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49 Protecting Her
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2024-07-03 10:39:19Related chapters
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 50 Happy Families
(Winona)Oh great, that’s all I need this week! Talk about Mondayitis. I walk past the magazine stand on the street near our office building and guess who’s on the front cover of all the gossip magazines. Jayden Brennan.Who even still reads this crap? But marketing is my job and I need to get on top of it. Not hard to see I’ve had some time off. I grab a couple and go pay for them.Then I do a search on my socials. Jayden Brennan’s Ex-wife hides his childSerious health issues for first born Brennan heirHas Jayden Brennan lost his killer CEO edgeRinse and repeat.Where do they get their information? I mean, they aren’t exactly wrong, but how do they know all this? I think we have a rat. Judy? Ashlyn? Hell, it could be anyone looking to make a quick buck. But not just anyone knows about Abby’s paternity. Could be guessing just for a headline I suppose.I need to study the stories and try to pinpoint if they are speculating or not.The Brennan empire is big news. All publicity is g
Last Updated : 2024-07-03Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 51 Nexus Global
(Winona)Jayden and his mother step out. Both look solemn. The room collectively relaxes. Jayden glances at me as they go to their seats. Wait! Jayden sits beside Judy. He doesn’t take up the head seat. She looks like she’s lost a billion dollars and picked up a quarter. Is the company broke? I should not enjoy this so much because it directly affects my daughter.But we’ve been okay without billions so far, we can live without it. I’m not so sure Judy can though. It’s more the lack of power and prestige that will clip her wings. Her fall from grace could be spectacular and I’m here for all of it.They don’t say a word. Jayden just puts his hand up to quiet the buzz. The elevator doors close again and the numbers light up. It’s going up? Is there even an up from here? Maybe Heaven? I look quizzically at Lance next to me. “Helipad on roof. Someone’s arrived by helicopter,” he whispers.Holy shit. This is really happening. Lucky I bought the townhouse outright because I may not be a
Last Updated : 2024-07-04Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 52 Dead Wood
(Winona)“I am here for damage control. The shareholders have spoken. Too many wanted out. I’m here to turn the ship around and get confidence back.” Gus Brennan continues talking, his deep voice vibrating through the room like a warning bell. You could scoop up the nervousness hanging in the air and eat it like ice cream.Just add sprinkles to mine, thanks.Every word he says feels like a direct hit, slicing through the tension with surgical precision. My chest tightens, a knot of anxiety coiling inside me as I steal a glance at Jayden. His jaw is clenched, eyes narrowing in a mix of frustration and disbelief. I’m nervous for him.How much more can he take? His mind might end up in overload. Then again, a break from the company may be the lifeline he needs, right now. I guess, either way, we are going to find out. A break from Judy would be better. No chance of that now she’s acting like a doting grandmother.The room seems to shrink around us, the walls pressing in as Gus’s gaze sw
Last Updated : 2024-07-04Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 53 I’m Shook
(Winona)“I will deal with each issue in turn. I think this will be the fastest. Phillip Joseph.”Phillip looks at him. “Mr. Brennan. I’m dedicated to the best outcomes for Brennan Industries. My hard work speaks for itself.”“Don’t bother begging me, Joseph. Consider your contract ended. You won’t work for Nexus Global, Brennan Industries or any subsidiary businesses of ours ever again.”Phillip looks horrified. My heart goes out to him knowing the work he has put in beside me. And our little business is gone.“I don’t understand… the financials back up my digital marketing campaign.”Gus Brennan paces, well more like stalks, at the end of the table. Saying nothing for a few minutes. “The Brennan family hold something more precious to them than money and success.”He stops and stares at Phillip. “Loyalty. Loyalty to the Brennans is first and foremost. Do you have anything to say about that?”“I… I….N…no.” Phillip stumbles over his words and his face is red as fire.Gus laughs. “Reall
Last Updated : 2024-07-04Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 54 You Made Your Bed…
(Jayden)On the one hand, I’m super pissed for Winona. On the other hand, I’m glad he’s out of her life. My uncle. Who knew? I don’t know what the history is but I’m staying cool. I’m waiting to see what else he has. Mother must have known about him. She’s never uttered a word of him to me.Father never mentioned having an older brother. I recall him saying he had no brothers or sisters. I wonder if there are anymore Brennans lurking out there. I’ve heard of Nexus Global, I mean it’s like Microsoft, or Google, or Apple. Unless you live under several rocks, you’ve heard of it.My brain works overtime. Why has he stepped up now? Why not when Father died? Why not when I was recovering from my accident? Why not when I’d lost my memory? He knows so much other stuff, he must have known that.But now, now everything is finally coming back to me, he turns up, making himself CEO. Making changes. Attacking everything I’ve built up. A smiling assassin. Two can play at that game. Let’s see what
Last Updated : 2024-07-05Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 55 My Naïve Youth
(Judy)“I love you, Judy. Come with me.”“I love you too, Gus. But my studies, plus Mom is sick. You know that.”“You can study in Europe.”“And throw away almost four years here? No. I’d have to start again.” I’d never give up being the top student in college.I have a lot to prove to my father. Traditionally in our family the greatest achievement a woman can make is to marry the richest man she can find. Well. I have that covered with a Brennan and Gus was the heir apparent. But I want to be successful in my own right.I shake my head. “Can’t you wait a year? You know my mother is under treatment for ovarian cancer. I want to stay with her in case…” My voice breaks a little. I can’t think about a world without my mother.She gave up all her dreams for me. She has a mind as sharp as a tack, but when she got married to my father, her job was to make babies and look good. He made it clear there would be no career. A male heir was what they needed.But the only baby Mom carried to term
Last Updated : 2024-07-05Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 56 Reality Bites
(Judy)I hate that Gus is here now. The life I’d endured with Greg once he found out about Gus and I was nothing short of emotional and sometimes physical pain. All the hatred he had for his brother was centered on me.But he knew not to hurt the baby. Gus had warned him to not ever lay a hand on the baby. He didn’t care what he did to me. I just had to endure it, for Jayden. Gus wasn’t getting his hands on my son.I did try and leave, to go away and hide. I wanted a divorce. The next week, through the night, Gus sent men to take Jayden from his crib. I had a choice. Go back to Greg and live with my punishment or never see Jayden again. I then saw how much I’d hurt Gus.Gus is loving this right now. I bet he’s sat for years planning my demise. I don’t care. I got through. I prevailed. I’m still here. Gus Brennan can kiss my ass. I’ll play his little games, but I’ll still get what I want. Mark my words.If he thinks he’s taking Jayden off me after all these years, he’s sorely mistaken.
Last Updated : 2024-07-05Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 57 Trust No One
(Winona)I use my new key and walk into my townhouse, my world still rocked from what I’ve just witnessed. I always knew Judy had issues, but to implicate her the death of her husband and our accident?Gus has really pulled the rug out from under the Brennans and everyone close to them. I’m worried how Jayden’s mental state is after all of this. Also, if Gus has had specialists look at Jayden’s medical records and they can’t find any physical reason for his amnesia, what the hell could he have locked up inside him?Anne rushes up. “Winona, what on earth is going on?”I walk to the living room and plonk down on the sofa and rest the envelopes in my lap. “Today has been unbelievable to say the least. How’s Abby?”“Playing with her doll’s house.”“I hope the change of locks and Phillip getting his stuff didn’t scare her.”“We were in her room the whole time. What happened with Phillip?”“Mommy!”Abby walks up to me with her arms out.I Hug her. “Hey, baby. Mommy’s home early. Would you
Last Updated : 2024-07-06
Latest chapter
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
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 483 Breaking Point
(Cass)“Winona!” I scream into the phone again, but there’s only silence. The screen is dark, it’s silent. She isn’t answering. “Goddammit, Winona!” I shout, “answer me! Be okay. Answer me…”I don’t want to end the call, she could be… But I have to. I need to call Jayden.My breath is ragged gasps as I stumble to the kitchen counter, gripping the edge for support. My shaking fingers scroll to Jayden’s number. “Pick up, pick up!” My voice cracks as I pace in a tight circle, clutching the phone to my ear. It rings, and then—voicemail. “Are you fucking kidding me?” I scream, slamming the phone onto the counter so hard it bounces off and hits the floor. Fuck! It’s totaled now.My chest tightens, panic squeezing my throat. How can I call him, how can I contact Jayden? I grab my jacket and bolt out the door, running as fast as my legs will carry me to the estate. Viktor. He has a another number, one that always gets answered.My lungs are bursting as I run full tilt for the estate, but
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 482 Checking in with Cass
(Winona)Cass’s face fills my phone screen, her hair messy and there are definite dark circles under her eyes.“God, you look wrecked,” I tease gently as I check out the kitchen of the home I’m about to close on. Anne has the kids for the afternoon, so I’m going to show-off this place to Cass. Cass groans. “Tell me about it. I just got done with prep for the estate’s first formal dinner since Jayden left. I’m in charge of a canape, Winona. A canape!” I raise an eyebrow. “That’s a really big deal. You should be proud of yourself.” “Oh I am. I’m so excited. These chefs are relentless but I’m learning so much. I love it here, even if Viktor’s constant hovering is killing my vibe a little.” “Hovering?” I ask, confused. “He’s not here physically—he’s too busy running Nexus Global—but the calls, the emails, the random texts asking if I’ve checked the locks or need anything… it’s constant. Can you tell Jayden to call him off please?” I lean forward, frowning. “Cass, I don’t think Jayde
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 481 Judy’s Service
(Jayden)Mother’s polished mahogany coffin sits at the front, surrounded by white lilies and roses, a stark contrast to the tumultuous life she lived and the wreckages she caused. It’s just Gus and me. No friends, no extended family. Just the two of us and that was what she wanted. Of course she did, just us two solely focused on her. Gus sits beside me in shackles, the officers are keeping their distance for now and covering all exits. He’s leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, his face drawn and pale. He looks like a man carrying the world’s regrets on his shoulders. He should be.I stand up and go forward to place a single rose on top of the coffin. This is it, she’s really gone. My emotions are tangled—anger, relief, guilt, and some small, stubborn ache that won’t let go. I feel free, and that in itself feels wrong. I go sit next to Gus again.But she made my adult life Hell and Winona is right, a big part of me won’t miss any part of that. I will miss most what I didn
