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57 Trust No One
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2024-07-06 12:01:10Related chapters
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 58 Taking My Life Back
(Jayden)My brain can’t handle all of this. The revelations hit me like a freight train, shattering my composure and ripping through the thin veneer of control I thought I had. I just don’t want to think about the emotional and mental abuse I copped from the man I thought was my father. He always acted like he hated me. Every scornful glance, every harsh word, a bitter confirmation of how he despised me. I never got it back then. Now it’s all clear, the pieces fall into place in a sickening puzzle. Why would Mother keep us there like that? Greg was nothing short of cruel to her at times. The memory of his rage, his unrelenting criticism, sears through me. I often thought he hated her as well. I wonder why they ever got married if there was no love.I pace the room, my hands clenched into fists, nails biting into my palms. I’m confused and angry, a tempest of emotions swirling inside me. If this Gus thinks he is going to be welcomed with open arms as my father, he has another thing
Last Updated : 2024-07-06Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 59 Come With Me
(Jayden)I pat her on the head. “I’m okay, Abby. I’m glad you’re here though.” Her small smile lights up a part of me that’s been dark for too long.“I thought she might cheer you up. We were at the park,” Winona says, her voice soft but tinged with concern.“Come in. I was just thinking about something.” My voice comes out strained, barely masking the turmoil roiling within me.“Are you okay? I mean, that was unbelievable really. I think we all need to lick our wounds for a while.” Winona says.“I’m angry.” We walk into the lounge area, the weight of the day pressing down on us. I sit and pull Abby up onto my lap, her warmth a temporary balm to my frayed nerves.“With Gus?”“With myself.” I sigh, running a hand through my hair, feeling the frustration build.“You can’t blame yourself for what he’s done. What everyone around you has done.” Winona’s voice is soothing, but it doesn’t reach the core of my guilt.“I dropped the ball with Brennan Industries. Gus is right. I’m not in a posi
Last Updated : 2024-07-06Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 60 Decisions Decisions
(Winona)Back home, I’m feeling torn. On the one hand the beach would be an amazing time for Abby and getting her strong for her next surgery. On the other hand, being there puts my heart in the firing line and I cannot let myself get sucked into loving Jayden again.I’m not letting myself get sucked into loving anyone, ever.Lisa and Lance are coming over for drinks later. Anne has said she will go back to her home and catch up with her other family members for six months if I decide to go. But she will be back as soon as I need her. She said she knows I’ll make the right decision either way.I’m sure Anne could use the break from the drama as much as us.I have no clue how Ashlyn has reacted to all these developments, but I don’t think it will be in a good way. Judy is as hard to read as ever, and I will never trust her. Especially when it comes to Abby. Now I have this security around and, in a way, I like it. But this isn’t a normal life. I don’t think I’ll ever see Phillip again
Last Updated : 2024-07-07Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 61 Grab Life by the Balls
(Winona)“Are you sure you’re making the right choice?” Lisa asks.I nod. “I’m just going to do exactly what I want to do for a change. I honestly can’t be any worse off. Abby will thrive in the sea air.” Lance holds his glass up. “Good for you. That family needs a good kick in the ass.”“It’s not that simple for Winona though. She has enemies. I’m worried this will force Ashlyn and maybe Judy to do something drastic.”“Ashlyn has the baby to think about. She would know that as long as she has his baby, Jayden will always be tied to her. I don’t think she’d risk that,” I say.“I wouldn’t put anything past her. She needs medicating or something.” Lisa shakes her head.“I don’t think Gus will let her out of his sight while she’s pregnant with his grandchild,” Lance observes.“Oh my god! Abby is his grandchild too. It’s like this is all just occurring to me. And she’s the heir apparent if anything happens to Jayden. I don’t want that life for her.”“I’m glad it’s all out in the open now
Last Updated : 2024-07-07Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 62 Exactly What I need
(Winona)“Winona! Come in. Take a seat,” Gus says loudly as I inwardly wince.I slowly sit across the desk in Jayden’s office and remove my sunglasses, trying to gather my thoughts. The light feels harsh, stabbing into my already pounding head.“Hard night?” Gus inquires, his tone a mix of curiosity and judgment.“I suppose your watchdogs filled you in. I am entitled to a life, you know,” I retort, a bit sharper than intended.“My staff know better than to speculate on the private lives of anyone they are detailed to. Privacy is of the utmost importance. It’s your eyes giving you away,” he responds, leaning back in his chair, scrutinizing me.I sigh deeply. “My head is mush, but I want to tell you in person that I’m not accepting your offer.”Gus raises an eyebrow, clearly not expecting this. “I appreciate you coming in. But are you sure?”“Mr. Brennan…”“Call me Gus.”“Gus. Abby is really my only priority now. Those hours are ridiculous, not to mention the workload,” I explain, tryin
Last Updated : 2024-07-07Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 63 Playing The Game
(Ashlyn)One Week LaterSo, this is the infamous Gus Brennan. Last week he outed Lance and I and the little indiscretion. But he also did me a favor and named Jayden as the biological father of this baby.Judy has been ridiculous about it all, but I don’t care. I eye her defiantly across the office that used to be Jayden’s. She can pretend she hates me, but I know she needs me. She can’t get rid of Winona from Jayden’s life without me. She’s been carrying on about where Jayden is and that he hasn’t answered any messages or calls. It’s not like I’m holding him hostage. He hasn’t been home since all this about Lance went down.Now Judy pretends to be shocked about me sleeping with Lance. She doesn’t fool me. Don’t pretend to be holier than thou when you’ve been hiding Jayden’s real father all this time. She’s looking at Gus and he’s studying whatever is on the desk in front of him. “Ladies, please, take a seat.” He says without looking up.I sit in the plush leather chair. Judy rema
Last Updated : 2024-07-08Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 64 Santa Monica Vibes
(Jayden)I look at the beach view from my Santa Monica property. I don’t remember purchasing this place but I’m glad I did now. When I was looking over my portfolio before I divorced Winona, this one caught my eye and I wanted to come see it right away.Of course, I got too busy with the business and all this memory crap. Since finding out about Abby, and now her condition, life has been a whirlwind. I take a deep breath. Here it feels like the world has slowed.I think back to the divorce and before it. The night Winona and I made Abby. Then I was so confused when the drugs were found in my blood. Of course I would trust my mother. But I’ve learned since, I can love her but maybe trusting her is a different thing.How did I let myself be convinced so easily that Winona was lying and had tricked me into everything? I guess my mental state was a lot more volatile back then. I know I certainly don’t want to be like Greg in that way again. If that’s what it takes to run this business, I
Last Updated : 2024-07-08Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 65 I want to Believe
(Winona)I’m not sure I’ve ever felt this free or relaxed. Not since the accident anyway. But this is nice. No Ashlyn, no Judy. No pressure. The air feels lighter, the weight of the world has lifted off my shoulders, at least temporarily.Jayden is cleaning like a demon out in the kitchen with Abby, although I’m sure there’s some soapy water fights going on. Every few minutes, I hear giggles and splashes, making me smile.I’m setting up Abby’s bedroom. I’ve cleaned dirt and mold off the walls. I’m hoping it’s old stuff. It looks a lot better, and that dank smell is gone. It’s very satisfying transforming this space for her.The overriding smell now is bleach, but I have some scented candles to light. I make her bed and pop her toys on top. She insisted on bringing her doll house, and I’ve placed it in the corner where it looks perfect. The living room is pretty much done and I’m hoping the kitchen/diner is sorted as well. I glance around, making sure everything is in place for Abby a
Last Updated : 2024-07-08
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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
