(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
(Winona)It’s morning, and the house is in full chaos mode, as usual. Henry’s just gone down for a nap. Anne is on the school run.The kitchen is a mess. Breakfast dishes still on the counter, toys scattered across the floor. I glance at the clock and realize I’ve got about an hour before I need to be at the office.Beth will be here by then for Henry. Anne will pick up some groceries before getting back.Henry was more restless than usual, and I’m exhausted from being up with him most of the night. My body aches, and a dull headache has been lingering for the past few days.I hope everything is going okay for Jayden. He’s over there with no one he knows.As I move around, picking up toys and mentally running through my work to-do list, I can’t help but think about everything piling up. I love my business—creating it from the ground up has been one of my biggest achievements.But lately, I’ve been thinking if it’s really what I want to keep doing right now.Henry is always on my mind.
(Jayden)“Gentlemen, and ladies,” Hugo says smoothly. “For those of you who don’t already know, Mr. Jayden Brennan, the new head of Nexus Global.”I nod, giving them a polite but firm smile, trying to convey confidence despite the swirling doubts in my head. As I take my seat at the head of the table, I scan the faces in front of me.There’s many more I don’t know today.Astrid Koenig sits directly across from me, her icy blue eyes fixed on me like a hawk watching its prey. She’s dressed in a sharp, high-end designer suit, her platinum blonde hair perfectly styled.Her expression is unreadable, but there’s no mistaking the sharp intelligence behind those eyes.To her right, I spot Matteo Ricci, the CFO. Still effortlessly stylish with his carefree look typical of Italians who know they can get away with anything. He leans back in his chair, his fingers steepled, observing me with a smile that feels more like a test.Sofia Fernandez, head of PR, sits next to Matteo. She’s poised, exudi
(Winona)The witching hour. That’s what I call the chaos around dinner time. Hangry kids. Hangry me. Of course, it’s Anne’s night off and Beth leaves at 5pm.I’m barely hanging on by a thread and my intention to impress Lisa with my capable skills is a major fail. Sarah and Abby are squabbling over the one shade of pink crayon they both must have.No other pink will do, despite there being ten of them.Bobby is sulking in the corner because I told him no more screen time and to set the table for dinner. Apparently, creepers burned his Minecraft house down because of me or something.Henry is fussing in his bassinet, fighting sleep like it’s a personal battle he needs to win. He might be small, but his lung capacity makes up for the rest of him.I’m just trying to make sure the house doesn’t burn down while I try to make a nice dinner. Yeah right. At this point it’s burnt offerings. I refuse to go with PB and J again.“Let me help,” Lisa says, stepping into the kitchen like she owns th
(Winona)“And work is... awkward, to say the least,” I admit.“Phillip still being a problem?” Lisa asks, her voice casual but sharp.I grimace. “Yeah. Maybe I’m just too sensitive. I swear everything he says is loaded. I also struggle to concentrate thinking about Jayden over there and what the kids have in store for me later at home.”“Maybe that’s your problem,” Lisa says, her voice steady. “You’ve been juggling everything—work, the kids, Jayden. You only just got married. All the drama with Cass. And now you’re about to move to Europe? Something’s gotta give.”I frown, crossing my arms over my chest. “You think I should just... quit? Give up the business?”Lisa shrugs. “You’ve always thrown yourself into work because it was your anchor, your way of holding onto your identity. You’re not the same person you were after the divorce. You’ve got Jayden, you’ve got the kids... maybe it’s time to let the past go.”Her words hit me harder than I expect. I realize just how much of my ident
(Jayden)“Welcome, monsieur Brennan,” he says, his French accent sharp as ever. “Gus’s estate is now yours, as are its many... intricacies. I hope you can handle all this and respect the traditions.”I don’t miss the hint of doubt in his voice. I try not to look too overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of this place.“This... is Gus’s home?” I ask, glancing back at the massive structure behind us. “Fuck, it’s mental.”“Indeed,” Hugo replies. “One of several, but this is the crown jewel. A gift from a royal family here in Belgium, many years ago. It has been updated over the years, of course, to meet more modern standards. But the history is rich. And the connections it holds... priceless.”“Royal family?”“Yes. Belgium has a proud royal history, as do many European countries and each of them are carefully kept as allies. We never want to upset or offend any of our connections.”“Here is a list of the gifts just in this last year alone.” He hands me a print-out. “You must confer with you