(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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.
(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
(Winona)Sofia’s voice cues the next topic. “You’ve both had demanding careers. How do you make sure the kids come first?” I shift, pushing my sunglasses up onto my head. “We make it work by making sure that when we are together, we are fully present. No distractions.” Jayden smirks. “Well, most of the time. There’s always the occasional emergency.” “Business emergencies are one thing. But the kids know they’re our priority. They always come first,” I say.Bobby speaks up. “We have a family video call every night, before bed. We never miss it. No matter where we are.” I nod. “That’s right. And this is our first family trip but not our last. The kids have chores. Bobby gets out in the garden and he’s great at landscape design. We just find ways to drown out the negative white noise with positive family energy.”The day finally comes to an end and cameras capture it all. The smiles, the laughter, the easy dynamic we’ve spent years building. I’m proud of us. Sofia was right. This was
(Winona)The sun blazes down, the sky a perfect, uninterrupted blue as we step onto the deck of the yacht. Dubai’s skyline looms behind us, glass towers gleaming in the heat, the water an impossible shade of turquoise. The cameras are already set up, discreet but ever-present. A carefully curated glimpse into the life of a family that—on paper—has it all. Jayden shakes hands with the producer, exchanging pleasantries, while I shift Henry on my hip, forcing a smile. I see Sofia Fernandez, Nexus Global’s Head of Public Relations. I’m a little relieved to see a familiar face and someone I bonded with in Brussels. Then behind her I see Astrid Koenig. I stiffen slightly at the blank expression but that’s just Astrid. Sofia comes straight in with a huge smile and hug for me.As I hug her back, I see Astrid approach Jayden. She’s not a hugger but she does touch his hand and eyeball him while giving a definite nod. He smiles back like he’s not trying to smile. I can tell she likes him.A w
(Winona)Dubai is breathtaking. The resort is pure indulgence—pristine beaches, towering glass buildings, the smell of salt and luxury in the air. The kids are all fed and crashed in bed and Jayden has arranged a late dinner for us.Dinner is set on the resort rooftop, candles flickering against the warm night breeze, the city stretching out beneath us in a blanket of gold lights.Jayden reaches for my hand across the table. “It’s nice, isn’t it? Us, here. Without work hanging over our heads. Our family all together. I’ve missed the kids so much.”I smile, but it’s not quite real. I’m trying to forget earlier. “The kids?”“And you as well, that goes without saying.”“Does it?”He studies me. “You okay?”“Not really. But I will be. It’s been hectic and I so looked forward to being here,” I say, “ without the media.”“I can guarantee you there’s no media or cameras clicking tonight. I made sure we had absolute privacy.” “We may as well get to the first of the herd of elephants in the r
(Winona)The airport is a swirling mass of bodies, luggage, and barely controlled chaos. Some flights have been cancelled because of the weather, and I just hope ours is not one of them.I refused the private jet as I want the kids to see how the majority of people travel. We’re still business class but even that lounge is backed up right now.Sarah is not one for big crowds, so she’s on edge. I’m trying to stay calm to show her it’s okay and we can cope with this.“When will we get there?” she asks for the tenth time. Bobby groans loudly beside me. “Sarah, we’re not even on the plane yet. Stop asking dumb questions.” “Don’t be mean,” I chide, shifting Henry higher on my hip. He’s already getting restless, his little hands grabbing at my necklace. I just hope he doesn’t need another diaper change anytime soon.River chuckles, adjusting her backpack. “Gonna be a long flight, I think.” Kit smirks. “Oh yeah. Definitely. But it’s just energy in here. The kids pick up on it.” Sarah pou
(Mia)The ink is barely dry on the new contract, Ana has let half her shares come to me, another step closer to control of Brennan Industries. I should feel satisfied.Instead, my skin crawls. Because I know what’s coming. I try to ignore the feeling of dread as I step into the underground parking garage, but it’s useless. The moment I see them—two of his men, stationed by a sleek black sedan—I know. I school my features, walking toward them with measured steps. They don’t speak, just open the door. I slide inside, the door clicks shut, and he is sitting across from me. Don Alejandro, watching me with the patience of a man who has spent his entire life winning wars that no one even knew he started. He doesn’t speak right away. Just lets the silence press down on me like a vice, his eyes sharp, assessing. Then, finally, he sighs. “You have been busy, mi princesa.” I don’t flinch. “Securing my future.” His head tilts slightly, amusement flickering in his gaze. He lets the silence
(Winona)Henry’s screams are relentless. His face is red, tiny fists flailing as he buries his head into my shoulder, but nothing I do settles him. His little body is warm, his exhaustion radiating into mine. So much for a relaxing Saturday at home with only one business call.Bobby is circling the kitchen, pushing the stroller towards me like a man on a mission. “This usually works,” he offers.We lay Henry in there and it doesn’t help. Bobby pushes him towards the kitchen door to head outside. But Henry isn’t settling, and I can tell he won’t. I call Bobby back. No point us both being deafened.At least Sarah and Abbey are happy outside, shrieking in delight over whatever game they’ve invented. Kit and River are off for the day, finally getting some time to set up their home. Anne’s out of state. I’m alone. Henry wails louder, his little face blotchy with frustration, arms flailing as I take him from Bobby’s arms.“Alright, baby. What is it?” I bounce him gently, pressing his da
(Lisa)The office is too big. Too polished. Too… corporate. I drop into the massive leather chair behind my desk and glare at the sheer size of the space. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a sweeping view of the city, the kind of view people kill for.It’s ridiculous. How is this my life now? Howe is there any money left for the actual charities when I have an office like this. It seems top heavy. Something I’d like to change. I’m not sure Logan will agree.A week ago, I wasn’t even sure I could do this. Now, here I am—CEO, handling meetings, locking in funding, making things happen. And for the first time in my life, I’m actually working for something.Not just existing, floating from party to party, living off old money and good genes. I should feel on top of the world. I do, in many ways.But exhaustion drags at my bones. I’m not sure this is sustainable for me. Or maybe I will get used to it. I don’t know.My body isn’t my own anymore, and I know why. But I won’t say it. Won
being in relationships. It doesn’t seem to affect you at all.” She tilts her head, considering. “I guess I know who I am and I know what makes me happy.”I nod slowly. “There is a certain freedom in not being emotionally attached to another person like that.” She doesn’t answer right away. When she does, it’s quiet. “Exactly.” I get it. More than I want to admit. Once, I thought the same way. That staying alone was the best way to keep control. That life was easier when it was just me, my work, and nothing to lose. But then, there was my mother who’d never let me be, Ashlyn and all the rest of my crazy past that never gave me a minute of real peace.I could have swiped them all away in some moments. But all of that made me the person I am today. A man who really does know what makes him happy and want he wants in life.Exactly what I have now. Maybe less business hoops to jump through would be great but it is what it is right now.“Married, with kids, a life that’s full and chaot
(Winona)I step in front of Phillip and he tries to touch my back as he follows me into the restaurant. I quicken my step so he just misses. I do not want him touching me.We settle at the long table with so many VIP’s my head almost spins. I take a breath and thank them all for coming as I take my seat before Phillip can be gentlemanly and pull out my seat or anything.A glass of champagne is poured for me and I take a sip.Then I hear my phone in my purse. I pull it out. God, it’s seven o’clock already.Incoming video call – Jayden & Kids. Shit. I take a quick sip of wine and push back my chair, standing up. “Excuse me, I need to take this.”I don’t wait for acknowledgment, just step away, weaving through white-clothed tables and murmured conversations until I reach the terrace. The night air is crisp, grounding. I answer the call, forcing a smile. “Hey, family.” The screen fills with Henry’s chubby cheeks and he’s held by Kit. Abbey’s bright eyes light up her frame. Bobby and S