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83 She Set Me Up
Last Updated:
2024-07-15 17:08:45
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 84 Glimmer Of Hope
(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
Last Updated : 2024-07-15Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 85 Saving Winona
(Jayden)I glance into the window of the hospital room and see Ashlyn, laying there. Her face is devoid of emotion, her expression blank. There are no tears, no redness around her eyes, nothing to indicate the trauma of losing a baby.Surely no one would go so far as to frame someone else, even to the extent of losing their own child? Perhaps, Ashlyn’s capacity for manipulation really knows no bounds. My biggest question is, how much of this has my mother been involved in?I know Ashlyn intimately, and she’s always been dramatic, always excessively theatrical when it comes to dealing with personal matters, particularly concerning Winona and me. My only option now is honesty; this marriage must end, regardless of the circumstances.Baby or no baby, continuing this marriage is impossible. In hindsight, I should never have rushed into this union. I thought we could somehow make it work, but the ongoing saga with Winona has affected Ashlyn more than I had realized, and it’s clear now s
Last Updated : 2024-07-16Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 86 Building A Case
(Winona)It’s been the longest night. I’m sitting in the solitary cell, the silence suffocating me. I barely slept and I couldn’t eat the pittance of breakfast they brought in this morning.All I can think about is Abby and getting out of here.The harsh light overhead doesn’t help it feel less sterile and cold. My lawyer, a sharp, insightful man, sits across on a foldable chair they’ve brought in for him. He’s the only person allowed in here alone with me.“We need to prove Ashlyn orchestrated this whole scenario,” he says, his voice echoing slightly off the concrete walls. “Your father could be key to this, but his credibility is questionable given his history. We can’t rely solely on his testimony.”I rub my hands together, feeling the cold seeping into my bones. “He’s easily bought off. Who’s to say he won’t just take a better offer from Ashlyn or someone else and turn against us?”The lawyer nods. “Exactly. That’s why we need something solid, something undeniable. The best shot w
Last Updated : 2024-07-16Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 87 Surprise Visitor
(Winona)I try to gather my thoughts as the cell door creaks open again. This time, it’s Jayden. My heart leaps, but his face is set in a hard, unforgiving mask. My breath catches in my throat.“Jayden?” I whisper, standing up, my hands trembling. “What are you doing here? How did you get in to see me?”“You know money talks. This is the one and only time I’ll speak to you.”“What are you here for?”He doesn’t respond right away, just looks at me with a mix of anger and pain. His jaw is clenched tight, and I can see the hurt in his eyes. “I can’t believe it, Winona,” he finally says, his voice cold. “The evidence is too strong. I saw what I saw. How could you do this? How could you push her?”“Jayden, I didn’t! You have to believe me. She set me up!” I plead, tears streaming down my face, my voice cracking with desperation.“Set you up? Do you realize how insane that sounds? She lost our baby, Winona! My baby!” His voice rises, filled with anguish. “No one would kill their own baby li
Last Updated : 2024-07-16Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 88 How Can I?
(Jayden)I punched the wall at the beach house. The impact sends a jolt of pain through my knuckles, but I don't care. Gordon Brown watches on, unaffected, his arms crossed and his expression unreadable.“I can’t do this. I can’t hurt her like this.” I rub the pain in my knuckles away, the ache a distraction from the turmoil inside me.“It’s the best way to get a real confession. Ashlyn has to believe you are on her side and against Winona. Winona has to believe that too,” Gordon says, his tone firm and unyielding.“There must be another way. Winona won’t let on if she knows I’m pretending,” I argue, pacing back and forth, the tension in my body coiled tight like a spring.“She also won’t react in the same way, and if Ashlyn gets a sniff of trickery, we lose the only chance we’ve got,” Gordon counters, his eyes boring into mine.“What’s the next move?” I ask, stopping in my tracks and facing him.“You take Ashlyn home,” he replies, his voice steady and unwavering.“Home?” I echo, a se
Last Updated : 2024-07-17Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 89 Bigger Fish To Fry
(Jayden)Arriving at the penthouse the next morning, I helped Ashlyn out of the limousine and into the building. The familiar surroundings do nothing to ease the tension in my gut. The elevator ride up feels endless, the silence between us thick with unspoken words.I play the part of the doting husband, all the while my mind is on Winona, on the plan, on the desperate hope that this will all be worth it in the end. As Ashlyn settles in, I keep up the charade, making small talk and pretending everything is normal. The place looks like no one has been here since I left. “Ashlyn? Weren’t you living here when I went to Santa Monica?” I ask, glancing around.Ashlyn shakes her head. “Gus asked if I wanted to stay in his guest suite, so I wasn’t alone.”“I see.” I wonder why he did that? My mind races with suspicions.“Does it upset you that I was staying there?” she asks, her voice laced with a hint of worry.“I’m glad you had company,” I replied, forcing a smile.“I never told him I was
Last Updated : 2024-07-17Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 90 Will I Get Bail?
(Winona)I sit in the courtroom, my heart pounding as I wait for the judge to enter. The room is filled with people, their eyes on me, their whispers echoing in my ears. The weight of their judgment feels like a physical burden. My anxiety is overwhelming. I glance around the room, seeing faces that seem familiar, faces from the media coverage, and even faces of those who might be curious about the high-profile case. It’s suffocating.Gordon Brown sits beside me, his expression calm and focused. He’s been my rock through this nightmare, and I cling to the hope that he can get me out on bail. I need so badly to see Abby again. The thought of her bright, innocent face keeps me grounded.“Stay calm, Winona, and above all, be sincere. Judge Harper can see straight through bullshit.” Gordon whispers. “Don’t say anything unless she addresses you directly.”“All rise,” the bailiff announces, and we stand as the judge enters. Judge Harper is a stern-looking woman with piercing eyes that see
Last Updated : 2024-07-17Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 91 Home Alone, Almost
(Winona)I sit in the living room of my townhouse, my ankle bracelet itching against my skin. The quiet space echoes everything I do, adding to the horrible feeling of Abby not being here with me.But I’m home. That’s a start.Gordon Brown, my lawyer, sits across from me, a stack of papers in front of him. His legal team is scattered around the room, their faces serious and focused. My parole officer is also present. Sheila Hobbs.I feel scared just looking at her chunky build and she must be at least six foot tall. Short hair and an expressionless face.I glance at the clock, wondering how much longer this ordeal will last.Gordon clears his throat, drawing my attention back to him. “Winona, we need to go over the conditions of your house arrest. These are non-negotiable, and you must adhere to them strictly. Do you understand?”I nod, my stomach twisting with anxiety. “Yes, I understand.”He shuffles through the papers, pulling out a sheet, he hands it to Sheila.She reads it throug
Last Updated : 2024-07-18
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 490 Show of Strength
(Cass)When Viktor and I step into the Brennan Wing family suite, the first thing I notice is how together Jayden looks.He’s standing by Henry’s highchair, feeding him bits of banana while the little guy alternates between smearing food on his face and laughing like he’s cracked the greatest joke in the world.Jayden doesn’t even flinch when Henry chucks half a cracker at his chest.“Alright, Superdad,” I say, dropping my bag on the couch. “You’re really leaning into this whole family-man thing. Should I be worried you’re going to start wearing matching dad-and-son tracksuits next?”Jayden smirks without looking up. “You jealous, Aunt Cass? I can always order you one too. I’m thinking neon green?”I grin, then I run to hug him. “Pass. I prefer my black on black for now.”Henry spots me and lets out an excited squeal, waving his sticky hands in my direction. “Oh, no you don’t,” I warn, taking a step back. “Your dad can keep the food fights. I’ll hug you as soon as we use some wipes.”
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
