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375 Playing Along

Penulis: Anney GW
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2024-10-31 13:09:17

(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
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  • Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband   376 Life Finally Works

    (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

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-10-31
  • Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband   377 The Man I Am

    (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

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-01
  • Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband   378 Result!

    (Winona)I stare at the test, my whole world narrowed down to that tiny, plastic window.I’ve always been sure this would be negative. There’s no need to feel disappointed or upset. It is what it is. The chances of me actually being pregnant, after already having one impossible pregnancy, is a drop in the ocean.Negative is what I knew would happen. Negative is exactly what I need. So much less complicated. I stare inside that plastic window and there’s no mistaking the result.Two lines. Bold. Clear. Positive.The room falls away. All the air leaves my lungs. I clutch my chest and try to suck oxygen in, but I can’t breathe.I’m pregnant. I press my other hand to my stomach, half-expecting to feel something—a heartbeat, a flutter, any sign that this is real. But, of course, it’s just me and the stillness of my own pulse, thudding beneath my palm.My racing pulse fills my ears. My heart is thumping. This is really impossible. My chest is about to cave in, I swear.The air suddenly

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-01
  • Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband   379 Clarity in the Chaos

    (Winona)Lisa picks up, her face flooding my screen. The worry on her face is evident, her eyes scanning mine.“Winona! Did you do it? Did you take the test?” she asks.I swallow, unable to find the words. With a shaky hand, I hold the test up to the screen, showing her the two unmistakable lines, bold as anything.It’s confirmation of a reality I barely dared to believe possible.Lisa’s jaw drops. “No fucking way… You are pregnant?” Her voice softens with something between awe and disbelief.I nod, feeling everything crash over me. “I can’t believe it either, Lisa. It’s all a blur. There’s so much, too much.”Lisa’s face lights up briefly, but then her expression shifts, her mind clearly racing. “This is… complicated?”“Complicated,” I repeat, the word tasting bitter on my tongue. “More than complicated, Lisa. This is… a disaster. What if…” My voice catches, but I force the words out. “What if it isn’t Jayden’s? Why does it even matter if I lose it anyway?”Lisa takes a deep breath,

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-01
  • Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband   380 A Tiny Dream of Hope

    (Winona)Henry’s soft whimpers stir me from my thoughts, anchoring me back to the present. The kids will be almost finished with their chores.I cross the room to his crib, our walk-in wardrobe converted into a makeshift nursery, and lean over to scoop him up. His little face scrunches, his eyes barely opening as he lets out a sleepy cry, his tiny fists waving aimlessly in the air.“Hey, sweet boy,” I murmur, pressing a kiss to his forehead as I cradle him close. His soft baby scent fills me, warm and comforting. I hold him tighter, feeling a surge of emotion rise inside me.Despite everything Henry’s been through, he’s here, healthy and full of life, and I still find myself amazed by the strength this tiny boy has shown. Delivered by Caesarian at 25 weeks, he spent those first days so fragile, connected to machines and tubes.Maybe that’s all I need, to get to that point in the gestation. But even that is a pipe dream. But I wonder how far along I am already? I kiss Henry on the che

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-02
  • Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband   381 Stamping My Authority

    (Jayden)The Nexus Global London office sprawls before me in slick, minimalist decor—glass walls, polished stone floors, and a sterile, almost clinical sense of order.I’m here, and the cool indifference emanating from the walls almost dares me to feel out of place. But I won’t give them the satisfaction. I’ve done my research and I’m ready to battle.We step into the boardroom, and the low hum of conversation dies immediately. My eyes scan the table, taking in the steely expressions.The London team looks at me like I’m here to disrupt their carefully curated world. I’m the outsider, the American, the wild card disrupting their routine, and the disdain isn’t exactly subtle.I don’t let it rattle me. This is my company now.At the head of the table sits Grayson Whitmore. Late forties, silver at the temples, his suit cut to perfection and his demeanor radiating the cold, meticulous confidence of someone who’s run this show for years.His air of superiority is so quintessentially Britis

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-02
  • Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband   382 Meeting Klara

    (Winona)I wait inside the estate, trying to steady my nerves. Viktor’s mother, Klara, is due any moment. From what Jayden’s told me, she’s not only a skilled midwife and herbalist, but the backbone of a massive family—twelve children, each with a distinct role on their farm.To say I’m feeling completely useless and intimidated is an understatement.But Klara lives a lifestyle I’ve longed for. I’m hoping to learn a lot from her.Finally, a staff member enters the living area, guiding a tall, composed woman towards me. Klara has a face softly lined with experience.Her hair tied back in a pony-tail, her expression warm yet focused. She’s dressed in a floral cotton dress. Her small handbag seems more practical than stylish, but there’s an aura about her—a quiet strength.“Klara, it’s wonderful to meet you.” I extend my hand, making sure not to give anything away to the staff member who brought her in. “I’m dying to pick your brains about wrangling these kids of mine.”She takes my hand

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-02
  • Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband   383 No Room for Weakness

    (Jayden) “This is not the level of management Gus tolerated, and I won’t put up with incompetence either.”Grayson’s face flickers with shock, quickly masked by that mask of politeness. He straightens his posture, clearly readying himself for another lecture, but I don’t give him the chance.“We hire strategists here, not outdated relics clinging to tradition.” My words are precise, each one landing with a deliberate sting. “This isn’t a game for you to play by your own rules.”Grayson forces a smile. “Mr. Brennan, perhaps if you took the time to understand our approach instead of—”“Understand?” I interrupt. “The only thing I understand is that you’ve misled this company, mismanaged it. You lost a crucial deal due to pure negligence. The time for your excuses is over, Grayson. You’re a liability.”A murmur ripples through the room, a few of the other executives glancing at Grayson, visibly uncomfortable. Good. Let them squirm.Grayson’s smile is gone now, replaced by a steely glare.

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-03

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  • Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband   Dear Readers

    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

  • Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband   600 Our Forever

    (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

  • Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband   599 Full Circle

    (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

  • Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband   598 The Final Decision

    (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

  • Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband   597 Impulsive Kiss

    (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

  • Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband   596 Instincts Don't Lie

    (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’

  • Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband   595 After Hours

    (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

  • Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband   594 Surface Tension

    (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

  • Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband   593 Surprises

    (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

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