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470 Taking Charge
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2024-12-03 14:17:59
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 471 Confrontation and Doubt
(Jayden)The phone rings just as I finish my third coffee of the morning. I glance at the caller ID: Unknown.But I know it’s Gus. I take a deep breath. This is going to be challenging. I answer, keeping my tone even. “Jayden Brennan.” “Jayden,” Gus replies. “Awful news. I can hardly imagine what you’re going through.” “I’m managing. There’s a lot to get through.” “Yes. Have they released the bodies yet?” “Just waiting on final paperwork, so probably tomorrow. How are you?” “Shit,” he admits, and the bluntness catches me off guard. “Judy’s gone, and I can’t quite believe it.”He exhales. “My biggest regret is not making us a family all that time ago. And now she’s just… gone.” I let the silence stretch, unsure how to respond.“I tried to fix things recently,” Gus continues. “Hoped I could. But Judy played me as much as she played everyone else. She loved me, yes, but she was never going to stop punishing me.” “She knew what she was doing, Gus,” I say. “She manipulated everyo
Dernière mise à jour : 2024-12-04Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 472 Precautionary Measures
(Winona)It’s been months since Henry was discharged from Neonatal, but the memories of sleepless nights, anxious conversations, and cautious hope are still fresh. Now here I am again but for my own pregnancy.Nurse Ellen Mitchell spots me first. “Winona Brennan!” she greets with a wide smile, her sharp eyes immediately scanning me like a mother hen. “Europe didn’t steal you away permanently, huh? Is Henry okay?”I laugh softly. “He is thriving. I’m here for… me, this time.”Ellen nods and squeezes my arm in support, gesturing toward the exam room. “We got you. Dr. Harris and Dr. Reeves are ready. Let’s see how you’re holding up.”Inside, the doctor’s room feels like it always did with Nurse Casey Ramirez prepping the equipment. “Look who it is,” she says with a grin. “Our favorite mama. How’s Henry? Still dazzling the world?”I smile, relaxing a little. “He’s doing great. Eats like a trucker and sleeps like an angel when he’s not too busy chasing after Bobby’s cat.”These ladies were
Dernière mise à jour : 2024-12-05Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 473 Getting There
(Winona)The hospital release is a relief, but it doesn’t wipe away the worry. By the time Lisa arrives, I’m eager to get back to the penthouse.“You look awful,” Lisa says, her tone blunt as ever, but there’s concern in her eyes.“Gee, Thanks, Lisa. That’s exactly what I needed to hear.” I grin.“Hey, at least you’re walking out of here,” she retorts, falling into step beside me. “So, what’s the verdict?”“Blood pressure’s back down, no signs of infection or anything. But they told me to call if I feel anything even slightly off.” I know they think I’ll lose this baby and it makes me feel a little hopeless.“Good,” she says, nudging me with her elbow. “You’re not exactly known for taking it easy.”I glance at her, surprised by her willingness to show up. “Thanks for coming. Did you watch the USB?”“No. Not yet. I just can’t,” she says quickly. “But I needed to get out of the apartment anyway. Sitting there being angry about Lance wasn’t doing me any favors. He did what he did, and I
Dernière mise à jour : 2024-12-06Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 474 Preparing For Home
(Jayden)The clock on my desk blinks 12:47 AM, but the late hour doesn’t register anymore.I’ve spent the last few hours in calls and emails, trying to coordinate everything: the will readings, the services, the logistics of leaving Nexus Global in capable hands while I head back to the States.I hit call on Viktor’s number, knowing he’ll be awake. He always seems awake. I wonder if he’s actually human sometimes.“Jayden,” Viktor answers on the second ring, his voice sharp and alert. “What’s wrong?”“Nothing’s wrong,” I say quickly. “I need to talk to you about Nexus. I’m flying back to the States soon, and I need someone I can trust to hold things down while I’m gone.”There’s a brief pause, then a low chuckle. “You’re not serious.”“Dead serious.”“Jayden,” Viktor says evenly, “I don’t run billion-dollar companies. I handle security, strategy, and occasionally beating people to a pulp if they get too close.”“You also know Nexus Global inside out,” I counter. “You’ve been in the tre
Dernière mise à jour : 2024-12-07Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 475 Back Home
(Jayden)The elevator dings, and the penthouse opens up before me. This used to be my happy place. Where I could unwind and take in the city lights with a nightcap or three. Before kids.Now it looks like an executive man cave with a family shoved in.I was an idiot for pushing that idea. There’s a crooked home-made banner saying Welcome Daddy, and a tray of icing and sprinkle laden cupcakes on the side table. My heart surges.A chorus of voices breaks through. “Daddy!” Abby’s little feet pound the hardwood floor as she barrels toward me, her arms wide and her face split into a grin. She wraps herself around my leg like a koala. “You’re early!”“Hey, princess,” I say, lifting her up as Bobby and Sarah rush in right behind her. Bobby grabs my middle in a tight hug, and Sarah hovers just slightly back, smiling shyly. “I sure am. Surprise!”“Missed you, Dad,” she says softly.“I missed you too, kiddo,” I reply, wrapping my free arm around her.Winona’s voice carries from the living room,
Dernière mise à jour : 2024-12-08Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 476 Judy’s Will Reading
(Winona)The law office is still and cold, a contrast to the storm of emotions brewing inside me. Jayden sits beside me, his jaw set, shoulders tight with the tension he’s carried for days.I can tell he’s ready for this to be over but also bracing for whatever last hand Judy might play.“You okay?” I whisper. He doesn’t answer at first, his stare fixed on the polished table.“No,” he finally says. “But let’s get it done.”Mr. Carter, the lawyer, clears his throat and adjusts his glasses. “Thank you all for being here. We are gathered for the reading of the final will and testament of Judith Ann Brennan.”Jayden shifts in his chair, his knee bouncing with restless energy. I can feel the heat of his frustration, but I keep my hands to myself. No comfort from me is going to land right at this moment.“This will was last amended six months ago,” Carter continues. “Mrs. Brennan made several significant changes, which we will now outline. Copies of the full document will be provided afterw
Dernière mise à jour : 2024-12-09Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 477 Moving Forward
(Winona)Lisa sits curled into the corner of her couch, her legs tucked beneath her and a blanket draped across her lap.“So, one reading down, one to go,” I say, setting two mugs on the coffee table and taking a seat in the armchair across from her. “Are you ready?” She looks up, blinking like she’s coming out of a daze. “Yeah, well... I don’t think I can be there. It’s still too much.” “Fair.” I lean forward, wrapping my hands around the warm mug. “I know it’s hard. But it’s a start, you know? A start to getting on the other side of all this.” She shrugs.“I’ll be right by your side.”Lisa exhales slowly, tugging the blanket tighter. “It’s just... everything. The way it happened. The way he let me in and really loved me for those few days. The way he left. And now this reading, like it’s going to somehow tie up all the loose ends. But it won’t, will it? Nothing changes that he’s gone.” I nod, letting her words hang in the air for a moment. “No, it doesn’t change that. But it mig
Dernière mise à jour : 2024-12-10Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 478 Taking the Reins
(Jayden) My driver pulls up outside Brennan Industries, and I step out, the morning air biting against my skin.Lance’s absence is a void that’s both personal and professional, and the tension in my shoulders feels like it’s pulling me apart. He was the best and matching him won’t be easy. But Lance had something here that is hard to find. He cared about his work and his colleagues.Lance was never in it for the money. His money came from his parents. But he wanted to be a part of something and belong somewhere and Brennan Industries was that for him.Inside, the lobby is busy but there’s a definite subdued energy. This speaks volumes about the morale of the staff. Mother and Lance both leave a huge gap and it’s my job now to bridge that.As I walk through, people greet me with polite nods and murmured “Good mornings.” Their eyes follow me, probably trying to gauge how things will change now that I’m back.I reach the top floor boardroom, the management team is already gathered and
Dernière mise à jour : 2024-12-11
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 571 Day Off At Last
(Winona)“That wasn’t there before.” Anne comments on Kit and River’s little house.I grin. “Nope. Jayden had it put up the day before he left for Brussels.”Anne’s eyebrows lift. “In a day?”“You know how he is. He wanted to make sure Kit and River had their own space, and that I had all the help I needed close at hand.” I nod toward it. “It’s great. They love it. They fit in so well, Anne. Gus really hit the jackpot there.”Anne hums in approval. “I’m pleased.”The back door swings open, and Bobby runs, stretching his arms as he bolts towards Anne. He and Sarah were with Anne for some time before we adopted them and brought them into our family properly.I know how special she is to him and his sister, helping them leave their trauma behind and enjoy life. Like she did for me.“Nanny Anne! You’re finally back!” He almost knocks her over hugging her.Anne laughs. “Oh Bobby! I’ve missed you and you’ve grown another foot while I was away.”Bobby grins. “I’m already taller than Mom.”I
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 570 Finding Out
(Winona)Phillip circles back to me just as Lisa is pulled into a conversation with a venture capitalist she’s been chasing for weeks.He steps in beside me like he’s always belonged there, slipping into my space with that same easy confidence. It’s a necessary thing tonight, posing for the cameras, making it look easy, making it look like we are the closest business union in the world. Friends even.But my mind is on my best friend and what she may be hiding. I mean, I could be wrong. But I am going to ask her. Not tonight. I have to focus on this. But tomorrow, she is going to tell me what’s going on.“This feels amazing,” Phillip says, taking a sip of his whiskey. I smile, glancing around the room. “What part? The black-tie event? The power players circling each other? Or being part of an app that will actually changes lives?”“It’s hard to believe this has finally happened. Remember back when we started from nothing.” I stare at him but I keep my smile for the cameras. “We weren
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 569 Launching Vault
(Winona)The flashing lights outside Vault are so intense they cut through the tinted windows of our SUV like camera flashes on a movie premiere night.The crowd is electric—reporters, influencers, investors, celebrities, and politicians. Everyone who matters in business and technology is here, and they’re all watching, waiting for me to step out. Phillip adjusts his cufflinks, glancing at me. “Showtime.” I let out a slow breath. “Let’s make history.” The driver opens the door, and I step out, the wall of cameras and noise hitting instantly. Voices call my name, camera shutters snap in rapid succession.I pause, letting them get their shots of us, my shoulders squared, my expression happy. I’m well-practiced on the red carpet. Vault’s headquarters towers behind me, bathed in gold lights, the logo projected onto the sleek glass facade. Phillip leans in slightly. “Everything is on track. The press is locked in, coverage is already trending, and the guest list is the strongest we cou
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 568 Starting to Show
(Lisa)I sink deeper into the spa chair, letting the heat work its way into my muscles. This is exactly what I needed—a break from endless meetings, from Logan hovering.From the stress of everything I still haven’t figured out how to handle. Winona stretches out next to me, tilting her head back with a sigh. “God, I needed this. I used to think people who booked full spa days were just ridiculous, but now? I get it. I absolutely get it.” I smile, shifting slightly as my therapist starts massaging my arms. “Welcome to the dark side. You’re officially a socialite now.” She huffs. “No, I’m still not high maintenance. I just appreciate I needed it this time.” I lift my glass. “Keep telling yourself that.” She grins, but I can tell she’s actually relaxing, letting herself enjoy it. It feels normal, safe, like before. I let myself relax too, holding onto the feeling for as long as I can. I’ve really missed being with Winona.Winona peeks at me from the side. “You okay? You seem more s
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 567 Retail Therapy
(Winona)By the time I get to Vault, the final preparations for our launch tonight are in motion. Phillip is already on-site looking polished and meticulous. He stands near the main entrance, running through security briefings and last-minute adjustments, his expression sharp, his presence commanding. There’s no wasted movement, no unnecessary chatter.When I approach, he hands me a tablet without hesitation. “We have the final media list locked in,” he says. “All pre-approved. Security is fully staffed, and the private event rooms have been inspected.” I scan the details, nodding. “Any issues?” “None. The team is solid. We’ll have real-time social media tracking as well, so we can monitor any press coverage or unexpected stories.” I pass the tablet back. “Good. Everything looks clean. The guest list is a who’s who of VIP.” “You and I are heading that up. I know things have been tricky. But we need to show up for the company tonight. Show we are solid. That the past will not aff
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 566 Don’t Mess With Us
(Winona)I don’t call ahead. I don’t give Mia a chance to prepare.I walk into Brennan Industries like I own the place, straight past the receptionist, ignoring the protests as I push open Mia’s office door and shut it behind me. Mia looks up sharply, her entire body stiffening. “Winona, what the hell?” Her English has nuances of her Cuban accent but less than the rest of her family.I step forward, keeping my voice steady. “We need to talk.” Her eyes narrow. “Then schedule a meeting like a normal person.” “I don’t have time for games, Mia.” I plant my hands on her desk. “Tell me the truth. Are you in contact with Don Alejandro?” Mia lets out a sharp breath, closing her laptop with more force than necessary. “Are you serious right now?” “Deadly.” She scoffs, shaking her head. “I have nothing to do with him. It’s also none of your business what I do.” “Right,” I say flatly. “But I don’t trust you. I don’t trust Gabriel and I’m not even sure I trust your mother. You better not be
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 565 Easy, Effortless Happiness
(Winona)The call is done. Vault is set for the launch. I should feel good. It’s all about to happen for me. The biggest night of my life so far. And Jayden won’t be there to share it with me. I know he must have a good reason, but it still makes me a little sad. A major milestone missed. But we’ll have others.I go to step back into the room and stop. Jayden and Astrid are still talking, their voices low, steady. Sofia isn’t there. Astrid is smiling and laughing. I’ve never seen that before. She’s into him, I know she is. But I also know she won’t overstep. Won’t do anything that would throw Nexus Global out of whack.Is that the only reason why, though? I watch them relaxed and enjoying a conversation. It feels ages since Jayden and I have been so relaxed in each other’s company. But we do have the stresses of the family dynamic.The kids are undoubtedly our main priority. Are we just trying too hard for the rest?He and Astrid are joking about something.It’s not romantic. No
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 564 Let It Go
(Jayden)Winona’s phone buzzes against the table. She glances at the screen, mutters something, and pushes up from her seat. “Vault,” she says looking at me, already heading out to the terrace. I nod at Winona and give her a smile.“Jayden, the media shoot will go a long way to help turn public perception. Sorry we had to blow up your family time…” Sofia says with a smile. “But can I just say, those kids are adorable, and you guys really seem to have your shit sorted as a family.”“At least we have that perception down solid.” I grin at her. “Trust me, it feels the exact opposite sometimes. I appreciate you saying that, Sofia. We’ve worked hard to keep it real for the kids.”“And sacrificed a lot,” Astrid states.“There’s been a lot of changes, for sure. All worth it.”“Maybe we should do a segment on the kids. I know you adopted Bobby and Sarah… and Winona adopted Henry?”“Are you trying to get me killed? There’s no way Winona will ever go for an exposé on our kids, and neither wou
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 563 Public Relations-Private Relations
(Winona)The kids are out cold, completely wrecked from a full day of running, climbing, eating junk food, and making a mess of the suite. River and Kit have been off-duty since we got back from our day until we fly out tomorrow night.My muscles are really feeling sore right now. I make mental note to get more strength training sessions in. Maybe I better get out of the gym and do more outdoor activities. I loved the rock-climbing wall.I place the green salad on the table next to the warmed flatbreads. Jayden and I are hosting Astrid and Sofia for a late dinner. A bit of a debrief on the media situation and a friendly catch up outside of work. I’m looking forward to it but also a little nervous about being in close proximity to Astrid.She is very straightforward, and she doesn’t flinch at stating things how they are. Something I always appreciated about her even though at first it was a little jarring. So far, so good though. Jayden places the char-grilled meats and vegetable pl
