(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
(Judy)I stride into the boardroom, heels clicking sharply against the polished floor. Gabriel is seated at the long, glass table, arms crossed, that smug little smirk on his face.He thinks he’s got me backed into a corner. It’s almost adorable.“Judy,” he says, leaning back in his chair like he owns the world. “I assume you’ve called this meeting to discuss the shares my sisters own?”I smile, a slow, predatory smile. He’s so sure of himself. So damn sure he’s pulling one over on me. But this is my playground. Brennan Industries has been my success for years.I’ve always been ten steps ahead of every man who thought he could outsmart me. The only other person I’ll ever allow to run it is Jayden. And he’s off being a little fish in a big pond right now.“That’s exactly what I’m here to discuss,” I say, sitting down across from him. I place my hands on the table, fingers steepled. “I’ve been hearing some interesting things about this... agreement of yours.”Gabriel’s charming smile wi
(Cass)I’m half-asleep on the couch when I hear Gabriel talking on the phone. He is all smooth and confident, like always. But then he says something that makes my heart drop.“I’m free to move wherever the business takes me. No ties holding me down.”No ties? What the hell does that make me then? A side piece? Some chick he’s keeping around for fun until he bounces?My stomach twists. I’ve been ignoring the signs, brushing off the little things, but hearing him say that out loud hits differently. It feels like the floor’s just been ripped out from under me. I can’t let this slide.I can’t just let it go. As soon as he gets off the phone, I corner him. “So, no ties, huh?” I snap, crossing my arms. “What am I then? Just some rando you hook up with when you’re bored?”Gabriel looks at me like I’m speaking a different language. “What?”“I heard you!” I jab a finger at him. “You told them you didn’t have any ties holding you down. So, where do I fit in, huh?”He rubs his temples like I’m
(Lisa)I can’t breathe.Meeting this CEO is going to be the death of me. I’ve been throwing up from nerves all morning.I adjust my blazer, trying to act like I’m not about to pass out, and glance over at Winona, who’s giving me the look—the one that says she’s about two seconds away from laughing at me.I’ve never worn a damn blazer in my life. Give me a mini-dress any day.“You know, I didn’t sign up for this level of stress. I thought we were just going to grab lunch with some rich guy, not audition for a role in The Apprentice,” I mutter under my breath, trying to hide the shaky hands clutching my bag.Winona raises an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. “It’s not The Apprentice. Just act like you know what you’re doing. And for God’s sake, don’t spill a drink on the guy.”“Drink, do you think he’ll offer some bubbles?” I deadpan.“It’s 9am, I think not, I meant coffee.”“Damn.”“You’ll survive.”“Barely. I’m not cut out for this crap.”“You know it. I’ll always b
(Winona)The soft cry of a baby envelopes me. At first, it’s faint, like it’s coming from another room. Then it grows louder, more insistent. I’m fumbling, trying to pinpoint the direction, but I can’t find it. My hands press against empty air, the cries getting louder. I’m coming, baby. I’m coming. I wake with a gasp, my chest so tight I can’t draw a breath back in. My hands grip the sheets. It’s like I’ve been running. But I’m in bed. My bed.I look over and see Jayden isn’t beside me. But bright sun is coming through the window. I must have slept late.The room is still. I finally suck a breath into my lungs. No baby crying. No baby to find. No baby.The realization twists. I sit up, forcing myself to breathe slowly, deliberately. “It’s just a dream,” I whisper, running a hand through my hair. “Just a stupid dream.” ***After dressing in a loose shirt and jeans, I decide to head downstairs. The scent of coffee and toast wafts up, warm and inviting. I can hear the kids’ chat
(Cass)I stride through the penthouse, my stiletto heels clicking against the marble floor with purpose.I know I look good—stunning, actually. This dress hugs every curve just right, and the deep emerald green makes my eyes pop.Tonight is about reminding myself that I have a feminine side and I’m not afraid to use it. Gabriel may have been part of my past, but I’m going to show him just how irresistible the present me is. But as I head towards the elevator, Viktor steps out, his tall frame filling the space and his expression hard as stone. He crosses his arms and plants himself directly in front of the doors. “Ready for your date then??” he asks, his voice low, almost a growl. “You know I am,” I reply, refusing to let him intimidate me. “Unless you plan to stand there all night.” His eyes rake over me, lingering just a second too long on the neckline of my dress before snapping back to my face. “You’re really going out with Gabriel.” It’s not a question. “Yes, I am.” I tilt my
(Jayden)I find her on her laptop. “How are you really feeling?” I ask, standing by the edge of the bed. She looks up, her eyes softening. “Tired, but okay. It’s good to be home. That makes me feel one thousand percent better. You’ve got that look.”“What look?” I ask, kicking off my shoes and stripping down to my boxers.“The one that says you’ve got something weighing on you,” she replies, her tone softer now.I sigh, running a hand through my hair and sit on the edge of the bed. “It’s Cass. She’s in danger, Winona. Real danger.”Winona shifts, her eyes narrowing with concern. “What kind of danger? How?”“Don Alejandro, he hasn’t been arrested. He’s gone underground and he’s still calling the shots,” I say, my voice low.“But Cass has nothing to do with him, or Mia anymore. Gus cleared her of anything drug-related. How can she be in danger?”“Cass went to her old apartment. To clear it up. Trying to make a clean slate, I think. While she was there, they turned up.”“Who?”“Mia fir
(Jayden)“Daddy’s home!” Abbey squeals, her feet thundering across the wooden floor towards me. I barely have time to drop my briefcase before she launches herself at me. I scoop her up, spinning her in a slow circle while she giggles wildly. “Hey, princess,” I say, kissing her cheek. “Did you miss me?” She nods, curls bouncing. “Missed you so much! Mommy’s upstairs. She said you were bringing Henry back, but you didn’t. Where is he?” “Henry’s asleep in the car,” I explain, setting her down. “I’ll grab him in a minute. I had to get my Abbey hug first.” Bobby appears in the doorway, leaning casually against the frame like he’s auditioning for a teen drama. “Dinner’s almost ready. Sarah and I are making sure everything’s perfect for Mom. We’re making up trays.” “That so?” I ruffle his hair, and he swats my hand away with a grin. “Good work, kid. You’re the man of the house when I’m not here, right?” “Obviously,” he says, puffing his chest out. “This place would fall apart without
(Mia)“You know what, Gabriel?” I say, my voice sharp. “Maybe you’re not as noble as you want everyone to believe. You think I don’t see what you’re doing? You’re not trying to protect this family. You’re trying to control it.”He narrows his eyes. “What are you talking about?”“Don’t play dumb,” I snap. “You just want Brennan Industries for yourself. That’s what this is really about, isn’t it? Turning Ana and Eva against me so they’ll sell to you.”“That’s ridiculous,” Gabriel retorts, his tone cold. “I’m protecting the company from you. You’ve already proven you can’t be trusted. Someone has to safeguard what Papá built.”“What Papa started,” I say, crossing my arms. “That company was built by Judy Brennan. Our father was an awful businessman. But he loved us, all of us. Don’t forget, Gabriel, we all share the same blood. The same father. We all deserve to benefit from the legacy, not just you.”Ana shifts uncomfortably, her eyes darting between us. “Mía, it’s not about taking sides
(Mia)The townhouse is spotless. Every vase, every gold fixture, every inch of marble gleams under the crystal chandelier’s glow. I’ve made sure of it, not for me, but for them. My family is coming, and I know the judgment in their eyes will be as sharp as their words. They will think I don’t belong here. Such luxury and display of wealth is unbecoming. I should be more humble. Show more gratitude and grace.I don’t care. I do belong here. All I want is for mother to love and respect me as a woman. Not to always see me as her baby girl who needs constant mothering.I straighten the throw pillows for the third time, my nerves simmering beneath my skin. When the doorbell rings, I force my shoulders back and my face into a practiced smile. “Come in,” I say as I open the door. Mama steps in first, her dark eyes scanning the room like she’s searching for something to scold me about. Behind her, Ana and Eva follow, their expressions less obvious but no less guarded. Gabriel brings up
(Winona)“Winona,” he says, walking over to kiss my temple. “Welcome home. It feels so good here, right?”“You feel it too?” That makes me happy. Knowing Jayden feels the same vibe the kids and I do in this place.“You chose perfectly. I’m heading out for a meeting with Gus and Viktor. Figured I’d take Henry with me. He can nap in the car. If that’s okay with you? Is Henry being with Gus okay?” I nod. “Gus visited me, and we sorted some stuff. It’s fine with me if it’s fine with you.”He kisses my lips and whispers in my ear, “I can’t wait to snuggle with you tonight. I have missed you so, so much after dinner time.” He nuzzles my ear.I smile as Henry tries to grab my hair.“Hey, you two, get a room!” Lisa teases.“Oh, we will.” He steps away and Henry reaches for me and I hold his little hand in mine. I’ve missed him so much.“Anyway, I better bounce. Get this Global Nexus stuff done,” Jayden says.“Henry can stay here if it’s easier.”“No need. He’s my right-hand man these days. H
(Winona)The moment I step into the farmhouse, the scent of lavender and woodland spice welcomes me like an old friend. I know it’s one of Klara’s aromatherapy concoctions that I love.Lisa has given me a ride home to save Jayden the trip into the city as he’s here with the kids.The kids are buzzing around like a small tornado, their excitement obvious. It’s a stark contrast to the opulence of Brussels high-end estate or Jayden’s Penthouse here. This place is different. It’s ours. Once I have the renovations done, it will still be luxurious, of course—heated floors, state-of-the-art kitchen, and furnishings you’d see in a design magazine—but not excessive.It’s cozy, warm, and every inch of it feels lived-in. It’s like the cottage in a way. A family home but this place has something the cottage didn’t have. A history in its walls of previous families. It feels like home in a way nowhere else I’ve ever lived has.Even my townhouse, which was perfect for me at the time, pales in com