(Winona)I’m still shaken from attacking that man yesterday. I’ve stayed at the beach house another night, but now I want to get back to the cottage and prove I can do this.“Jayden, thanks for everything. The police are coming this afternoon for an interview and child services will be here in the morning.”“Are you sure?” He looks at me, concern etched in his features.I nod. “I really am.”“I have some meetings today. Hopefully, I’ll finally make some headway to buying more shares. Then I’ll come around and sleep on the sofa.”“You don’t have to put yourself out.”“I do, and I will. If you’re sure he’ll be back, we can’t take any chances.”“He will be, but he’s not stupid enough to try while the authorities are around.”“If he knows you’ll contact the authorities, then he may want to get the kids back with him before then.”This is true. I consider my options. I don’t have a car here and Jayden has meetings he needs to get to. “So, it’s either I wait at the cottage or here.”I don’t
(Winona)The police have been here ten minutes and it feels like forever while I try to explain to them what has happened. My voice is trembling with urgency, and the fear in my chest is tightening.“Do you have any reason to believe he’d want to hurt your daughter, Ms. Nolan?” one of the officers asks, his tone skeptical.“He wants to hurt me. This is ridiculous, you need to start looking for her,” I snap, frustration bubbling over.“We need information and we need proof. This is like looking for a needle in a haystack,” the other officer explains, his calm demeanor only fueling my panic.I’m shaking, my fists clenching at my sides. I scream at the officers, “Just find her! I’m telling you what you need to know. Why won’t you believe me?”Jayden draws me back from them, his grip firm but gentle. “Try and stay calm.”“Try and stay calm!?” I echo, my voice cracking with desperation. “I swear I will kill him if he hurts her.” My mind is in turmoil and I’ve never felt anger like this bef
(Jayden)Wow. Winona really lost it today. She’s sleeping now. Abby is in with her. She’s so scared this will happen again. I don’t know what her father is playing at.Something is up. That’s for sure.I wanted to tear his head off myself, but I knew he was deliberately trying to bait us. What I don’t know is why? What I do know is if he thinks he can stand against the power and might of the Brennans, he has another thing coming.I’ve called every shareholder I need and they have all agreed to sell to me. The latest bad publicity actually helped my cause. I also added that with Gus Brennan at the helm, it’s high risk that Brennan Industries will get swallowed up into Nexus Global.That I was willing to fight that until the end, but I had no guarantees any shareholder would see a profit for a long time. They all took my offer. Now I am the majority owner of Brennan Industries. I can call the shots again. But first, I have my memories to sort out.Tomorrow I go to the hypnotherapist. I
(Winona)The officer lets Bobby and Sarah stay for our picnic. He’s waiting for us to finish.I see Jayden staring. I look over there in the distance. I spot a familiar figure near the top of the stairs.My heart skips a beat, and a cold wave of shock washes over me. It’s Ashlyn.I swallow. What does she want? She’s just standing there with a twisted smile on her face. I’m still fragile from Abby’s disappearance and the revelation about Bobby and Sarah, my chest tightens with a mix of anger and dread.I’m so tired of all of this. It’s time I tried to make peace and include her in our family. After all, she has Jayden's child inside her and regardless of the circumstance that child will need some stability.I hand Bobby and Sarah their sandwiches, trying to mask my rising panic. “Stay here with Jayden for a moment,” I say, forcing a smile. “I see a friend of ours. I’ll be right back.”Jayden looks at me, concern etched on his face. “Are you sure?”I nod, my eyes locked on Ashlyn. “
(Jayden)I watched Winona and Ashlyn near the top of the stairs at Palisades Park, their bodies locked in a struggle. I want to intervene, but I need to stay with the kids. My mind races as I try to process what's happening. Abby tugs at my shirt, her eyes wide with confusion and fear. "Daddy, why is Mommy hurting that lady?" she asks, her voice trembling.Before I can respond, the officer who had just left to get coffee comes rushing back. He sees the struggle and sprints toward them, shouting for them to stop. The commotion has drawn a small crowd of onlookers, and my stomach knots with anxiety."Stay here," I tell Abby and the other kids, my voice firm but gentle. "Everything is going to be okay."I try to keep my eyes on the scene, watching in horror as it looks like Winona is pushing Ashlyn toward the edge.Ashlyn screams, "No, Winona! Don't!" Then she falls, her body rolling down the steep stairs in a terrifying blur. Winona stands there, her face a mix of shock and rage,
(Jayden)In the hospital, I stand and wait in the emergency room. The nurse said the doctor was about to examine Ashlyn. Abby is still clinging to me, her small body trembling with fear. I know I need to get her out of here.I dial Anne’s number. “Jayden?” she answers quickly, concern evident in her voice.“It’s all a mess, Anne. Winona is in jail, Ashlyn is in emergency—I think she’s lost the baby—and I’m here with Abby at the hospital waiting,” I explain, my voice strained with emotion.“Oh god. What happened?” Anne asks, the worry in her tone deepening.“They struggled, Ashlyn fell down the stairs. Anne, I think Winona pushed her,” I confess, the words heavy on my tongue.“No. She wouldn’t,” Anne insists.“Her state of mind lately, I don’t know. Has she told you anything?” I ask, desperate for some clarity.“I haven’t heard from her. I just assumed everything was fine,” Anne replies.“It was, I mean, really fine. But then her father turned up,” I say, frustration seeping into my vo
(Winona)I sit in the cold, sterile interview room, my heart pounding in my chest. The fluorescent lights buzz overhead, casting a harsh glare on the metal table between me and the two detectives.My hands tremble as I clutch the edge of my chair, trying to steady myself. Every muscle in my body is tense, and my throat feels like it’s closing up.“Ms. Nolan, you need to understand the seriousness of these charges,” the older detective says, his voice gruff. “We have multiple witnesses who saw you push Ashlyn Brennan down those stairs. She is pressing attempted murder charges.”“I didn’t push her!” I insist, my voice cracking under the weight of my desperation. “She set me up! She said horrible things to me, she provoked me!” I can feel my pulse in my temples, each beat a reminder of my mounting panic.The younger detective leans forward, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. “We’ve done our homework, Ms. Nolan. We know about your history with Mrs. Brennan and Jayden Brennan. There’s a lo
(Winona)“We’re doing everything we can,” he replies, his tone firm. “But right now, you need to focus on staying calm and cooperating. Don’t talk to anyone unless I’m present. I need the truth from you, Winona, no matter what. You don’t lie to me, okay?”I nod, though my mind is far from calm. Every step feels heavy, each echoing footfall a reminder of the nightmare I’m trapped in. They lead me to a solitary cell, the door clanging shut behind me. The silence is oppressive, and I feel the weight of it pressing down on me.“I’ll be back to talk to you soon. I need the full story, from the start. Are you prepared to talk to me?”“Of course. I’m not sure I can afford you, though.”“Let’s worry about that later. I’ll see you soon.” He strides off, and the sound of the door locking echoes in the quiet.I pace the small space, my thoughts racing. How did everything go so wrong? Just a few days ago, I was hopeful about starting a new chapter with Jayden and Abby. Hopeful that we could blen
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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