safe
(Winona)We’re finally back. The penthouse feels strange after everything we’ve been through. It’s a little surreal. Cass is in the hospital for observation. I know she’ll have some struggles after being captive and drugged.I’m sure it will take time to deal with it all. But we’re home and she is getting the best care, and that’s all that matters right now.I walk over to the windows, looking out over the city. It’s getting dark, and the lights below are starting to flicker on. For the first time in days, I can actually breathe and relax.“Henry’s looking good. That virus is all but cleared up,” Jayden says, stepping up behind me.He wraps his arms around my waist, his chin resting on my shoulder. “Doctor says he’s feeding well, breathing on his own, and all the tests came back perfect.”“Really?” I lean into him, feeling some of the weight lift off my chest. “That’s… that’s amazing. I wasn’t sure we’d ever get to this point.”“I know.” Jayden kisses the side of my head. “But we’re h
Last Updated : 2024-09-26Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 292 My Struggle
(Cass)I’m lying in this hospital bed, staring at the ceiling, trying to get my shit together. My body’s still trembling from the aftereffects of the drugs they pumped into me. Meth. Of all the fucking things they could’ve used.I’ve been through withdrawal before, but this feels different. Darker. Like it’s gripping onto me harder than anything ever has. I know what that means. I know meth is one of the most addictive things out there.The worst part? I can feel it calling to me, already scratching at the back of my mind. It terrifies me.The doctors say I’m doing well. Physically, I’m recovering faster than they expected, but mentally? That’s another story. I’ve always had demons. Always fought through the shit life’s thrown at me. But this? I don’t know how to handle it.“Cass?” A soft knock on the door snaps me out of my thoughts. Winona steps in, looking as put together as ever, but I can see the exhaustion in her eyes. She’s been through a lot too. Probably more than me.“Hey,
Last Updated : 2024-09-26Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 293 Taking The Fall
(Jayden)One week laterI’m sitting at the kitchen table, staring at the newspaper in front of me. The headline is bold and in your face—Nexus Global CEO To Be Charged With Espionage. It’s all over the news. Every channel, every site I click on, every radio station.Gus is going down for crimes against the country, and not just here. Five European countries have filed charges too.I can’t wrap my head around it. The world thinks he’s some international criminal mastermind, but I know better. He’s not innocent, but he’s not guilty of what they’re saying either. He played the game, yeah, but he was working from the inside to take down the real scum.And now he’s branded a traitor.There’s a knock at the door. I’m half expecting it to be reporters or someone else here to shove a camera in my face asking about him. I push back from the table, heading for the door.When I swing it open, I’m surprised to see Gus standing there. He looks calm, collected, like he always does. But there’s some
Last Updated : 2024-09-26Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 294 Uneasy Feelings
(Winona)I sit on the couch in the penthouse, my mind swirling with everything that’s happened. I should feel relieved—Cass is safe, Henry’s doing better, and the second wedding is booked. But I don’t feel calm or settled.I feel like the ground is shifting beneath me, and I’m just waiting for it to open up.This place is constantly covered in kids' crap and trying to make a penthouse into a family just isn’t working any longer for me. Of course, it was only ever temporary. But with Henry coming home soon, I think we need to seriously decide where we’re going to live.“You’re thinking too hard again,” Jayden says, his voice soft, almost teasing.I let out a breath, shaking my head. “I can’t help it. There’s so much… stuff.”“Stuff,” he repeats with a little smile, trying to lighten the mood. I don’t smile back. I can’t.Jayden shifts beside me, running his hand through his hair. “You wanna talk about it?”“Which part?” I mutter. “Gus handing you Nexus Global like it’s some birthday p
Last Updated : 2024-09-27Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 295 Two Worlds Colliding
(Winona)Jayden’s been quiet since our discussion about Nexus Global. I can see the conflict in his eyes every time I bring it up. It’s like he’s stuck between two worlds. The one we’ve built together, with our family, and the one Gus left him with Nexus Global.Gus said it’s only the legitimate business, nothing else he was involved in can touch that. But can I really be sure? Now he’s probably going to jail for treason, how can that reflect well on Jayden?I don’t get why Jayden is so calm about what’s blowing up the media right now. Gus is a criminal of the highest degree. Regardless of what Gus really did, all the people see is a traitor and that is garnering a lot of hate.Clearly Jayden knows more than I do and I’m not asking for details.But, there’s no way in hell some of that shit won’t stick to Nexus Global and Jayden.I watch him now, sitting at his desk, his laptop open, papers spread out in front of him. He’s been on the phone all morning, talking with lawyers, accountan
Last Updated : 2024-09-27Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 296 Choices
(Winona)Jayden’s pacing again. It’s become his thing this past week, pacing the floor when his mind is in overdrive. He’s in the living room now, his eyes darting to the view outside, but I know he’s not really seeing any of it.“Maybe come sit down?” I ask, trying to break the silence.He stops, glances at me, and shakes his head. “I can’t sit. I’ve got too much shit spinning around in my head.”I let out a slow breath, watching him pace again. “This is about Nexus Global again, isn’t it?”Jayden stops in his tracks, running a hand through his hair. “Yeah. It’s about Nexus Global. It’s about Gus. It’s about the fact that my so-called father, the man I barely know, has handed me control of one of the biggest companies in the world.”I get off the couch and walk toward him, keeping my voice calm. “Jayden, whatever Gus was involved in isn’t a part for Nexus Global, is it? Nexus Global is a legitimate business. It’s not tainted by what he was doing behind the scenes?”“It isn’t,” he say
Last Updated : 2024-09-28Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 297 Poetic Justice
(Judy)I built this empire from the ground up. Brennan Industries is mine again, and I’ll be damned if I let it slip through my fingers. Gabriel’s sisters... they’ve got shares, but they don’t have the backbone to hold onto them.I’ll buy them out, take majority ownership.I sit in my office, looking out at the city skyline, and my mind spins with possibilities. Gus labeled a traitor? It doesn’t make sense. Not him. Gus has been involved in all sorts of shit over the years, but a traitor? No.I know him better than anyone knows him. One thing is for sure, the only person who knows exactly what’s going on is Gus.Still, it’s all over the news. Brennan Industries is connected to this mess because of Jayden. And Jayden... my son, has walked away from everything. From me, from this business. It’s like he doesn’t care about the life I built for him, the sacrifices I made, or the hell I went through with Greg.And Gus... I shake my head, trying to tamp down the anger bubbling up inside me.
Last Updated : 2024-09-28
Latest chapter
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 496 Future Revealed
Trigger Warning:The following chapter contains sensitive content, including the loss of a pregnancy and scenes of emotional distress. This may be triggering for some readers, particularly those who have experienced similar situations. Please proceed with care, and remember to prioritize your well-being. If needed, take a break or seek support.(Winona)I’m propped up in bed with a stack of pillows, sipping herbal tea from a handmade ceramic mug Klara sent as part of a care package all the way from Brussels.It came with a range of her organic herbal teas, a lavender-scented balm, and a handwritten note in her elegant script: Rest your body, nurture your heart, and trust your strength, Winona. That woman always seems to know what I need before I do.I’m so grateful and thankful for meeting her. I miss her gentle counsel and seeing her on a daily basis now I’m back in the States.My body feels stronger today, the heaviness weighing me down since the fall has lifted ever so slightly. Me
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 495 Broken Inside
(Cass)He steps forward and takes my hand in his. “And I regret it every day,” he says. His touch burns into me, but I know I can’t be betrayed by this physical attraction again.I pull my hand from his. “Enough. You don’t get to touch me. I’m here for my family. Go back to your business. I’m not interested.”Gabriel moves into my personal space again.Viktor moves lethally, placing himself directly between us. “She said enough,” he says, his voice is cold steel. It shouldn’t, but Viktor’s level of protectiveness sends a thrill down my spine. Fuck, I’m so wrong. Stop it.Gabriel’s jaw tightens, and for a moment, I think he’s going to push back.But then he steps away, his hands raised in mock surrender. “Fine. I’ll back off. But only because Cass asked me too. It was wrong of me to barge in with expectations.”“You’re damn right it was,” I say.“I hope Winona recovers well. Perhaps you can spare me some time one evening. For me to apologize properly…”“What part of the word no, don’
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 494 Between Fires
(Cass)Henry is a whirlwind of energy, zipping around the lounge like a tiny hurricane, clinging to the TV remote he’s found and smacking it against the couch.Jayden keeps half an eye on him while balancing a steaming cup of coffee and scrolling through something on his phone. “Should I be worried that your kid’s favorite pastime is destruction?” I ask, leaning against the back of the couch. Jayden smirks but doesn’t look up. “He’s not destructive. He’s… curious.” “Curious? That’s one word for it.” “Curiosity is healthy,” he smiles.Henry giggles and bolts along the floor as I make a beeline to get the remote back off him.“Healthy for him maybe.” I huff and puff as I wrestle the object out of his vice-like grip. “Give me that before you break something, little man.” Henry retaliates with an ear-piercing squeal that makes me cringe. Jayden just grins and plucks him off the floor, holding him upside down like a sack of potatoes. “That’s enough, buddy. Aunt Cass is tired of your a
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 493 Heartbeats
(Winona)The gel is cold, but I don’t care. I need this done. Dr. Harris adjusts the probe on my stomach, her face neutral as she stares at the monitor. Jayden sits beside me, his hand gripping mine. Lisa is standing at the end of the bed, arms crossed, her eyes flicking between me and the screen. Cass perches on the bedside out of the way. I’m grateful for their support.“Let’s see,” Dr. Harris says. Her tone is calm, but it doesn’t ease the storm raging inside me. My breath comes in shallow bursts, and I glance at Jayden. He hasn’t let go of my hand since they rolled the machine in. He looks focused, his eyes glued to the screen. Lisa breaks the silence first. “Should it take this long?” Her voice is sharp, her worry evident. Dr. Harris keeps her tone steady. “Sometimes the baby’s position makes it harder to pick up a signal. Let’s not assume anything yet.” “Easier said than done,” Cass says.I can’t help but agree. My mouth is dry. “Doctor, should I be worried?” Dr. Harris m
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 492 Waking Up
(Winona)The first thing I feel is exhaustion—a bone-deep, crushing weight that makes it nearly impossible to move. My body aches everywhere, like I’ve been run over by a truck.My head pounds, and my throat feels dry, but I force my eyes open, blinking against the soft light.“Mommy?” A small voice breaks through the fog, hesitant but hopeful.I blink again, and there she is. Abby, her little face framed by messy pigtails, her big blue eyes filled with worry. “Abby,” I rasp, my voice barely audible.Her face lights up, and she leans in close, clutching the edge of the bed. “You’re awake!” she exclaims, her voice trembling with relief. “I missed you so much, Mommy!”I try to lift my hand, but it feels like lead. Instead, I manage a weak smile. “I missed you too, sweetie,” I whisper.“Alright, sweetheart, let’s give Mommy a little space,” Anne’s calm voice comes from somewhere nearby. “Glad you’re back with us, Winona.”Abby shakes her head fiercely. “No! I want to stay with Mommy!”“I
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 491 Walking Away
(Jayden)I drop Viktor off at the penthouse, handing him the spare key fob. “Cat’s in charge while you’re here. Don’t let him boss you around too much,” I say with a smirk.Viktor raises an eyebrow. “I’m sure I’ll manage. Can’t be more troublesome than your sister-in-law.”I let out a low laugh. “Truth.”“I’ll get back here as soon as I can. I have some forward trajectory I need to discuss with you on Nexus Global. Help yourself to anything.”“I’ll be here. If anything happens with Winona, please let me know.”“I will. Right… now it’s time to go and finally put Brennan Industries behind me.”***By the time I pull up outside Gabriel’s hotel, I’m ready to let go and walk away.I knock on the door and it opens. Gabriel is there looking as tall and suave as ever. I step into the suite, and he greets me with a firm handshake. “Jayden,” he says, his tone even. “Thanks for coming.”“No problem,” I reply, keeping things brisk. “Let’s get this done.”Gabriel gestures to the small conference t
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 490 Show of Strength
(Cass)When Viktor and I step into the Brennan Wing family suite, the first thing I notice is how together Jayden looks.He’s standing by Henry’s highchair, feeding him bits of banana while the little guy alternates between smearing food on his face and laughing like he’s cracked the greatest joke in the world.Jayden doesn’t even flinch when Henry chucks half a cracker at his chest.“Alright, Superdad,” I say, dropping my bag on the couch. “You’re really leaning into this whole family-man thing. Should I be worried you’re going to start wearing matching dad-and-son tracksuits next?”Jayden smirks without looking up. “You jealous, Aunt Cass? I can always order you one too. I’m thinking neon green?”I grin, then I run to hug him. “Pass. I prefer my black on black for now.”Henry spots me and lets out an excited squeal, waving his sticky hands in my direction. “Oh, no you don’t,” I warn, taking a step back. “Your dad can keep the food fights. I’ll hug you as soon as we use some wipes.”
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 489 Creating a Family Cocoon
(Jayden)“Gabriel.” I say as Henry tries to grab my cell out of my hand.I manage to dodge his lightning-fast hand, holding the phone just out of his reach. He laughs, thinking it’s a game.His little giggles make me grin.“Jayden. I wanted to let you know I’m flying in to finalize the shares. Everything looks good on my end. I land at six.”“Great. Let me know your hotel room; I’ll come see you there.”“Sorry to hear about Lance and Judy. I’ve read over everything you sent. Are you sure?”“Yes,” I reply coolly. “You’ll be in charge now unless you make other arrangements with your family. I'm out.”There’s a pause on the other end, but I don’t care to fill it. Gabriel’s voice is measured when he continues, “How’s Winona? I heard she had a fall.”“She’s in recovery. We’ll know more tomorrow.”“I heard Cass was in Europe. Is she coming back to see her?”“She is. And I don’t want any trouble for her, Gabriel. She’s been through enough. I’m still pissed that Mia provided her with drugs an
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 488 Family Dynamics
(Jayden)I stand at the door the next morning as Anne steps in with the kids, managing the chaos with her usual calm authority. Abby clings to her arm, eyes darting nervously around the suite. “You remember this place, don’t you, sweetheart?” Anne asks gently. Abby nods but doesn’t let go. “It’s where the doctors made my heart better,” she whispers, glancing at me for reassurance. “It is,” I say, crouching to her level. “But this time, we’re here for Mom. She’s going to need all of us to help her get better. You up for the job?” Abby hesitates, then nods firmly. “Yes!” Then she opens her eyes wide. “Am I supposed to be really quiet?”“No darling. You can just be yourself. But we’ll try for no arguing and shouting with your brothers and sister, okay?”“Okay. Can I go see Mom now?”“Mom is having special medicine to keep her asleep for now, but I think she can still hear us. Go tell her about your day and we’ll join you soon. Keep her company for me. You know how she loves all your
