(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
(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
(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
(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.
(Winona)I’m sitting on a park bench the next day, watching Abby as she climbs the jungle gym, her little legs kicking out as she tries to navigate the bars. Judy’s right behind her, guiding her carefully. It’s one of the new playgrounds in the area, all shiny and safe.But I still feel uneasy, as I always do with Judy.Judy’s laugh rings out as Abby makes it to the top. She claps her hands, and Abby beams down at her. It’s a picture-perfect moment, and I love it for Abby, but I hate that I can’t ever be at peace with this woman in our lives.Every time Judy's around, I feel on edge, like there’s something waiting to go wrong. But Abby loves her, and no matter how many boundaries I put up, there’s always supervised visits. It’s the deal we made.I pull my jacket tighter around me, watching Judy lean in close to Abby, whispering something that makes her giggle. Judy looks over at me, I know she has something she wants to say.“You should try the big slide next, Abby,” Judy says, holdin
(Winona's POV)“We’re pretty backed up with marketing results to go through. You think you can handle the load?” Phillip asks, leaning back in his chair.I glance up from the stack of reports, catching his eye for just a second too long. “I’ve handled more.”His eyebrow lifts, clearly amused. “More, right.”I ignore the innuendo that seems to lace everything, flipping through the pages, pretending to focus. “We’ve got a five percent increase in revenue for Brennan Industries campaign,” I say, steering the conversation back to the numbers. “Your marketing tactics really paid off.”I glance up at him. Hell, this is not as easy as I thought it would be. I feel like we’re a couple of teenagers who just kissed behind the school shed. This is no good. We need to be able to work together normally again.Now it feels all awkward and that does not help me focus on the work I have to catch up on.“I have another meeting with Judy this week. I think she’s looking at adding some more funds to inc
(Winona)Anne cooked dinner, thank God, but she’s off for the night and headed out. Leaving me to juggle dishing dinner, bath time, and all the homework chaos that comes with three kids.I assured her I would be okay and sent her on her way. But I’m not okay. These kids are really testing me tonight.“Bobby, stop teasing Sarah! Just eat your noodles please,” I say, trying to keep my cool.Bobby rolls his eyes, barely touching his plate. “I’m not hungry.”“Funny, you were hungry when you asked for seconds five minutes ago,” I say, glancing at Sarah, who’s scowling at her brother.“I don’t like them,” Bobby complains.“Anne makes them the same every week, you always eat them,” I argue.“They taste different.”I’m thinking my sauce substitute might have caused that. “it doesn’t matter. They are still good and there’s starving kids around the world who would love those noodles.”“Send it over to them then.”“Bobby. Stop being rude. If you don’t eat those, you’ll have to go hungry.”“Fine.
(Winona)“Ummm, Winona? I’m kinda hungry still.”“Wow. Okay. Look I’ll make some sandwiches, okay?”“PB and J?”“That’s not much of a dinner…” But I’m really too tired to argue.I guess it’s Kids one, Winona zero, on the dinner scale.I go make enough sandwiches for them all and distribute them. So much for discipline. Now I’m letting them eat in their beds.Another glance at the clock. Two hours late now. My patience is wearing thin. But I’m going to finish this evening on a happy note. I tidy the kitchen and put the dishes in the sink to soak.I don’t want to use the dishwasher all the time. We make things way too easy for ourselves. Once it’s in the drainer, I go and empty the bath and get the clothes and towels into the hamper.Then I go back past the girls' rooms and take their plates and kiss them goodnight. I tuck them in and lower their lights.I suppose they should clean their teeth. Well, once won’t hurt. I’m not getting them up again.I go and pour myself a glass of wine an
(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
(Jayden)The door opens, and Lisa steps in, carrying a fresh change of clothes and some toiletries I had her swing by the penthouse and grab.“Jayden,” she says quietly, setting the bag down near the chair. “You look like shit.”I don’t even glance at her. “Thanks for the compliment.”She pulls up a chair beside me. “I mean it. You’re running on fumes. Go shower, get something to eat, and grab a couple of hours of sleep. I’ll stay with Winona. You need to be human when the kids get here tomorrow morning.”“I’m fine,” I lie, tightening my grip on Winona’s hand. “I don’t want to leave her.” I mean I can actually smell myself at this point.“Jayden.” Lisa’s voice takes on that tone she uses when she’s not going to back down. “I’m serious. You’re no good to anyone in this state. Winona will kick your ass if she sees you like this—smelling like death warmed over and looking worse.”She’s so right. I really need to get my shit together and show Winona I can lead our family when needed. Not
(Cass) I pace the estate office, Viktor’s phone pressed tightly to my ear. Viktor leans against the desk, his arms crossed, the picture of calm professionalism. Good. I want to ignore the way he held me earlier, like I actually mattered to him.He’s trained to say the right things to defuse situations. That’s all it was.Jayden picks up, his voice tense but steady. “Cass. She’s okay. I mean, she’s in an induced coma for a few days but she’s okay.” “Thank God!” I say, my voice cracking. I can’t stop the tremble in my hands. “Are you with her still?” “Yes,” he says, and I let out a shaky breath. “The head wound is under control, the coma is to wait for the swelling and her blood pressure to go down. But she is going to get through this.”“What about the baby?” “No,” he cuts me off sharply. “Just positive talk. She’s strong. They both are.” His voice softens, and I realize how much he’s struggling to hold it together. It’s so unlike him to sound vulnerable. “I’m coming home…”“Wai
(Jayden)Winona lies motionless in the Brennan Wing’s family suite medical bedroom, surrounded by machines that hum and beep softly in the background. This room was designed to keep families together during the most terrifying moments of their lives.This wing is my initiative, but I never thought I’d need it personally so much. I’m bending the guidelines a little having Winona here now but I know her best chance is having the ones she loves the most around her.Right now, I’d give anything for a sign—any sign—that she’ll wake up. I don’t have that yet but what I am going to do is create a positive environment around Winona. I called Barnaby and he reminded me of many coping mechanisms I’d learned from his sessions.I’m going to only speak of the future and what’s happening now. I’m not mentioning the past. Winona deserves to hear and believe the wonderful future ahead of us. No matter what has happened or what may happen.Dr. Harris and Dr. Reeves stand at the foot of the bed, revie
(Jayden)I burst through the front door, taking the stairs two at a time to the second floor. I pray I’m in time. I stop at the bottom of the attic stairs.Then I see her.Winona lies crumpled halfway down the attic stairs, her body twisted awkwardly. Her head jammed up against the wall, her hand rests on a spindle. Blood pools beneath her head on the stair, dark and horrifying, and for a second, I’m frozen.My mind blanks out, every thought swept away by raw panic.But then I snap back. She needs me. She needs me to be fully present, not panicking.I force myself forward, the first aid kit from the car clutched in my shaking hands. Every instinct screams at me to scoop her up, to hold her, but I stop myself. If she’s hurt her neck or spine… I could make it worse. My knees hit the stair below her, and I reach for her wrist with trembling fingers.A faint pulse. Relief crashes over me so hard I almost collapse, but it’s short-lived. She’s alive, but for how long?I tear open the first
(Cass)“Winona!” I scream into the phone again, but there’s only silence. The screen is dark, it’s silent. She isn’t answering. “Goddammit, Winona!” I shout, “answer me! Be okay. Answer me…”I don’t want to end the call, she could be… But I have to. I need to call Jayden.My breath is ragged gasps as I stumble to the kitchen counter, gripping the edge for support. My shaking fingers scroll to Jayden’s number. “Pick up, pick up!” My voice cracks as I pace in a tight circle, clutching the phone to my ear. It rings, and then—voicemail. “Are you fucking kidding me?” I scream, slamming the phone onto the counter so hard it bounces off and hits the floor. Fuck! It’s totaled now.My chest tightens, panic squeezing my throat. How can I call him, how can I contact Jayden? I grab my jacket and bolt out the door, running as fast as my legs will carry me to the estate. Viktor. He has a another number, one that always gets answered.My lungs are bursting as I run full tilt for the estate, but
(Winona)Cass’s face fills my phone screen, her hair messy and there are definite dark circles under her eyes.“God, you look wrecked,” I tease gently as I check out the kitchen of the home I’m about to close on. Anne has the kids for the afternoon, so I’m going to show-off this place to Cass. Cass groans. “Tell me about it. I just got done with prep for the estate’s first formal dinner since Jayden left. I’m in charge of a canape, Winona. A canape!” I raise an eyebrow. “That’s a really big deal. You should be proud of yourself.” “Oh I am. I’m so excited. These chefs are relentless but I’m learning so much. I love it here, even if Viktor’s constant hovering is killing my vibe a little.” “Hovering?” I ask, confused. “He’s not here physically—he’s too busy running Nexus Global—but the calls, the emails, the random texts asking if I’ve checked the locks or need anything… it’s constant. Can you tell Jayden to call him off please?” I lean forward, frowning. “Cass, I don’t think Jayde
(Jayden)Mother’s polished mahogany coffin sits at the front, surrounded by white lilies and roses, a stark contrast to the tumultuous life she lived and the wreckages she caused. It’s just Gus and me. No friends, no extended family. Just the two of us and that was what she wanted. Of course she did, just us two solely focused on her. Gus sits beside me in shackles, the officers are keeping their distance for now and covering all exits. He’s leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, his face drawn and pale. He looks like a man carrying the world’s regrets on his shoulders. He should be.I stand up and go forward to place a single rose on top of the coffin. This is it, she’s really gone. My emotions are tangled—anger, relief, guilt, and some small, stubborn ache that won’t let go. I feel free, and that in itself feels wrong. I go sit next to Gus again.But she made my adult life Hell and Winona is right, a big part of me won’t miss any part of that. I will miss most what I didn
(Winona)The house is more charming than I expected—stonework covered in ivy, a wraparound porch, and large windows that bathe the interior in natural light.It feels warm and lived-in, unlike the two more modern places we’ve seen. The kids are darting through the unkempt yard, Bobby and Sarah racing each other toward a large and fairly new shed, while Abby lags behind, looking at a large pond.“Not too close to the edge, sweetie.” I call out and she smiles and nods back at me.Henry clings to my leg, his little legs unsteady on the uneven ground. I scoop him up and put him in his pusher Jayden has unfolded.Jayden wanders a few steps away, hands on his hips, surveying the property with a critical eye. “The house is more move-in ready than the others,” he admits. “But it needs a lot of work.”“I agree. But it just has a good feeling,” I say. “And the pond’s a bonus, but it’ll need fencing off somehow. Henry’s too curious for his own good.”Jayden nods, but I can tell his mind is elsew