(Winona)It’s a gorgeous day. If I let myself forget last night’s revelation, it feels like I’m adjusting to life abroad, kids in lessons, baby asleep, husband at work.I lean into the warmth of that thought for a moment. Despite the uprooting, the shift to Brussels has been more promising than I expected. The kids are settling in, and Jayden…he’s been nothing short of amazing, shouldering so much.But then there’s the shadow. The kind that feels invisible, but close. Judy.If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that she will never fully leave us alone. I’ve seen the way she pulls strings from afar, somehow finding her way into the cracks of our lives.Jayden might think that his distance has finally given us peace, but I know better. I can’t let my guard down, especially now.I shake off the thought, trying to focus on the good. The cottage, for one, has been a real gift. It’s perfect for us, more intimate and homier than the grand halls of Gus’s estate.It’s clear Ja
(Winona)The car ride is quiet at first, the gentle hum of the engine almost soothing as I gather my thoughts. Viktor glances at me briefly in the mirror. I need to explain where I’m going and why.“Thank you,” I say, breaking the silence. “For everything you do for Jayden, and for us.”He nods, keeping his eyes on the road. “It’s my job, Winona. Gus knew you’d need someone you can trust.”“Because of Judy?” I venture.“That and also what he was involved in. Some people have long memories.”There’s a calm steadiness to him that rubs off on me.“Can I ask you something, Viktor?”He nods, waiting.“Do you trust everyone on Gus’s staff? I mean, really trust them?”There’s a flicker in his eyes, a hint of caution. “I trust that Gus hired them with a purpose. But,” he hesitates, choosing his words carefully, “even the most trustworthy people can be persuaded to change loyalties if the stakes are right.”“Except you?”“I work for Gus. Not Nexus Global.”“But why are you so loyal to Gus?”“
(Jayden)I sit alone on the back steps of the cottage, staring out at the garden Bobby worked so hard to restore. But it is so much more than this. Acres of woodlands and a play area being revealed that any kid would love to grow up in.A place I would have loved to grow up in.The place is beautiful, almost perfect, yet I feel heavy, tinged with a past I’m only now beginning to understand. As a father myself, my perspective of the past and how I feel about my parents has changed.Not all for the better, but I do have a new understanding of how strong a love for a child is.This so-called cottage. Perhaps by Gus’s standards it is. To anyone else it’s a mansion. Eight bedrooms, five bathrooms. And living areas that are certainly roomy but also have the feel of a home. A place designed for kids to run about and parents to be able to watch.A place to be a haven, not just a building you live in.Inside the living area is accented by a sprawling, handcrafted stone fireplace. Rooms connect
(Winona)The master suite itself is almost absurdly luxurious, but I’ve managed to carve out a little space to breathe here. There’s a separate living area off the bedroom and ensuite.And for the past fifteen minutes, I’ve been psyching myself up, trying to gather the courage to take this test.I know I need to know, and I know it can’t wait any longer, yet each time I look at it, I freeze.Henry’s cries pierce the silence. His nursery is the massive walk-in closet. I wish there was space for the other kids too, but the monitors are doing the job for now. Right now, I'm grateful to have Henry close at least.I drop the test on the small table, as I head to his crib. Henry’s face is scrunched up, red and wailing, his little fists flailing. I scoop him up, rocking him gently, feeling the weight of him in my arms.I can’t help but smile; he’s been through so much, and yet he’s so resilient.“It’s okay, little man,” I whisper, bouncing him gently as his cries settle. “It’s just you and m
(Winona)I close the bathroom door behind me, leaning back against it as my heart pounds against my ribs. I clutch the pregnancy test in one hand, determined to finally go through with it.No more interruptions, no more stalling. It’s time to know. Sitting on the toilet, I’m ready.Before I can open the package, my phone rings. I nearly drop the test, the sudden sound jolting me. I pull my phone out of the pocket of my jeans now pooled at my ankles, and Jayden’s name flashes on the screen.My thumb hovers over the decline button—I want to be alone in this moment. But then, something stops me. It’s as if he knows I need him, even though he’s not with me.I swipe to answer, bracing myself, hoping he doesn’t pick up on the anxiety in my voice.“Hey, babe,” I say, clutching the test in one hand.“Hey,” he replies, his tone warm and steady. There’s a softness in his voice, the kind he only uses when he’s about to say something important.“I’m just about to take off for London, but I had to
(Judy)“Mia,” I begin smoothly, my voice laced with the warmth I’ve practiced for years. “I’m so pleased you are taking the time to learn the business. It’s been quite refreshing having you around.”Mia meets my gaze, a hint of challenge in her expression. “This is my father’s legacy, my legacy. Thank you for helping me.”There it is—the notion that this business is hers to shape, a piece of her inheritance to mold as she sees fit. I smile, keeping my tone steady and calm, though a flicker of irritation sparks beneath the surface.I nod, careful to conceal my real thoughts. “I’m always here should you decide to sell.”She raises an eyebrow. “It seems to me that Brennan Industries is just as much a legacy for my sisters and Gabriel. I’m not sure anyone should sell.”So, she’s catching on—realizing I’m angling for those shares. I force a smile, concealing the irritation bubbling within.But she has no idea what I’ve sacrificed to bring Brennan Industries to where it is today.“Mia,” I s
(Jayden)The Nexus jet is smooth and steady as it slices through the clouds, with Viktor sitting across from me, his usual calm demeanor just a touch more relaxed than usual.I can’t help but feel a rush of excitement about the future. Everything is falling into place here in Brussels—the kids are adjusting, Winona seems at ease for the first time in a long time, and the cottage feels like it was made for us.I can’t remember the last time things felt… normal. As if, maybe, this could be our life, no huge shadows from the past ready to crash over us.“I have to say,” I start, turning toward Viktor, “the staff BBQ was perfect.”“I agree.”“They all seemed genuinely happy to be there. Now, with the diplomats’ welcome party coming up, I can feel like we’re… part of something here.”Viktor nods, a hint of a smile on his face. “It’s a unique environment,” he says. “But it works because you and Winona are making it your own.”“It’s starting to feel like home,” I admit. “Moving to the cottag
(Jayden)The idea that some of the staff might like a change is swirling in my mind.Then a thought jumps into my head. With all the skills on offer at Gus’s estate, it would make a great training facility.And all that land surrounding it. Two thousand hectares, surely some of that can be set aside for staff needing land to build on. In fact, why can’t the building and development of plots be a part of the training?“What if,” I say, turning to Viktor, “instead of just offering jobs, we gave them the chance to build something of their own? Something they can build on for themselves.”Viktor’s eyebrows lift, a glint of interest in his eyes. “You mean… to offer them a way to be self-sufficient?”“Yes, if they chose that. But I think the whole estate could become a training facility. That would employ the staff and generate an income to sustain the wages.”“That’s very workable.”I nod, feeling the idea solidify as I speak. “Yes, exactly. I’d love to give the staff an option. For those
Readers, I’ve been back through all your comments and it really touches me that so many of you cared about these characters. I want to send a very special shout out to mitzi.goodson and Theresa for your active love of the story all the way and for commenting regularly. I love you guys and I love all the readers #hearteyes# Also I have discovered a mistake in the upload of Chapter 553. Only half the chapter seems to have been uploaded and I have now fixed that. I know you’re asking about if you’ll see these characters again…right now, I’m letting them rest but I hope to update you on them in the future. Right now I’m focusing on my new stories which I know you’ll also love.In the next one, After waking from a 5 month coma, Ava Lancaster watches her beloved daughter die. Ex-husband Zach Lorne, allowed the mother of his first child, cunning Sienna Sinclair to use little Lila as a medical pawn. Consumed by grief, Ava sets their mansion ablaze—clutching Lila’s body while Zach pleads outs
(Winona)Lisa sits on the couch between me and Jayden, her fingers curled around the USB stick.“You don’t have to,” I remind her gently.“I know,” she replies. “But I want to. I can’t move forward if I don’t hear him out.” She hands the drive to Jayden.Jayden leans forward and plugs the drive in. The screen flickers.And then there he is.Lance. Black eye blooming from Jayden’s attack over hall pass week, bruised knuckles, the same crooked grin he always wore.“Lisa,” he says, “I’m so sorry. I wish this could have been different.”I glance at her. She flinches but doesn’t look away.He shakes his head. “No big poetic intro. No music. No tragic montage. Just me.”His smile cracks slightly.“First, I want to say this isn’t your fault. You didn’t fail me. You didn’t love me wrong. In fact, you’re probably the only person who ever loved me right.”Lisa’s breath hitches beside me.“I wasn’t built for longevity, Lisa. You knew that. Hell, I practically had an exit sign blinking over my he
(Winona)Viktor stands with his hands by his side while Jayden finishes up his announcement.I watch on, proud of them both. Not only staunch in business but as friends.“I’ll still be involved on a higher level, but day-to-day, Viktor’s your guy,” Jayden says, firm and confident. “Effective immediately, he’s the new CEO of Nexus Global.”There’s a brief pause before the quiet, respectful claps ripple through the room.Viktor just nods. “Thank you,” he says. No long speech. No dramatic reaction. Just two words. Classic Viktor.Jayden glances my way and walks over.“Proud of him,” I say quietly. “And of you.”“He’s ready,” Jayden replies. “Hell, he’s been ready for a while now. He taught me almost everything I know about Nexus Global.”Viktor lingers by the window, posture steady. Astrid steps up beside him, saying something low. He replies with a brief nod and the smallest of smirks.Jayden leans into me and murmurs, “did you see that?”I arch an eyebrow. “The nod or the smirk?”“Both
(Winona)I see the moment his eyes catch mine in the window behind Astrid. He blinks like he’s seeing a ghost. Too late. I’m already across the restaurant floor, my heels pounding each step out in deliberate warning, the sound sharp against the quiet hum of late-night conversations. Heads turn. I don’t care.His face shifts from confusion to panic as I advance—his mouth parting slightly, eyes darting to Astrid like he’s trying to figure out if he’s imagining this. He’s not. I’m here. I saw everything.I saw the kiss. I saw the closeness after. The lingering smiles, the laughter, and the way Astrid’s hand stayed on his like they were sharing secrets. Like she belongs to him. You don’t need sound to understand body language.That kiss wasn’t an accident. It wasn’t a friendly peck on the cheek. It was enough for me to wonder if they’ve been playing me for a fool for weeks. Maybe months.Jayden stands just as I reach the table, knocking his chair back in a clumsy scrape. Astrid rema
(Jayden)Astrid raises her glass, the candlelight catching the rim. “To surviving another quarter without firing anyone major.”“To the rest of us surviving the grueling schedule of the Ice Queen herself.”“You did okay.”“Just okay?”“Better than okay. You have quite the work drive, Jayden. Gus was right to leave Nexus in your hands.”“Not one of you thought that at first. You all hated me. Especially Hugo. I think he still might, actually.”“Oh, you are not so bad, after all.”We clink glasses. The wine’s sharp, dry—like her. The restaurant is dim, ambient, tucked just off the canal. Astrid insisted it was the best late-night spot in Brussels. So far, I can’t argue.The food was incredible, the service seamless, and the company? Easy. A little too easy.This dinner has gone longer than I expected. I expected an answer from Winona to my text. But it hasn’t come. The conversation just flowed so effortlessly tonight.No drama. No awkward silences. No carefully chosen words. Astrid, wh
(Winona)It’s nearly 1 a.m. when I step off the jet into the crisp Brussels air. I haven’t slept. I haven’t eaten properly. My thoughts have been chewing on each other for nine hours straight.I hear my phone notification, but I see Cass and I’m so damn happy. She’s about to launch the rest of her life and I’m excited for her.“It’s so good to see you.” I say as I run towards her and give her a hug.“You look like hell,” she says as she grins and hugs me back.“Oh, thanks for the compliment. You look like death yourself.”“Just finished a12 hour shift, what’s your excuse?”We walk out to the private parking area. Having a private jet is so convenient.“I can only blame stress and paranoia,” I tell her as we put my case in the back seat and get into her car.“Paranoia?”“Yes, about where Jayden and I stand in out marriage lately. I’m not sure I’m what makes him happy. All we do is fight, it seems.”“Okay… ah, so me telling him you’d have been better off never meeting him probably didn’
(Jayden)It’s nearly ten. The office is quiet, except for the soft hum of fluorescent lights above the boardroom. Astrid and I have been going through projections for Q3. Numbers, strategies, deadlines. All things that used to matter more than they do right now. My family call is bothering me. It’s not that Winona had a sudden business trip, that’s expected, it’s just the way we interact lately. Going through the motions. Not speaking up on how we feel in case it triggers an argument. I’m as much to blame.“You missed an adjustment here,” she says, tapping the edge of my laptop.“I didn’t miss it,” I say, not looking up. “I just didn’t apply it yet.”She raises an eyebrow. She knows I’m distracted. I’ve worked with her long enough to recognize the look that says I’m full of shit.“You want my input or just someone to nod along while you pretend to work?” she asks.I lean back in my chair. “You always cut right through it, don’t you?”“Of course.”She’s right. She doesn’t have patie
(Winona)The family call starts like any other.Except this time, I’ve told the kids I’ll be away and lied about where I’m going.Now I have to convince Jayden it’s an unexpected business trip.Bobby’s got a stack of papers next to him, pretending he’s not glancing at them while he listens to Jayden. He’s been working on some design options for the school vegetable garden.He’s become quietly obsessed with getting it right.Sarah is asking about when she can next visit the Nexus office again. Abby’s wearing one of Henry’s bibs and announcing herself as the ‘baby boss’ while trying to feed Henry a cracker he doesn’t want.Henry is slamming his hands on the table, shrieking with defiance, and Kit is doing her best to keep the screen steady while holding him.Chaos. Beautiful, familiar chaos. Welcome to the Brennan zoo.Jayden is calm, smiling, fully engaged. He’s asking Bobby about his team at school, praising his leadership skills. He tells Sarah he misses her drawings and promises to
(Winona)Phillip is at his desk when I walk in, finishing up a call. He looks up and gives me a half smile, casual but watchful.I cross the room but remain standing. “I won’t keep you long. I just… I wanted to let you know I’m stepping down in an active capacity from Vault. Effective immediately.”Phillip’s face shifts from polite curiosity to astonishment. “Wait—stepping down how?”I nod. “I’ll remain the owner. But I’m not going to be overseeing day-to-day management or strategic decisions anymore. I’m handing all of that to you. If you want it. CEO, President, call it what you will—I’m out.”He studies me carefully. “That’s… a big move, Winona. You’ve always been a control fre… ahh, hands-on.”I give him a quick grin. “Nice save.”“I’m talented, what can I say? But you being hands-off, I’m not sure that’s even possible.”“I’ve realized I can’t keep devoting so much energy to business. My family needs me. My kids need me.”“Is this what Jayden asked you to do?” “No. He’s been exc