(Jayden) I take a moment to gather myself, wiping away the lingering traces of tears. The kids are gone. Winona is gone.“I’m going to miss them.” Cass glances up, her expression softening for a split second before she smirks. “Don’t go all sentimental on me now, Jayden.” She punches me lightly on the arm, but I grab her wrist before she can pull away. “Enough,” I snap, my tone sharp. Her eyes widen, but I don’t let go. “We’re going to talk. Now.” “Talk about what?” she mutters, trying to sound defiant, but I can see the cracks in her armor. “Everything,” I say flatly. “Not here. Come on.” I stand and motion for her to follow me. Reluctantly, she gets up, slinging her bag over her shoulder. I lead her out of the lounge and through the quiet airport corridors to the private exit where Viktor waits by the car.He’s leaning against the side, his sharp eyes scanning the area like a hawk. “Cass, meet Viktor,” I say, opening the car door. Her eyes narrow as she looks him up and down
(Cass)The chill of the air doesn’t bother me as I storm toward the cottage. My boots hit the gravel hard, and I clench my fists against the rising wave of emotions threatening to spill over.I know I did the wrong thing, but I’ve also come out the other end. I don’t need to hear judgment from anyone. My life has taken a turn for the better and nothing is going to take that from me.Viktor’s condescending tone still rings in my ears. Who the hell does he think he is? And Jayden—he’s acting like I’m the screw-up of the century. As if he hasn’t held that title long term.I hear the car door slam behind me and glance over my shoulder. Jayden’s long strides eat up the distance between us. “Cass, wait,” he calls out, his voice calmer than I expect.I don’t slow down. “What now? Come to lecture me some more?”“No,” he says, catching up and matching my pace. “I want to apologize.”I stop abruptly, turning to face him. “Apologize? Seriously?”“Yes.” His eyes meet mine, steady and sincere. “I
(Jayden)The dimly lit bar in the private London club is quiet, the hum of low conversation and the occasional clink of glassware blending into the background.Judy sits across from me, her posture regal, her lips curling into a satisfied smile as she lifts her glass of aged scotch. “To freedom,” she says, raising her glass. “To freedom,” I echo, clinking my glass against hers. The burn of the whiskey is soothing. I lean back, feigning the relaxed confidence she expects from me. “You look better already,” Judy says, her eyes studying me intently. “You’re finally stepping into your potential, Jayden. It suits you.” “I’m finally seeing things clearly,” I reply, letting a small smirk tug at my lips. “Winona and her chaos? Gone. It’s liberating.” She laughs lightly, a sound that grates against my nerves. “I always knew you’d come around eventually. You deserve better than that mess of a woman.” “Maybe you’re right,” I say, swirling the amber liquid in my glass. “The kids, though… I’
(Winona)The hotel lobby is warm and welcoming, its soft lighting a balm after the long flight. The kids buzz with excitement as they spot a familiar face waiting for us by the concierge desk.“Nanny Anne!” Abby squeals, bolting toward her. Puppy dangles from one hand.Anne crouches down, her arms open wide. “There’s my little ones!”Abby crashes into her, followed closely by Bobby and Sarah. They hug tightly. Even Henry lets out a delighted squeal from Lisa’s arms, his little legs kicking in excitement.Anne looks up at me, her face beaming. “Oh, Winona. It’s so good to see you all safe.”“It’s good to see you too,” I say, my voice thick with relief. The worry I’ve been carrying since we left Brussels eases slightly. Anne has always been our rock, and knowing she’ll be here for the next few days makes everything feel a bit more manageable.Lisa hands Henry over to Anne, who hugs him close. “Look at you, Henry. You’ve grown so much!”“Can you believe it?” Lisa says with a laugh. “He’s
(Judy)I’ve spent all day with Jayden at Nexus London offices today. After Winona leaving yesterday, and celebratory drinks with Jayden last night, I’m hopeful. Viktor not being here is a blessing. I can’t make a move with him always watching.This Grayson investigation is almost wrapped up and Jayden will relaunch Nexus London under a new banner. He’s done well. I’m very proud of him. Do I trust him? Probably not.But then, I had nothing to do with who she slept with and Lance turning up in Brussels unannounced. All I did was get the photos to Jayden. He deserves to know the truth. It’s not fair they played him like a fool like that.It’s a bit too soon to safely say I have Jayden back. But I’m certainly closer than I was with a no-contact order. Now I only need my grandchildren, after-all they are heirs to Nexus Global and they will need to be prepped for that role.Jayden needs more time to really be back under my wing again. I’m not sure if he and Winona are really separated, but
(Cass)It’s fine. Really.I mean, they’re paying me double the normal chef rate to do this, and honestly, after everything I’ve been through, I am lucky to be here. But as I dump another stack into the industrial washer and catch my reflection in the steel, I can’t help but feel I’m clutching at straws.A letter doesn’t mean instant success, I have a long road to get there.By the time the shift ends, my arms ache, and my stomach growls so loudly it’s probably scaring the mice away.The head chef mutters something about “grit” and “paying dues” when he finally waves me off for the night. They are all butt-hurt over me getting paid more than half of them.Whatever. I’ve always been good at keeping my head down and proving people wrong.The night air hits me like a slap as I step out of the estate’s main building. The path to the cottage is dark, and my legs feel like lead with every step. All I want is to collapse on the couch, shove some food in my face, and sleep for a year.But the
(Cass)I jolt awake to the sound of the front door slamming open. Damn I must have dozed off on the sofa. What the fuck?! Flashbacks of being kidnapped hit me and panic rises.Have they found me?My heart leaps into my throat, and I grab the closest thing to me—a lamp. My brain is too groggy to process anything logical. I’m not going without a fight this time. Although I’m not drugged either.“Who the hell—” “It’s me,” Viktor’s voice cuts through the darkness, calm and even. I lower the lamp, scowling as I flip on the bedside light. “What the actual fuck, Viktor? You don’t knock? You just break into people’s homes now?” He stands in the doorway of the living room, completely unbothered, his broad frame blocking most of the light from the hall. “It’s urgent. Get up. Now.” I blink, still half-asleep. “Excuse me? What gives you the right to barge in here like—” “Cass,” he interrupts, his tone clipped. “This isn’t about you. There’s been a shooting in London. Lance and Judy are invo
(Winona)I sit bolt upright in bed, my phone dragging me out of my grogginess. I see the number. It’s Jayden. Video call request. Why is he video calling me? We always text late at night and I’d dozed off after we’d text earlier.“Jayden?” My voice trembles as I connect the call. “What’s wrong?” “There’s been a shooting,” he says, his tone clipped but strained. His words come out fast, like he’s trying to make sense of them as he says them. “Lance and... Judy. Security called me. I don’t know all the details yet.” I can see he’s on the move.I cover my mouth, the air rushing out of my lungs. “Oh my God. Are they— I mean…” “Security said it’s bad, Lance is…gone…” he cuts in, his voice tightening. “I hung up to call you, but I’m on my way there now. It’s about ten minutes from my hotel.” The sight of him, pale and shaken, grips me with fear. “Jayden, you shouldn’t be alone for this. Let me—” “No,” he interrupts firmly. “Viktor and Cass are on their way. I’ll be fine. I have to go a
(Cass)Henry is a whirlwind of energy, zipping around the lounge like a tiny hurricane, clinging to the TV remote he’s found and smacking it against the couch.Jayden keeps half an eye on him while balancing a steaming cup of coffee and scrolling through something on his phone. “Should I be worried that your kid’s favorite pastime is destruction?” I ask, leaning against the back of the couch. Jayden smirks but doesn’t look up. “He’s not destructive. He’s… curious.” “Curious? That’s one word for it.” “Curiosity is healthy,” he smiles.Henry giggles and bolts along the floor as I make a beeline to get the remote back off him.“Healthy for him maybe.” I huff and puff as I wrestle the object out of his vice-like grip. “Give me that before you break something, little man.” Henry retaliates with an ear-piercing squeal that makes me cringe. Jayden just grins and plucks him off the floor, holding him upside down like a sack of potatoes. “That’s enough, buddy. Aunt Cass is tired of your a
(Winona)The gel is cold, but I don’t care. I need this done. Dr. Harris adjusts the probe on my stomach, her face neutral as she stares at the monitor. Jayden sits beside me, his hand gripping mine. Lisa is standing at the end of the bed, arms crossed, her eyes flicking between me and the screen. Cass perches on the bedside out of the way. I’m grateful for their support.“Let’s see,” Dr. Harris says. Her tone is calm, but it doesn’t ease the storm raging inside me. My breath comes in shallow bursts, and I glance at Jayden. He hasn’t let go of my hand since they rolled the machine in. He looks focused, his eyes glued to the screen. Lisa breaks the silence first. “Should it take this long?” Her voice is sharp, her worry evident. Dr. Harris keeps her tone steady. “Sometimes the baby’s position makes it harder to pick up a signal. Let’s not assume anything yet.” “Easier said than done,” Cass says.I can’t help but agree. My mouth is dry. “Doctor, should I be worried?” Dr. Harris m
(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
(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
(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.”
(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
(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
(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
(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