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385 Cottage Living
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2024-11-03 21:45:33Related chapters
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 386 Slip Up
(Winona)The screen flickers, and Jayden’s face appears. “Hey, beautiful,” he greets me, his smile warm and genuine. “How’s everything over there?”“Hey yourself,” I say, managing a small smile. “We’re doing alright, keeping busy. You?”He leans back, glancing around as if taking in his surroundings. “London’s… interesting. Few challenges here, but I think I’ve got them under control now.”“Is everything okay?”“Yes, I fired the CEO of Nexus London today.”“You did what?!”“I’m not here to play, Winona. It had to be done.” Jayden has an edge in his voice I haven’t heard in a while.“How did he take it?”“Not well. He actually tried to attack me.”“Oh shit. Are you okay?”“He never got close, Viktor is lightning fast. We are a formidable team.”“You still need to be careful. I’m not sure ruffling feathers like that is wise.”“No. It needed to be done. Things here are stagnant and he was resistant to change.”“Just have a conversation with him, perhaps you can come to an agreement,” I s
Last Updated : 2024-11-04Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 387 The Tangled Web I Weave
(Winona)The morning air is warm, streaming through the cottage windows and casting a soft glow on the open plan kitchen and living area. I’ve just settled Henry on a blanket on the floor, watching as he kicks his little legs and grabs at the toys suspended on the frame above him.I was going to wait for our first night here with Jayden. But seeing as he’ll be delayed and the kids pleading got the better of me, we stayed here last night. I don’t think I’ve slept so well since I left the USA.The kids are running outside, their laughter carrying in on the breeze. Bobby’s voice is louder, guiding Sarah and Abby as they try to lure the kitten into the garden for its morning romp.My phone buzzes in my pocket, and Lisa’s name pops up. I answer quickly, holding my voice steady as I watch Henry wave his fists around, his face scrunched in concentration.“Hey, Lisa,” I say.“So, guess what? I’ve booked my ticket. I’ll be there in two days.”Relief floods through me. “Oh, thank god. I really
Last Updated : 2024-11-04Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 388 London Delays
(Jayden)Viktor walks briskly beside me as we enter the boardroom the next day, his low voice weaving through the latest developments.“Grayson’s records don’t just have holes—they’re gutted. Missing files, doctored reports… a ghost operation right under your nose.”I grit my teeth, forcing a measured nod. “Great. I suppose this will all be my fault for being here.”Viktor raises an eyebrow. “This isn’t the first time embezzlement’s left Nexus London leaking. But Gus thought Grayson was clean.”Irritation simmers beneath the surface. It’s been days of the same. I’ve already pushed back my time by a day, there’s no way I’m leaving here tomorrow.Every time I pull back one layer of Grayson’s operation, another festering lie rots beneath it.“Let’s stop digging for his faults and start sweeping this entire team. Top down. And if that means closing this office…” I shrug. “So be it.”Viktor tilts his head, appraising. “It’d mean laying off a lot of loyal employees—there are a few good ones
Last Updated : 2024-11-04Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 389 The Shut Down
(Jayden)The room is quiet as the last few of the management line employees file in, their faces a mix of confusion and concern. Before them, the formal investigation team entered.I need to make sure everyone’s legal rights are preserved as I make the announcement.This isn’t a meeting for laying blame. Today is about cutting ties, securing what remains of Nexus Global’s integrity, and showing everyone that embezzlement won’t go unanswered.However, I know not everyone here is to blame and I need to handle this carefully from a legal point of view and a personal one. I don’t want to be the enemy unless it’s clear they have been a part of knowing what’s gone on.“Thank you all for being here,” I start, keeping my tone flat but firm. “We’re here to address the findings of the internal audit. Effective immediately, the Nexus Global London office is shut down permanently for a full investigation.”Eyes widen around the room, a couple of stifled gasps reach my ears. Viktor stands quietly
Last Updated : 2024-11-05Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 390 Results Not Helping
(Winona)Just after lunch on Monday, Klara is on the cottage doorstep. The kids are in lessons at the estate and I’m reading through all the future suggestions Jayden emailed me on the front porch.She’s balancing a large, rustic basket on her arm. She smiles warmly, setting it down on the wooden table with a soft thud. The assortment of jars, oils, and fresh produce inside exudes an earthy and comforting scent.“Some of the best we have—jams, honey, cheeses, and some of my own oils and remedies. Viktor mentioned Jayden wanted to thank me for the welcome basket I sent you, so I thought there better be one here when he got back.”“It’s perfect,” I say, touching a jar of dark amber honey. “Thank you, Klara.”She inclines her head, but I notice her gaze flicker briefly to her handbag, her expression turning slightly more serious.She reaches into her bag and pulls out a small envelope, setting it on the table between us. My heart starts pounding as I look at it, dreading what it might co
Last Updated : 2024-11-05Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 391 Guess Who?
(Winona)Two more days. I can handle two days of this secret, can’t I? Jayden is coming back tomorrow. He may have to head back soon but he’ll be here when I find out.I can tell him in person at least.My phone buzzes, jolting me back to the present. It’s a message from Lisa.Just landed! Can’t wait to see you, girl!Relief and a sliver of happiness wash over me. Lisa’s here, my rock. I type back quickly, letting her know the driver will be waiting for her.A short while later, the doorbell rings, and I hurry to open it. She bounds in, grinning, suitcases rolling beside her.“Well, this so-called cottage is huge! But what is that behemoth the car drove past?”“That is Gus’s estate. Gifted to him by the royal family of Brussels. I suspect they needed somewhere more maintenance free.” I grin.“I am going to love staying there. Queen Lisa, if you please. Offfff with their heads!”We both burst out laughing. She pulls me into a warm hug.“Oh, I’m so glad you’re here,” I murmur, squeezing
Last Updated : 2024-11-05Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 392 Estate Tour
(Winona)As we step into the grand entry hall, the sheer opulence of the estate has Lisa’s jaw dropping and Lance running a hand over the polished marble walls, his eyes wide.Staff are stationed at every corner, poised and ready to cater to our every need. For once, I let it happen. I know Lisa and Lance will enjoy being treated like royalty.“Would you like some canapés prepared, ma’am?” a well-dressed server inquires with a respectful nod.Lisa perks up. “Canapés? Yes, please! And a glass of bubbly wouldn’t hurt.”“Sparkling water for me,” I add, smiling. “And whatever Lance wants.”“Beer,” he grins, clearly taken aback by the attention. “Whatever the local drop is. Ice-cold and keep them coming. If that’s okay?”The staff nod and disappear into the kitchen to fetch our requests, and I notice Lisa practically bouncing beside me, loving the special treatment.Lance looks like a kid in a candy store, wandering around in awe of every detail from the frescoed ceilings to the antique fu
Last Updated : 2024-11-06Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 393 Confrontation at the Cottage
(Winona)I’m tidying up the cottage, trying to distract myself from the waiting game, when I hear footsteps approaching. I turn to see Lance leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed. I raise an eyebrow, surprised to see him here without Lisa.“Lance?” I say, “What’s up? I thought you’d be sleeping.”He shrugs, pushing off the door and strolling over with that half-grin of his. “Figured we could catch up… without Lisa.”His tone has an edge to it, and something in his gaze tells me this isn’t just a casual visit. I feel a little spark of dread ignite in my stomach.“Alone? Why?” I ask, folding my arms, though I already have a feeling where this might be going.“Cut the act, Winona,” he says, dropping onto the couch across from me. “I wasn’t actually using the bathroom earlier. I was… listening.”My stomach flips, and I try to keep my face neutral, but I know I’m a terrible liar. I should’ve known Lance would catch on; he’s known me too long.“Listening to what, exactly?” I say, feig
Last Updated : 2024-11-06
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 492 Waking Up
(Winona)The first thing I feel is exhaustion—a bone-deep, crushing weight that makes it nearly impossible to move. My body aches everywhere, like I’ve been run over by a truck.My head pounds, and my throat feels dry, but I force my eyes open, blinking against the soft light.“Mommy?” A small voice breaks through the fog, hesitant but hopeful.I blink again, and there she is. Abby, her little face framed by messy pigtails, her big blue eyes filled with worry. “Abby,” I rasp, my voice barely audible.Her face lights up, and she leans in close, clutching the edge of the bed. “You’re awake!” she exclaims, her voice trembling with relief. “I missed you so much, Mommy!”I try to lift my hand, but it feels like lead. Instead, I manage a weak smile. “I missed you too, sweetie,” I whisper.“Alright, sweetheart, let’s give Mommy a little space,” Anne’s calm voice comes from somewhere nearby. “Glad you’re back with us, Winona.”Abby shakes her head fiercely. “No! I want to stay with Mommy!”“I
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 491 Walking Away
(Jayden)I drop Viktor off at the penthouse, handing him the spare key fob. “Cat’s in charge while you’re here. Don’t let him boss you around too much,” I say with a smirk.Viktor raises an eyebrow. “I’m sure I’ll manage. Can’t be more troublesome than your sister-in-law.”I let out a low laugh. “Truth.”“I’ll get back here as soon as I can. I have some forward trajectory I need to discuss with you on Nexus Global. Help yourself to anything.”“I’ll be here. If anything happens with Winona, please let me know.”“I will. Right… now it’s time to go and finally put Brennan Industries behind me.”***By the time I pull up outside Gabriel’s hotel, I’m ready to let go and walk away.I knock on the door and it opens. Gabriel is there looking as tall and suave as ever. I step into the suite, and he greets me with a firm handshake. “Jayden,” he says, his tone even. “Thanks for coming.”“No problem,” I reply, keeping things brisk. “Let’s get this done.”Gabriel gestures to the small conference t
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 490 Show of Strength
(Cass)When Viktor and I step into the Brennan Wing family suite, the first thing I notice is how together Jayden looks.He’s standing by Henry’s highchair, feeding him bits of banana while the little guy alternates between smearing food on his face and laughing like he’s cracked the greatest joke in the world.Jayden doesn’t even flinch when Henry chucks half a cracker at his chest.“Alright, Superdad,” I say, dropping my bag on the couch. “You’re really leaning into this whole family-man thing. Should I be worried you’re going to start wearing matching dad-and-son tracksuits next?”Jayden smirks without looking up. “You jealous, Aunt Cass? I can always order you one too. I’m thinking neon green?”I grin, then I run to hug him. “Pass. I prefer my black on black for now.”Henry spots me and lets out an excited squeal, waving his sticky hands in my direction. “Oh, no you don’t,” I warn, taking a step back. “Your dad can keep the food fights. I’ll hug you as soon as we use some wipes.”
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 489 Creating a Family Cocoon
(Jayden)“Gabriel.” I say as Henry tries to grab my cell out of my hand.I manage to dodge his lightning-fast hand, holding the phone just out of his reach. He laughs, thinking it’s a game.His little giggles make me grin.“Jayden. I wanted to let you know I’m flying in to finalize the shares. Everything looks good on my end. I land at six.”“Great. Let me know your hotel room; I’ll come see you there.”“Sorry to hear about Lance and Judy. I’ve read over everything you sent. Are you sure?”“Yes,” I reply coolly. “You’ll be in charge now unless you make other arrangements with your family. I'm out.”There’s a pause on the other end, but I don’t care to fill it. Gabriel’s voice is measured when he continues, “How’s Winona? I heard she had a fall.”“She’s in recovery. We’ll know more tomorrow.”“I heard Cass was in Europe. Is she coming back to see her?”“She is. And I don’t want any trouble for her, Gabriel. She’s been through enough. I’m still pissed that Mia provided her with drugs an
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 488 Family Dynamics
(Jayden)I stand at the door the next morning as Anne steps in with the kids, managing the chaos with her usual calm authority. Abby clings to her arm, eyes darting nervously around the suite. “You remember this place, don’t you, sweetheart?” Anne asks gently. Abby nods but doesn’t let go. “It’s where the doctors made my heart better,” she whispers, glancing at me for reassurance. “It is,” I say, crouching to her level. “But this time, we’re here for Mom. She’s going to need all of us to help her get better. You up for the job?” Abby hesitates, then nods firmly. “Yes!” Then she opens her eyes wide. “Am I supposed to be really quiet?”“No darling. You can just be yourself. But we’ll try for no arguing and shouting with your brothers and sister, okay?”“Okay. Can I go see Mom now?”“Mom is having special medicine to keep her asleep for now, but I think she can still hear us. Go tell her about your day and we’ll join you soon. Keep her company for me. You know how she loves all your
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 487 Reckoning with Lance
(Jayden)The door opens, and Lisa steps in, carrying a fresh change of clothes and some toiletries I had her swing by the penthouse and grab.“Jayden,” she says quietly, setting the bag down near the chair. “You look like shit.”I don’t even glance at her. “Thanks for the compliment.”She pulls up a chair beside me. “I mean it. You’re running on fumes. Go shower, get something to eat, and grab a couple of hours of sleep. I’ll stay with Winona. You need to be human when the kids get here tomorrow morning.”“I’m fine,” I lie, tightening my grip on Winona’s hand. “I don’t want to leave her.” I mean I can actually smell myself at this point.“Jayden.” Lisa’s voice takes on that tone she uses when she’s not going to back down. “I’m serious. You’re no good to anyone in this state. Winona will kick your ass if she sees you like this—smelling like death warmed over and looking worse.”She’s so right. I really need to get my shit together and show Winona I can lead our family when needed. Not
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 486 She’s Okay
(Cass) I pace the estate office, Viktor’s phone pressed tightly to my ear. Viktor leans against the desk, his arms crossed, the picture of calm professionalism. Good. I want to ignore the way he held me earlier, like I actually mattered to him.He’s trained to say the right things to defuse situations. That’s all it was.Jayden picks up, his voice tense but steady. “Cass. She’s okay. I mean, she’s in an induced coma for a few days but she’s okay.” “Thank God!” I say, my voice cracking. I can’t stop the tremble in my hands. “Are you with her still?” “Yes,” he says, and I let out a shaky breath. “The head wound is under control, the coma is to wait for the swelling and her blood pressure to go down. But she is going to get through this.”“What about the baby?” “No,” he cuts me off sharply. “Just positive talk. She’s strong. They both are.” His voice softens, and I realize how much he’s struggling to hold it together. It’s so unlike him to sound vulnerable. “I’m coming home…”“Wai
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 485 The Fight for Her
(Jayden)Winona lies motionless in the Brennan Wing’s family suite medical bedroom, surrounded by machines that hum and beep softly in the background. This room was designed to keep families together during the most terrifying moments of their lives.This wing is my initiative, but I never thought I’d need it personally so much. I’m bending the guidelines a little having Winona here now but I know her best chance is having the ones she loves the most around her.Right now, I’d give anything for a sign—any sign—that she’ll wake up. I don’t have that yet but what I am going to do is create a positive environment around Winona. I called Barnaby and he reminded me of many coping mechanisms I’d learned from his sessions.I’m going to only speak of the future and what’s happening now. I’m not mentioning the past. Winona deserves to hear and believe the wonderful future ahead of us. No matter what has happened or what may happen.Dr. Harris and Dr. Reeves stand at the foot of the bed, revie
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 484 Stay With Me, Winona
(Jayden)I burst through the front door, taking the stairs two at a time to the second floor. I pray I’m in time. I stop at the bottom of the attic stairs.Then I see her.Winona lies crumpled halfway down the attic stairs, her body twisted awkwardly. Her head jammed up against the wall, her hand rests on a spindle. Blood pools beneath her head on the stair, dark and horrifying, and for a second, I’m frozen.My mind blanks out, every thought swept away by raw panic.But then I snap back. She needs me. She needs me to be fully present, not panicking.I force myself forward, the first aid kit from the car clutched in my shaking hands. Every instinct screams at me to scoop her up, to hold her, but I stop myself. If she’s hurt her neck or spine… I could make it worse. My knees hit the stair below her, and I reach for her wrist with trembling fingers.A faint pulse. Relief crashes over me so hard I almost collapse, but it’s short-lived. She’s alive, but for how long?I tear open the first
