(Jayden)I blink, adjusting to the light as I wake, feeling Winona’s body curled up against mine, her head resting on my chest. The quiet of the morning wraps around us.It’s one of those rare moments of peace. The kids are still asleep, no wonder. It was a night ending in wedding cake and ice cream. But for the first time in what feels like forever, there’s no rush, no tension. Just us.Winona stirs, her fingers brushing lazily over my skin. “Morning, Mr. Brennan,” she murmurs, her voice heavy with sleep.I grin, tightening my arm around her. “Morning, Mrs. Brennan. How’re you feeling?”She lets out a soft laugh, lifting her head slightly to meet my eyes. “Like I got hit by a truck, in the best way possible.”Last night flashes through my mind, the night we shared. Passion, relief, and love all rolled into one. I can’t help but smile. “You looked incredible yesterday. But you look even better now.”Winona rolls her eyes playfully. “Yeah I bet my bed hair and panda eyes are killer.”
(Winona)I can’t believe we’re here. Henry’s car seat is strapped securely in the back, and Jayden’s driving slower than I’ve ever seen him. The hospital discharged him today—our baby boy.Finally, after months of fear and sleepless nights, we get to bring him home. I glance back at him, his tiny little body bundled up in warm clothes and woolen hat.He’s still so small, but he looks so much better than the first time I saw him hooked up to a thousand machines. Now he looks like any smaller newborn, but he’s already been on the earth almost five months.“How are you doing back there, little man?” I say, though I know he won’t respond. I just like talking to him. His eyes are open, drifting slowly around as he takes in the world.Maybe I should have sat in the back with him. He doesn’t cry, but he looks squirmy. I hope I’m up to caring for him. I’m very, very nervous about it,Jayden glances at me, his hand resting on my knee. “You okay?”I nod, even though a lump forms in my throat. “
(Winona)It’s been a few days since we brought Henry home, and it feels like the house is running on a delicate balance of chaos and calm. The kids are adjusting to not being quite so noisy over the weekend, but it’s a lot.Jayden’s been amazing—stepping in with the older kids when I’m too exhausted, making sure everything is in order with Henry’s equipment, and juggling his own work in between. But I’m not forgetting he will be gone soon.Right now, Henry’s sleeping in the automatic swing next to me, his tiny chest rising and falling steadily. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of watching him breathe.After everything, just seeing him here, breathing on his own... It feels like a miracle.Jayden took Bobby and Sarah out for a walk to the park, giving them some fresh air. Abby’s curled up on the couch, flipping through a picture book. She hasn’t let Henry out of her sight since we brought him home. Wouldn’t even go to the park.She’s obsessed, constantly asking to help feed him or tou
(Jayden)I lean against the kitchen counter, my eyes on the kids as they sit at the dining table, happily eating lunch. Bobby and Sarah are laughing at something Abby said, and it’s one of those rare moments where everything seems perfect.But there’s a pit in my stomach, and I can’t ignore it.Nexus Global is the thing I need to deal with right now and the sooner I do the better. I’ve had calls and emails from various people in the team and none of them seem at all sympathetic to my situation.In fact, they give the impression that I’m being weak by wanting to support my family. I’m not sure if I’ll ever fit in with this team. Things seem to be done so differently over there.I can’t even go and ask for help from Gus as he goes through the trial process. So I’m on my own.My phone buzzes in my pocket. I already know who it is. Hugo Devereux. He’s been calling every day, demanding my attention for some Nexus Global crisis or other.I swipe away the notification for the third time toda
(Winona)Henry’s finally asleep, and the house is settling into that sweet, quiet lull that comes after a long, hectic day. I recheck the monitor and tiptoe out of the nursery, closing the door softly behind me, and head downstairs.It’s still surreal having Henry home, and part of me feels like I should be watching over him constantly, but the doctors assured us that the specialist equipment and nanny support would alert us if anything goes wrong.The monitor screens are set up in the living and kitchen areas and our bedroom. But I am well aware I need to relax and let go a little as well. I’m not going to end up being a helicopter mom when the kid’s sixteen.It’s bad enough now, I can’t focus on my work and business right now. I’m going away for an extended time. Phillip needs support at work and I’m still getting hit with the awkwardness every time I see him. I have to make a choice soon.Is it time to sell up my half and become a fulltime Mom?But enough of that. Cass is here and
(Winona)Jayden leaves later tonight. I’m trying my best not to be sad in front of him. I really want this opportunity for us.As much as it was a shock for Gus to throw him in at the deep end, I can see a certain buzz back in Jayden since he’s been a businessman again.I like that for him.I glance over at him, his focus somewhere far away. “You all packed?”Jayden nods, sipping his coffee. “Mostly. Just a few last-minute things to throw in the bag. It’s weird, though. This time tomorrow, I’ll be in Dubai overnight.”My stomach tightens at the thought. He’ll be gone for a whole month before we can join him, and I’ll be juggling everything here—Henry, the kids, work, and planning the big move. I’ve never been more excited and more nervous in my life.“I can’t believe it’s finally happening,” I admit, leaning back into the couch. “Europe. I mean... we’ve talked about it, planned for it, but now that it’s real...”Jayden reaches over, squeezing my hand. “Hey, we’re going to be fine. The
(Jayden)I step out of the jet, and the crisp European air hits me immediately—cleaner, cooler. It smells faintly of rain, earth, and something else I can’t place. It feels... old. Ancient, even.This place has history, layers of it.At the bottom of the stairs, I spot the two men I was told would be waiting. Viktor Balázs, head of security, stands with his arms folded across his chest.He’s tall and built like he could take down a bear with his bare hands. Dressed in black tactical gear, his stance is solid, like nothing could knock him over.His face is set, but there’s an ease in the way he carries himself. I’ve read his file—ex-military, Hungarian, a force of nature in his field.Next to him stands Hugo Devereux, the man Gus has trusted for decades. He’s everything I imagined: tall, lean, and dripping with French superiority. The way his gray hair is slicked back, his sharp suit perfectly tailored, it’s like he’s stepped out of some European fashion magazine.He’s got the air of s
(Jayden)When I step into Nexus Global’s head office, I’m hit with the sheer magnitude of what this place represents. It’s nothing like Brennan Industries. Everything here screams perfection and wealth.It’s not just a business, it’s a world, and from the moment I walked through those doors, I knew I wasn’t just stepping into an office. This place could fit three Brennan Industries in it.Viktor stays close, guiding me through the labyrinth of glass and steel, the entire place buzzing with activity. Nexus Global runs like a machine. No time for small talk, no casual greetings.Everyone moves with purpose, their eyes locked on screens or buried in thick files.Hugo strides ahead, barely looking back as he leads the way.As we step into the massive boardroom, I’m greeted by faces I don’t recognize. And none of them seem particularly excited to meet me. I take a seat at the head of the table, feeling the weight of their judgmental stares.Viktor stands quietly behind me, like a shadow, w
Readers, I’ve been back through all your comments and it really touches me that so many of you cared about these characters. I want to send a very special shout out to mitzi.goodson and Theresa for your active love of the story all the way and for commenting regularly. I love you guys and I love all the readers #hearteyes# Also I have discovered a mistake in the upload of Chapter 553. Only half the chapter seems to have been uploaded and I have now fixed that. I know you’re asking about if you’ll see these characters again…right now, I’m letting them rest but I hope to update you on them in the future. Right now I’m focusing on my new stories which I know you’ll also love.In the next one, After waking from a 5 month coma, Ava Lancaster watches her beloved daughter die. Ex-husband Zach Lorne, allowed the mother of his first child, cunning Sienna Sinclair to use little Lila as a medical pawn. Consumed by grief, Ava sets their mansion ablaze—clutching Lila’s body while Zach pleads outs
(Winona)Lisa sits on the couch between me and Jayden, her fingers curled around the USB stick.“You don’t have to,” I remind her gently.“I know,” she replies. “But I want to. I can’t move forward if I don’t hear him out.” She hands the drive to Jayden.Jayden leans forward and plugs the drive in. The screen flickers.And then there he is.Lance. Black eye blooming from Jayden’s attack over hall pass week, bruised knuckles, the same crooked grin he always wore.“Lisa,” he says, “I’m so sorry. I wish this could have been different.”I glance at her. She flinches but doesn’t look away.He shakes his head. “No big poetic intro. No music. No tragic montage. Just me.”His smile cracks slightly.“First, I want to say this isn’t your fault. You didn’t fail me. You didn’t love me wrong. In fact, you’re probably the only person who ever loved me right.”Lisa’s breath hitches beside me.“I wasn’t built for longevity, Lisa. You knew that. Hell, I practically had an exit sign blinking over my he
(Winona)Viktor stands with his hands by his side while Jayden finishes up his announcement.I watch on, proud of them both. Not only staunch in business but as friends.“I’ll still be involved on a higher level, but day-to-day, Viktor’s your guy,” Jayden says, firm and confident. “Effective immediately, he’s the new CEO of Nexus Global.”There’s a brief pause before the quiet, respectful claps ripple through the room.Viktor just nods. “Thank you,” he says. No long speech. No dramatic reaction. Just two words. Classic Viktor.Jayden glances my way and walks over.“Proud of him,” I say quietly. “And of you.”“He’s ready,” Jayden replies. “Hell, he’s been ready for a while now. He taught me almost everything I know about Nexus Global.”Viktor lingers by the window, posture steady. Astrid steps up beside him, saying something low. He replies with a brief nod and the smallest of smirks.Jayden leans into me and murmurs, “did you see that?”I arch an eyebrow. “The nod or the smirk?”“Both
(Winona)I see the moment his eyes catch mine in the window behind Astrid. He blinks like he’s seeing a ghost. Too late. I’m already across the restaurant floor, my heels pounding each step out in deliberate warning, the sound sharp against the quiet hum of late-night conversations. Heads turn. I don’t care.His face shifts from confusion to panic as I advance—his mouth parting slightly, eyes darting to Astrid like he’s trying to figure out if he’s imagining this. He’s not. I’m here. I saw everything.I saw the kiss. I saw the closeness after. The lingering smiles, the laughter, and the way Astrid’s hand stayed on his like they were sharing secrets. Like she belongs to him. You don’t need sound to understand body language.That kiss wasn’t an accident. It wasn’t a friendly peck on the cheek. It was enough for me to wonder if they’ve been playing me for a fool for weeks. Maybe months.Jayden stands just as I reach the table, knocking his chair back in a clumsy scrape. Astrid rema
(Jayden)Astrid raises her glass, the candlelight catching the rim. “To surviving another quarter without firing anyone major.”“To the rest of us surviving the grueling schedule of the Ice Queen herself.”“You did okay.”“Just okay?”“Better than okay. You have quite the work drive, Jayden. Gus was right to leave Nexus in your hands.”“Not one of you thought that at first. You all hated me. Especially Hugo. I think he still might, actually.”“Oh, you are not so bad, after all.”We clink glasses. The wine’s sharp, dry—like her. The restaurant is dim, ambient, tucked just off the canal. Astrid insisted it was the best late-night spot in Brussels. So far, I can’t argue.The food was incredible, the service seamless, and the company? Easy. A little too easy.This dinner has gone longer than I expected. I expected an answer from Winona to my text. But it hasn’t come. The conversation just flowed so effortlessly tonight.No drama. No awkward silences. No carefully chosen words. Astrid, wh
(Winona)It’s nearly 1 a.m. when I step off the jet into the crisp Brussels air. I haven’t slept. I haven’t eaten properly. My thoughts have been chewing on each other for nine hours straight.I hear my phone notification, but I see Cass and I’m so damn happy. She’s about to launch the rest of her life and I’m excited for her.“It’s so good to see you.” I say as I run towards her and give her a hug.“You look like hell,” she says as she grins and hugs me back.“Oh, thanks for the compliment. You look like death yourself.”“Just finished a12 hour shift, what’s your excuse?”We walk out to the private parking area. Having a private jet is so convenient.“I can only blame stress and paranoia,” I tell her as we put my case in the back seat and get into her car.“Paranoia?”“Yes, about where Jayden and I stand in out marriage lately. I’m not sure I’m what makes him happy. All we do is fight, it seems.”“Okay… ah, so me telling him you’d have been better off never meeting him probably didn’
(Jayden)It’s nearly ten. The office is quiet, except for the soft hum of fluorescent lights above the boardroom. Astrid and I have been going through projections for Q3. Numbers, strategies, deadlines. All things that used to matter more than they do right now. My family call is bothering me. It’s not that Winona had a sudden business trip, that’s expected, it’s just the way we interact lately. Going through the motions. Not speaking up on how we feel in case it triggers an argument. I’m as much to blame.“You missed an adjustment here,” she says, tapping the edge of my laptop.“I didn’t miss it,” I say, not looking up. “I just didn’t apply it yet.”She raises an eyebrow. She knows I’m distracted. I’ve worked with her long enough to recognize the look that says I’m full of shit.“You want my input or just someone to nod along while you pretend to work?” she asks.I lean back in my chair. “You always cut right through it, don’t you?”“Of course.”She’s right. She doesn’t have patie
(Winona)The family call starts like any other.Except this time, I’ve told the kids I’ll be away and lied about where I’m going.Now I have to convince Jayden it’s an unexpected business trip.Bobby’s got a stack of papers next to him, pretending he’s not glancing at them while he listens to Jayden. He’s been working on some design options for the school vegetable garden.He’s become quietly obsessed with getting it right.Sarah is asking about when she can next visit the Nexus office again. Abby’s wearing one of Henry’s bibs and announcing herself as the ‘baby boss’ while trying to feed Henry a cracker he doesn’t want.Henry is slamming his hands on the table, shrieking with defiance, and Kit is doing her best to keep the screen steady while holding him.Chaos. Beautiful, familiar chaos. Welcome to the Brennan zoo.Jayden is calm, smiling, fully engaged. He’s asking Bobby about his team at school, praising his leadership skills. He tells Sarah he misses her drawings and promises to
(Winona)Phillip is at his desk when I walk in, finishing up a call. He looks up and gives me a half smile, casual but watchful.I cross the room but remain standing. “I won’t keep you long. I just… I wanted to let you know I’m stepping down in an active capacity from Vault. Effective immediately.”Phillip’s face shifts from polite curiosity to astonishment. “Wait—stepping down how?”I nod. “I’ll remain the owner. But I’m not going to be overseeing day-to-day management or strategic decisions anymore. I’m handing all of that to you. If you want it. CEO, President, call it what you will—I’m out.”He studies me carefully. “That’s… a big move, Winona. You’ve always been a control fre… ahh, hands-on.”I give him a quick grin. “Nice save.”“I’m talented, what can I say? But you being hands-off, I’m not sure that’s even possible.”“I’ve realized I can’t keep devoting so much energy to business. My family needs me. My kids need me.”“Is this what Jayden asked you to do?” “No. He’s been exc