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389 The Shut Down
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2024-11-05 11:24:48Related chapters
Divorce 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
Divorce 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
Divorce 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
Divorce 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
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 394 My Friend Mia
(Cass)I pull my jacket on. Ziggy leans against the counter, arms crossed, his face a mix of disappointment and frustration.“What the fuck is an extended break anyway? Fucking stupid,” I spit out.“It’s the next step of being fired. You were late again. Third time this week.” His voice is quiet but firm, and it cuts through me, hitting harder than I want to admit.I shrug, forcing a smirk, trying to make it seem like I don’t care, like this doesn’t sting as much as it does.“Yeah, whatever. It’s just a few minutes here and there. Not the end of the world, right?” My tone is flippant, but Ziggy’s not having it. He doesn’t even try to soften his expression. “Heads up their fucking asses.”“It was thirty minutes, today, Cass. Then you’re busted smoking pot before you started your shift late, Cass. During a shift. I give up.” He sighs, running a hand through his hair. “This isn’t you. I thought—”“Thought what?” I snap, standing a little straighter. “That I’d be perfect? I didn’t sign up
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 395 Perfect Plans
(Judy)The view from the penthouse stretches over Dubai’s glittering skyline, neon lights reflecting off the sea, perfectly framed by the vast expanse of desert beyond.I sink back into the plush silk armchair, savoring the balmy warmth of the evening as I sip from a crystal glass of the finest champagne. There’s a richness to this city, a pulse that suits me. A place where wealth and exclusivity are second nature, where people understand influence is bought, not earned.My phone pings, a soft chime interrupting my thoughts. It’s a brief update from Phillip, telling me things are running smoothly, that Mia’s handling the responsibilities I left her with.Good. Mia is perfectly capable of managing Brennan Industries in my absence. In fact, she’s probably even more driven than I am when it comes to maintaining my expectations.Phillip, of course, pretends to be on Winona’s side. But I don’t care, it looks like he’s aligned with me and that’s all I need. And Lance? Well, he’s off on one
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 396 Beating Judy at her Own Game
(Jayden)“Judy’s jet is headed here, to London.”I pause, Viktor’s words sinking in. She always seems to know when things are vulnerable, and now, with Nexus London under siege from within, here she comes. I mean how could she know this place is on its back foot. Unless…No, surely I’m being paranoid.I force a shrug. “Might be a coincidence.”Viktor doesn’t blink. “We both know it’s not.”“Fine,” I say, rubbing the back of my neck. “But I’m not meeting her. There’s nothing she could say to make a difference to how I feel now. Whatever she thinks she’s here to do, she’ll be wasting her time.”“She can try, but she won’t reach you. I’ll intercept her.” Viktor’s tone is steady, his presence a constant reassurance.“At least she isn’t heading for Winona and the kids.”Part of me feels grateful for that, but the rest of me—the part that feels like it’s holding together a house of cards—can’t shake the prickling unease that creeps in whenever my mother is around.What more do I have to do
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 397 The DNA Results
(Winona)The envelope the courier just dropped in is in my hands. My hands are buzzing. I have been praying and wishing for these results to make life slightly less complicated.But that’s not how my life generally goes. But I’m determined to hope. There’s more chance Jayden is the father. Law of averages. All I have to do is open it and read what’s inside.My stomach flips and I feel ill. I sit down on the sofa and close my eyes.Please God, let this be the answer I want. The answer I need. The answer my family needs. Just this once. I swear I will never fuck it up again. I finger the envelope, holding all the answers. Finally, I rip it open, my heart pounds as I skim over the words.Positive match.Oh. My. God.There it is, in black and white. Jayden is the father of this baby. We did the impossible again! But will I get to be a mother to this tiny life inside me? How do I cope with the worry and pressure of an impossible pregnancy?The relief crashes over me all the same. Jayden’s
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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,
