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393 Confrontation at the Cottage

Penulis: Anney GW
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2024-11-06 11:14:06

(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
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  • 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

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-06
  • 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

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-07
  • 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

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-07
  • 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

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-07
  • Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband   398 OMG Is This Really Real?

    (Winona)I’m waiting for Klara to arrive at the cottage after Lisa has gone to shower and sleep at the estate. Despite me going through the relaxation techniques and even with the positive DNA results, I’m on the edge of a precipice.Once again, my life has gone over a point of no return. It’s unbelievable that I’m pregnant. This had changed everything I thought my life now was.Even with these tests telling me I am pregnant. I can’t get my head around things. I can’t find a way to quiet my mind, and I know I must. It’s vital. But all the calm in the world still doesn’t guarantee the baby will survive. That part may always be out of my hands.Wanting inner calm for the baby’s sake just makes me stress more that I can’t find inner calm. All the other things surrounding this pregnancy haven’t helped. But at least I can take hall pass week and who I had sex with out of contention.Yes, I will tell Jayden one day. But I can certainly pick my battles now and that is a great relief. But pus

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-08
  • Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband   399 A Burden Shared

    (Winona)Klara’s calm voice continues, “experience has shown me what can be done to help women in challenging pregnancies. We have many tools at our disposal to support you physically, emotionally, and mentally.”I watch her hands as she unpacks a small notebook. “In addition, I’ve included exercises for positive mindsets—proven ways to center the mind, keep fears in check, and foster a strong connection with the baby.”“I’m so afraid to have a strong connection with the baby.”“I understand. But I do see you have a strong connection with all your children. So, I think this will happen anyway.”“It’s actually something I pride myself on. I’m not the biological mother of three of them but they are my children just as much as Abby is. I feel that.”“Yes, this is a choice we make. You will continue to make those choices. Even if this baby is not for this world, you try and you give it your all. That is what gets you through the dark days.”“Yes. Because knowing I did my very best is so m

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-08
  • Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband   400 Distraction

    (Judy)I saunter in, heels clicking against the marble floor, and spot Viktor waiting for me at the reception area outside the boardroom Jayden’s holed up in.He’s all muscle and menace, his arms crossed over his chest like a sentry guarding a fortress. I’m going to rattle his cage a little. Girl’s gotta have some fun.I stride up to him like an old friend. “Viktor! How wonderful!. I hope you aren’t missing that traitor Gus too much… Guess that asshole finally got what he deserved.”I know that will make him pissed.“Judy,” he greets me as stoically as any mountain. “You need to leave.”I arch an eyebrow, a mock smile curves my lips. “Viktor, you’re not even going to let a mother see her son? How heartless can you be?”I give him my most charming smile. “Viktor, darling, you know I never stay where I’m not wanted.” My gaze flicks to the boardroom door behind him. “But… I’m here for my son.”He doesn’t move, blocking the path to the door completely. “Your son doesn’t want to see you. Y

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-08
  • Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband   401 The Envelope

    (Jayden)My desk is littered with documents, files, all growing proof of unfinished business. The investigation team has been in and out of my temporary office all morning, each member adding to the pile of work I can’t seem to escape from.The large, yellow envelopes, print-outs, employee details all add to the mountain of things on my to-do list. I sweep all I can fit into my briefcase along with the rest of Grayson’s paperwork, wanting everything in one place for the flight back to Brussels.It’ll be easier to sift through once I’m settled in the jet, away from this pressure cooker.I glance at my watch. I need to get moving. There’s no time to deal with any of this here; I’ll need the next 24 hours in Brussels to breathe, focus on my family, and help Winona settle the kids into their new school routine.The idea of being home even for just one night is the only thing keeping me sane right now.I get a few key documents I still need to sign off on before I leave and isolate them as

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-09

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  • Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband   524 Unbelievable News

    (Jayden)The kids are sprawled across the living room floor, their energy buzzing like they’ve downed three bags of sugar each. Henry’s babbling as he stacks blocks, while Abbey and Sarah argue about whether they should play schools or princesses. Bobby is pretending not to care, phone in hand. Anne is at the shops.It’s noisy and busy, just like normal. I think of Winona and Lisa. I wonder how they are going with the meeting? I pat my pocket, then the other side.“Guys, I left my phone outside on the bench. Try not to kill each other and watch Henry while I go and grab it.”They all look at me and nod and keep doing what they are doing. Henry seems taken with his blocks, so I whip out through the kitchen and out the back door.I see I’ve missed a call and she’s left a message. I scoop up my phone and head back inside to listen to the message. I won’t call back yet, they may be in the meeting still.I hurry back in and check out the kids. No one has moved. Great. I listen to the mes

  • Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband   523 Advice

    (Mia)Gus walks through the living room slowly, his gaze flicking over the ornate furnishings, the heavy curtains, the marble-topped tables.His fingers trail along the edge of a sideboard, and for a moment, he looks lost in thought. “You okay?” He glances at me. “It’s strange being here without her and having all her stuff still here. I’ll see that it’s all collected. There’s some valuable pieces here.” “Judy’s gone,” I say bluntly, shrugging my shoulders. “You’ll have to get used to it. This place is part of Brennan Industries now, I believe.” His mouth tightens, and he doesn’t respond. Instead, he turns his attention to the window, looking out at the street below. I don’t know what he’s thinking, and honestly, I don’t care.Gus being here isn’t my concern—what he wants is. I know he says he’s here to pick up Mama, but that doesn’t fool me.“You didn’t come here to reminisce,” I say. “What do you want?” He turns back to me, his eyes narrowing slightly. “I want to know where y

  • Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband   522 Seeing Double

    (Winona)Lisa’s body is sprawled awkwardly on the sleek office floor, and my heart nearly stops as I drop to my knees beside her.“I’m Logan Bennett.” The sound of Logan’s voice, Lance’s voice, steady but sharp, slices through the haze of my panic.I glance up at him. Neater haircut, lesser designer suit, but that is Lance Collins right there.What the actual fuck is going on? No wonder she collapsed.“I’m calling 911,” he says, his phone already to his ear. “St James Hospital is close.”“Lisa!” I whisper, shaking her gently. Her skin feels clammy, her breathing shallow but steady. “Come on, Lis, wake up.” I turn her over to the recovery position. She is breathing but she isn’t waking up.Logan lowers his phone. “Paramedics are on the way.” His gaze flickers between Lisa and me, worry etched into his expression. “Is she…?”“She’s breathing,” I say. “But she’s not waking up.”Logan crouches down, his movements deliberate and calm, and for a moment, his presence reminds me so much of La

  • Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband   521 Seeing A Ghost

    (Lisa)I can’t breathe.Meeting this CEO is going to be the death of me. I’ve been throwing up from nerves all morning.I adjust my blazer, trying to act like I’m not about to pass out, and glance over at Winona, who’s giving me the look—the one that says she’s about two seconds away from laughing at me.I’ve never worn a damn blazer in my life. Give me a mini-dress any day.“You know, I didn’t sign up for this level of stress. I thought we were just going to grab lunch with some rich guy, not audition for a role in The Apprentice,” I mutter under my breath, trying to hide the shaky hands clutching my bag.Winona raises an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. “It’s not The Apprentice. Just act like you know what you’re doing. And for God’s sake, don’t spill a drink on the guy.”“Drink, do you think he’ll offer some bubbles?” I deadpan.“It’s 9am, I think not, I meant coffee.”“Damn.”“You’ll survive.”“Barely. I’m not cut out for this crap.”“You know it. I’ll always b

  • Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband   520 A Cry in the Dark

    (Winona)The soft cry of a baby envelopes me. At first, it’s faint, like it’s coming from another room. Then it grows louder, more insistent. I’m fumbling, trying to pinpoint the direction, but I can’t find it. My hands press against empty air, the cries getting louder. I’m coming, baby. I’m coming. I wake with a gasp, my chest so tight I can’t draw a breath back in. My hands grip the sheets. It’s like I’ve been running. But I’m in bed. My bed.I look over and see Jayden isn’t beside me. But bright sun is coming through the window. I must have slept late.The room is still. I finally suck a breath into my lungs. No baby crying. No baby to find. No baby.The realization twists. I sit up, forcing myself to breathe slowly, deliberately. “It’s just a dream,” I whisper, running a hand through my hair. “Just a stupid dream.” ***After dressing in a loose shirt and jeans, I decide to head downstairs. The scent of coffee and toast wafts up, warm and inviting. I can hear the kids’ chat

  • Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband   519 Fanning Flames

    (Cass)I stride through the penthouse, my stiletto heels clicking against the marble floor with purpose.I know I look good—stunning, actually. This dress hugs every curve just right, and the deep emerald green makes my eyes pop.Tonight is about reminding myself that I have a feminine side and I’m not afraid to use it. Gabriel may have been part of my past, but I’m going to show him just how irresistible the present me is. But as I head towards the elevator, Viktor steps out, his tall frame filling the space and his expression hard as stone. He crosses his arms and plants himself directly in front of the doors. “Ready for your date then??” he asks, his voice low, almost a growl. “You know I am,” I reply, refusing to let him intimidate me. “Unless you plan to stand there all night.” His eyes rake over me, lingering just a second too long on the neckline of my dress before snapping back to my face. “You’re really going out with Gabriel.” It’s not a question. “Yes, I am.” I tilt my

  • Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband   518 A Clean Slate

    (Jayden)I find her on her laptop. “How are you really feeling?” I ask, standing by the edge of the bed. She looks up, her eyes softening. “Tired, but okay. It’s good to be home. That makes me feel one thousand percent better. You’ve got that look.”“What look?” I ask, kicking off my shoes and stripping down to my boxers.“The one that says you’ve got something weighing on you,” she replies, her tone softer now.I sigh, running a hand through my hair and sit on the edge of the bed. “It’s Cass. She’s in danger, Winona. Real danger.”Winona shifts, her eyes narrowing with concern. “What kind of danger? How?”“Don Alejandro, he hasn’t been arrested. He’s gone underground and he’s still calling the shots,” I say, my voice low.“But Cass has nothing to do with him, or Mia anymore. Gus cleared her of anything drug-related. How can she be in danger?”“Cass went to her old apartment. To clear it up. Trying to make a clean slate, I think. While she was there, they turned up.”“Who?”“Mia fir

  • Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband   517 No secrets

    (Jayden)“Daddy’s home!” Abbey squeals, her feet thundering across the wooden floor towards me. I barely have time to drop my briefcase before she launches herself at me. I scoop her up, spinning her in a slow circle while she giggles wildly. “Hey, princess,” I say, kissing her cheek. “Did you miss me?” She nods, curls bouncing. “Missed you so much! Mommy’s upstairs. She said you were bringing Henry back, but you didn’t. Where is he?” “Henry’s asleep in the car,” I explain, setting her down. “I’ll grab him in a minute. I had to get my Abbey hug first.” Bobby appears in the doorway, leaning casually against the frame like he’s auditioning for a teen drama. “Dinner’s almost ready. Sarah and I are making sure everything’s perfect for Mom. We’re making up trays.” “That so?” I ruffle his hair, and he swats my hand away with a grin. “Good work, kid. You’re the man of the house when I’m not here, right?” “Obviously,” he says, puffing his chest out. “This place would fall apart without

  • Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband   516 Striking back

    (Mia)“You know what, Gabriel?” I say, my voice sharp. “Maybe you’re not as noble as you want everyone to believe. You think I don’t see what you’re doing? You’re not trying to protect this family. You’re trying to control it.”He narrows his eyes. “What are you talking about?”“Don’t play dumb,” I snap. “You just want Brennan Industries for yourself. That’s what this is really about, isn’t it? Turning Ana and Eva against me so they’ll sell to you.”“That’s ridiculous,” Gabriel retorts, his tone cold. “I’m protecting the company from you. You’ve already proven you can’t be trusted. Someone has to safeguard what Papá built.”“What Papa started,” I say, crossing my arms. “That company was built by Judy Brennan. Our father was an awful businessman. But he loved us, all of us. Don’t forget, Gabriel, we all share the same blood. The same father. We all deserve to benefit from the legacy, not just you.”Ana shifts uncomfortably, her eyes darting between us. “Mía, it’s not about taking sides

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