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356 The Perfect Storm
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 357 Meeting Astrid
(Winona)“Ready for the meeting?” Jayden asks, his voice warm and reassuring.I force a smile. “Of course.”We head down the hall, past rows of glass-walled offices where people work silently behind screens. Everyone is dressed to perfection, every detail immaculate.It’s a far cry from the life I had back in the States, where chaos was the order of the day, juggling kids, work, and everything in between.I’m trying to adjust, I really am, but this place is so different. So... emotionally cold.“Astrid is in the meeting room. She isn’t friendly but she keeps this place running like clockwork. Don’t let her bother you. She’s all about Nexus Global and she hates change.”As we approach the meeting room, the tension in my stomach tightens. I wonder if Sofia will be in there? Jayden opens the door, and I step inside, my eyes immediately landing on her. Astrid Koenig.Wow, I think even her short, sharp hair is too scared to fall out of place.She’s sitting at the head of the table, looking
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 358 Meeting Matteo
(Winona)“Let’s get to the next meeting.” Jayden pops his head in the door. “You’re about to meet the Italian version of Lance. Careful your ovaries don’t explode.”I grin. “Good, he might be able to help melt this ice in my veins now.”Jayden laughs. “Astrid has that effect, but she’ll come around. You okay?”“Please, after dealing with your mother all my adult life, Astrid is water off a duck’s back.” We head off along the myriad of corridors and rooms. I swear a whole city works in here.Employees dressed in sleek suits, working with an almost eerie silence, their eyes flicking up momentarily as we pass. Jayden strides confidently, like he owns every inch of this place—which, technically, he does.But these people look at him like he’s a god. I can tell he’s used to it in the short time here. I think he secretly loves it. I mean, who wouldn’t?The employees watch him with awe and thinly veiled envy. But no one says hello. No one speaks. It’s like it’s forbidden.Back home, the jani
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 359 Hugo’s Disapproval
(Winona)We’ve had our 11am meeting Astrid mentioned earlier and have just come back to Jayden’s office when Hugo Devereux makes his entrance. His arrival is marked by an air of authority sweeping through the room.Everything about him—his suit, his crisp posture, the way he closes the door softly yet decisively—signals that he’s a man who’s used to controlling every detail. I know his type. Judy lives for these power plays.“Hugo, welcome back. I trust the past few days away were fruitful?”Hugo acknowledges Jayden with a brief nod. “Oui, Mr. Brennan. I’m ready to address the current gaps in the strategic allocations with you.” He doesn’t glance my way, which is almost more dismissive than a look of disapproval.“Hugo,” Jayden responds, his tone neutral but carrying that edge I’ve come to recognize as his business voice.He’s trying to avoid tension. “We’ll look at that later. I’m taking Winona through some key things today. And it’s been a big morning. Also, it’s lunch time.”Ther
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 360 Meeting Sofia
(Winona)I walk into Sofia’s office, trying to calm the nervous flutter in my chest. Jayden’s by my side, his hand resting lightly on my lower back. It’s supposed to be comforting, but right now, I’m not sure if anything could settle my nerves.I’m about to meet Sofia, the brilliant marketing director of Nexus Global. She’s the last person on my list today, but from everything I’ve heard, she’s also one of the most important.I’ve seen her on video calls. I’ve felt her sexuality exuding through the call. She is a woman who goes for what she wants. I think she wants Jayden.Jayden opens the door, and there she is. Sofia stands behind her desk, looking effortlessly chic in a sleek black suit. Her dark hair cascades around her shapely shoulders and her eyes light up as soon as she sees Jayden.“Jayden!” Sofia’s voice rings out, bright and confident. She crosses the room with purpose and wraps him in a hug that lasts just a beat too long for my liking.I feel my stomach twist. Is this how
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 361 Connection
(Jayden)I’ve come home from work not a moment too soon. I step into this pristine mansion and immediately feel the tension in the air. Henry is crying.From the look on the tutor’s face as she gathers her things, it’s been a long day.“Mr. Brennan,” the tutor says, her tone polite but weary. “The girls have been adjusting fairly well, although they do need to understand discipline, but Bobby… Well, he’s been more interested in the kitten than lessons. I’ve barely seen him all day.”I sigh, taking Henry from his carer’s arms and bouncing him gently. His cries are escalating, and I know it’s time for a bottle. “Thank you for today. We all need some time. I’ll talk to him.”She nods, offering a smile before leaving.Henry’s carer offers her goodbyes, and I thank her too.I move into the sitting room, where the girls are flipping through books, but they look worn out. I quickly grab a bottle from the small fridge I had set up in the sitting room and heat it in the microwave oven next to
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 362 A Father’s Pride
(Jayden)Bobby is looking at me with such hope in his eyes, and I can’t say no. “Alright,” I say quietly. “Let’s go.”Henry settles off to sleep as we walk. It’s a good distance, but finally we head around to the back yard area.Winona wasn’t wrong. It’s huge in here. Like a private forested area, beyond the cleared spaces.“I did this today,” Bobby says, pointing towards two huge flower beds. “I cleared them out for Mom. I thought she’d like it.”I blink, surprised and honestly, amazed. “You did all this?” There’s a massive pile of weeds stockpiled at the side. “Mom and the girls are going to love it. Look at the butterflies and bees.”The brightly colored flowers beam back at us with insects buzzing about. It’s beautiful.Bobby nods, a hint of pride creeping into his voice. “Yeah. And there’s more. Look.”He leads me to a brick wood-burning grill near the back of the cottage, which really isn’t anything like a cottage. The grill is old but in good shape, and Bobby’s clearly been wor
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 363 Bobby’s BBQ
(Winona)As Viktor drives me home from Nexus Global, I can’t help but feel a strange mixture of satisfaction and exhaustion. It’s been a long day, but surprisingly, a good one.Connecting with Sofia was something I wasn’t expecting, and it’s left me with more to think about than I’d planned.We pull up to the huge mansion and Jayden’s standing by the front entrance, pushing Henry’s pram back and forth. He smiles when he sees me, that warm, easy grin that always makes me feel like everything is going to be okay.I step out of the car, making my way over to him. “Hey,” I say, leaning in to kiss him lightly. “You’re waiting for me?”“Of course. How was it with Sofia?” Jayden asks, his voice genuinely curious as he peers down at Henry, still asleep in the pram.I bend down and kiss Henry’s cheek.“She’s sharp. Really sharp. I actually learned a lot from her today.” I let out a small laugh, shaking my head. “She’s damn good at her job. I can see why she’s where she is.”Jayden nods, his ex
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 364 Breaking Bread and Barriers
(Winona)The backyard is alive with laughter and chatter as the grill sizzles away. Jayden stands at the helm, flipping burgers, hot dogs, and skewers of vegetables, while Bobby and the girls dart around, helping where they can.It’s a beautiful scene—warm, welcoming. The large fire is burning well and there are many gathered around it. Some sitting on the many stumps provided as seats and some just standing near the warmth.Everyone is smiling and chatting. I’d gotten some of the bottles of rosé from the main house cellar brought down. Not everyone likes beer.Viktor walks over, holding a beer, his usual stoic expression softened. “I think you’ve won them over,” he says in his deep, accented voice, gesturing toward the staff who are now mingling and laughing, clearly enjoying the meal.“Bobby has really outdone himself. I never would have expected it of him.”“Kids can surprise you if you don’t limit them.”I glance around, taking it all in. The chefs have been cooking alongside Jayd
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 444 Convincing Judy
(Jayden)“Jayden,” she greets warmly as I approach the table. “You look well.” “Thanks, Mother,” I reply with a smile, leaning in to kiss her cheek. “You look as perfect as ever. Still setting the standard.” She beams at the compliment, her eyes studying me closely. “Flattery, Jayden? You must want something.” I laugh lightly as I take my seat. “Do I need a reason to compliment you? You’re my mother. It’s been too long.” Her expression softens slightly, but I can tell her mind is working overtime. Judy doesn’t take things at face value. The waiter appears, pouring wine for us both.“I took the liberty of ordering ahead. Like old times. This wine I discovered on my travels here. It’s excellent.”I lift the glass, swirling it absently. “To new beginnings,” I say, raising it toward her. Judy’s lips curl into a satisfied smile, and she clinks her glass against mine. “To new beginnings.” “You’re settling into London nicely, I hope?” she asks, taking a delicate sip of wine. “It’s be
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 443 Gender Reveal
(Jayden)Winona is staring at me like a deer in the headlights.“Do we want to know the gender? Do you?” I ask her gently.“I… I’m not sure. It makes this baby even more real than the heartbeat. If anything happens…”I take her hand now wanting to help her emotional turmoil. I can’t imagine how hard growing a baby inside you is if you then lose that baby. But I don’t want her to regret anything if that does happen.“The baby is real.”“I know that.”“This is your choice. I’ll support you. Under the circumstances, maybe knowing, naming and connecting with the baby is something you’d be thankful for, if the worst happens.”She stares at me and I can see the wheels turning in her head. “So, celebrate the baby now and focus on the positive…?”“If we lose the baby are you going to feel better or worse if you never made that connection? Maybe you don’t even have to decide right now.”“Oh, the ultrasound isn’t needed for the gender. That is already stated in the prenatal blood testing when y
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 442 A Welcome Beat
(Winona)I pull my coat tighter around me as I step into the clinic. The receptionist greets me with a polite nod. Her European accent is soft and welcoming.I manage a small smile, keeping my face calm even though my heart feels like it’s going to break out of my chest.Trying to be calm is pretty impossible right now.Everything about this appointment feels monumental. Not just the ultrasound, but what it means. Jayden will be here. Secretly. I need him to be here, but I don’t know what it means as far as our marriage goes.There’s an emotional gap that will remain until we get past what happened after he attacked Lance. We’ve pinned it for now. More Barnaby advice.The receptionist directs me down a hallway, and I follow her to the waiting room. The clinic is quiet, secluded—perfect for what we need.I sit down, clutching my bag. Jayden isn’t here yet, but I know he’ll find a way. That’s who he is lately. A man who delivers. Even when I’ve shattered his trust. Even when he may no
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 441 Quiet Hopes and Hidden Plans
(Winona)I type out the message carefully, pausing after each sentence to make sure I haven’t missed anything. This appointment has to be airtight in terms of confidentiality—no chance of anyone finding out what it’s really about.W: Hi, I’d like to confirm an ultrasound appointment. Discretion is critical. Can you ensure my records are sealed and only accessible to me and the attending physician?The response comes quickly, and I feel a flicker of relief.Clinic: Of course, Mrs. Brennan. Your privacy is our utmost priority. We have a slot available tomorrow at 10 a.m. Will that work for you?W: Perfect. Thank you.I sit back and stare at the phone, the screen glowing in the soft afternoon light streaming through the cottage window. Tomorrow. Tomorrow, I’ll hear the baby’s heartbeat. And if everything’s okay. If.I type another message, this time to Jayden.W: Scan is tomorrow. 10am. U think u can pull off the magic plan?His reply comes a few minutes later, as calm and collected.J:
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 440 Lovestruck Lisa
(Winona)The cottage is alive with movement as staff bustle about, tidying rooms and preparing meals. I sit on the couch, sipping peppermint tea, and trying to make sense of my swirling thoughts.The kids are at school, which gives me a rare morning of peace—or at least as close to peace as I can get with my life.The front door creaks open, and Lisa strides in. She’s wearing a bright, flowy dress I don’t think I’ve seen before, her cheeks glowing pink, her smile practically lighting up the room.“Wow,” I say, setting my cup down. “You look like someone just proposed to you. How is cloud nine? It’s been a minute since I visited.”Lisa laughs, dropping her bag by the door. “Not quite a proposal. But if he did, I wouldn’t have said no.”I blink, taken aback by her reply. Lisa never says things like that—not without a heavy dose of sarcasm. “Okay, spill. Where have you been? I haven’t seen you since you said you were having dinner with Lance, night before last. What happened?”She flops
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 439 Hello Mother
(Jayden)Evening settles over London as Viktor and I sift through the day’s progress in my suite. The investigation is almost over.I lean back in my chair, arms crossed, as Viktor shows me a file on his tablet.“I’ve identified the staff member who delivered the envelope,” Viktor says, his voice steady.“Someone in the Nexus Global network?” I ask, leaning forward.Viktor nods. “No. A junior member of the investigation team. She’s young, new to the company.”“Did she know what she was doing?”“Unlikely. Judy has a knack for using people without them realizing they’re being used. We’re watching her for now. It’s better Judy believes her line of communication is secure.”“Yes. It was most likely a one off just to get that envelope on my desk.”Viktor nods, but before he can respond, there’s a knock at the suite’s door. He exchanges a glance with me before heading along the hallway to answer it. I remain seated, my mind already racing with possibilities. It has to be her.I don’t move t
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 438 Finding Me
(Cass)“Cass,” Chef Thierry’s voice cuts through the chaos, sharp and commanding. It’s nice to hear an English word at last. I haven’t hear many in three days.I glance up, still scrubbing. He’s standing a few feet away, holding a small bowl in one hand and a spoon in the other. His expression is inscrutable, his sharp features etched like stone.“Here. As you are the… ‘ow you say, soup expert…” He gestures with the spoon, offering it to me. “Taste.”I wipe my hands on my apron, glancing around.They can be scared of him. I’m not. He’s just a man doing a job, like any other man.Taking the spoon, I dip it into the soup he’s holding and taste.The flavors bloom on my tongue—rich, earthy, with a faint hint of bitterness. It’s incredible, no question, but... there’s something missing.Thierry’s eyes narrow as he watches me, waiting. Almost daring me to defy him again.I grab a clean spoon, dip it into a jar of honey I’d seen him use earlier, and swirl a small amount into the soup. Then I
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 437 Late Night Comms
(Winona)Later that night, I curl up in bed, one eye on the baby monitor and the other on my phone. My laptop sits beside me, tabs open with properties and travel options, but I can’t focus.My thoughts are a tangled mess, and texting Jayden is the only way to untangle them.I feel like it’s safe. Staff don’t stay here at the cottage overnight. We’d agreed to debrief each other every evening. No matter what. It will help me keep my ducks in a row, or at least in some form of organized panic.I need this ultrasound fast, so we can get out of here and let Jayden and Viktor do their thing. I type him a message.W: Hey. Got a sec?It doesn’t take long before the little dots appear.J: Always. What’s up?W: Dr said I need an ultrasound ASAP. Big Q is... how tf do we make it happen w/o her finding out?J: We’ll figure it out. I’ll make it happen.So simple, like it’s nothing. I know it’s not nothing. But I do believe he will manage it. Lately he is doing exactly what he says he’ll do.I me
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 436 Informed Choices
(Winona)I sit in the starkly white exam room, tapping my fingers on the cold metal armrest of the chair. The anxiety radiates through my body as I wait for the doctor to return with my medical history files.Klara assured me he was one of the best general doctors in Brussels, known for his discretion and thoroughness.The door swings open, and Dr. Fischer, a tall man in his early fifties with wire-rimmed glasses, strides in. His accent is distinctly Germanic, every word precise and measured. He offers a smile, but there’s something reassuringly serious about his demeanor.“Ah, Frau Brennan,” he says, settling into the chair across from me and clicking open a folder. “I have reviewed your medical history and current concerns. How are you feeling today?”I shift uncomfortably. “Physically, I’ve been okay. A little queasy this morning, but nothing alarming. Mentally... well, there’s a lot riding on this pregnancy.”He nods, his brow furrowing slightly as he reads through my file. “Yes,
