(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
(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