(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
(Winona)I wake from my sleep and hear my tablet buzzing on my nightstand. The clock says 2 a.m. It can only be one person. I groan, my body exhausted, but I pick it up and connect.Jayden’s face fills the screen, bright and wide awake. He looks perfect, as always. “Hey, babe, did I wake you?” he asks.“Jayden, it’s 2 in the morning here. Of course you woke me.” I feel like I’ve only just gone to sleep.“Sorry. I want to introduce you to someone really important. Sofia Fernandez. She’s head of public relations here at Nexus Global. She suggested I call you while she and I have some spare time.”I blink, trying to shake off the haze of sleep. “Really?” I ask, trying to hide the sharpness in my voice. “How convenient for you both.”“Yeah, and I thought it’d be great for you two to connect before you got here.” He sounds so damn enthusiastic, like this is a business meeting I’ve been dying to take.“Sure, Jayden,” I say, trying not to sound pissed. I mean his heart is in the right place,