(Winona)“You and me, no strings attached. Just fun. You’ve got a hall pass, right? No one would be better at showing you what you’re missing.”I laugh, shaking my head, though the alcohol is making everything seem lighter, less serious than it should be. “You’re insane.”“Think about it,” Lance presses, his voice smooth, persuasive. “I’m not talking about love. This isn’t about some emotional thing.”He’s joking right?“You deserve someone who can take you places you haven’t been yet. Someone you already know you trust.”“Lance…” I start, trying to form a response that will shut him down without making things awkward.“Come on, Winona. You’re curious, I can see it in your eyes. You and I both know we’re not made for a relationship, but I can give you a damn good time.”I’m about to brush him off again, but something in the way he says it makes me pause. The words are sliding into my brain, coaxing thoughts I probably shouldn’t be having.Lance is, well, Lance—sexy, confident, and mor
(Winona)The sun creeps in through the drapes, harsh and uninvited. My head feels like it’s been hit with a sledgehammer. My body is heavy with the familiar ache of too much alcohol and dancing. And orgasms.Okay, maybe too many orgasms aren’t a thing. I know I sure hit my quota.I feel the heat rise to my cheeks and there’s a twinge deep inside me. I think I crossed every line there is to be crossed. Never say never, I guess. I smile.Anyway, it’s done and guess what? I know marrying Jayden is right for me.I shift slightly under the soft sheets, taking stock of my week of freedom.And as much as I want to forget it, the memory of last night comes crashing back. The drinks, the dancing... Lance, that man, there were women, the things that happened afterwards.I groan, pulling the sheet up over my head. My bed is now empty, and for that, I’m grateful. There's no need to deal with the awkwardness of morning-after conversations. No regrets to address, no apologies to make.I had fun l
(Cass)I wake up feeling like I’m sinking, caught in a daze that I can’t quite shake off. The drum beating from somewhere deep inside my skull won’t let up.It’s like I’m stuck halfway between sleep and waking.No matter how hard I try to drag myself to the surface, something pulls me back under.My eyes flutter open, but my vision’s blurred, and everything is dim, like the curtains in the hotel room are still closed. Cancun... right? I’m still in Cancun.I blink slowly, trying to focus. The bed beneath me feels wrong though, harder than I remember. No pillow. I squint, trying to make sense of it all, but it’s like my brain is wrapped in cotton wool.I lift my hand to my forehead—at least, I try to—but nothing happens. My arm doesn’t move.What the hell? Am I paralyzed?I groan, my throat dry and scratchy, as I try again to move. My body feels foreign, disconnected, and everything inside me feels... off. Like I’ve been drugged or something.But I haven’t done drugs. I don’t use now. I
(Jayden)Henry’s been in isolation for hours now, hooked up to every machine imaginable. The sight of him behind that glass, with tubes in his tiny body, knocked the wind out of me. My son. My tiny boy. He’d been doing so well.And there’s nothing I can do to help him. I can’t hold him. I can’t even touch him. All I can do is stand there and pray the doctors figure out what’s wrong.They think it’s a virus or some type of infection, something that hit him hard and fast, but they haven’t ruled anything out yet. His heart—there’s always a fear that the genetic defect that runs through our family might resurface.I can’t even think about that possibility.“Jayden, I don’t understand how this could happen so quickly,” Winona says, breaking the silence, her voice shaky, barely above a whisper.I stop pacing and go to her. Her eyes are red-rimmed, and I know she’s on the verge of breaking. I put my arms around her shoulders. “I don’t know,” I admit, my voice hoarse. “But they’re doing ever
(Winona)I stand in front of the mirror, watching as Lisa adjusts the delicate lace on my wedding dress.Cass isn’t here. I know something’s wrong, but I’ve told them all that her flight has been delayed and she should be here by the end of the day. I wish that were true.I try to smile as Anne walks over, handing me a glass of champagne. “You’re getting married,” she says softly, her eyes gleaming with happiness. “You should be smiling.”“Thanks, Anne, I’m very happy,” I lie, lifting the glass to my lips and taking a small sip, trying to settle the nervous flutter in my chest.The kids are running around the room, Bobby has come up to visit, so I know Jayden and his groomsmen are down there waiting.Bobby is chasing Sarah and Abby with a bubble gun, meant to be for them to make bubbles for us to walk through once the service is done.Cass. I should’ve told Jayden, and I will, but I need to know more.I’ve tried to keep myself from losing it, but it’s getting harder. There were no fli
(Winona)I zip up my duffel bag, tossing in the last few pieces of jewelry, cash, and anything of value I can scrounge up from home and the office safe. My mind is racing, heart pounding, as I move in autopilot—getting everything ready to leave for Cancun.Getting everything ready to save Cass.But all I can think about is Jayden. The look on his face when he realizes I’m gone. How do I justify this? How do I explain why I’ve left, why I’m keeping him out of the most important thing happening in our lives?I can’t. This is wrong. I want him to know the truth.I grab the burner phone I picked up on the way back, with a new SIM card. Clearly Gus already knows something because he has a chopper ready and waiting. How? If Gus knows then surely I can be honest with Jayden.He has a right to know. We’ve spent too much time hiding things, avoiding the hard conversations. I owe him this.I reach for a pen and paper, my hand shaky as I write the note.JaydenBy the time you read this, I’ll
(Winona)The hum of the helicopter blades above is relentless. I look out the window at the views beneath me, but I can’t enjoy any of it. My mind spins, from everything Gus said. Jayden might be the real target.The first stop is coming up soon. I have to change helicopters, according to the pilot, something Gus arranged. But the stops, the precautions, only makes me more anxious. What’s really going on here?My mind drifts back to what Gus told me. Jayden might be the real target. Cass is just bait. I’m bait. Maybe part of a bigger plan to lure Jayden.But why?I try to make sense of it, piecing together the scattered puzzle Gus has laid out in front of me. If Cass was taken to lure me and then me to lure Jayden, then her being in Cancun at all can’t be a coincidence.And if Jayden is their real target, why go through so much trouble to get him to South America? Just get him to go there and grab him. Grab him from anywhere. It doesn’t make sense. Maybe Cass is really just a victim
(Jayden)I stand at the altar, my hands clenched into tight fists, trying to keep my cool as time ticks by. She’s late. But Lisa said that Winona said she needed some time alone.No big deal.I shift on my feet, adjusting my tie for the hundredth time as I glance at the door and back at Lisa.It’s been almost thirty minutes.Still no sign of her.I force myself to breathe slowly. She’ll be here. We’ve been through hell and back to get to this day, and I know Winona. She loves me. There’s no doubt in my mind about that.So, I wait, forcing the nervous energy coursing through my veins to settle down.But as each second passes, the tension in the room thickens. People are whispering now, shifting in their seats. Anne gives me a reassuring smile from the other side, and I nod, trying to stay calm.But where the hell is she?“Bro…this isn’t looking good,” Lance whispers.“Shut up. She’ll be here. Unless you know something I don’t?”He holds up his hands in protest and steps back. “No, I do
(Winona)Lisa sits curled into the corner of her couch, her legs tucked beneath her and a blanket draped across her lap.“So, one reading down, one to go,” I say, setting two mugs on the coffee table and taking a seat in the armchair across from her. “Are you ready?” She looks up, blinking like she’s coming out of a daze. “Yeah, well... I don’t think I can be there. It’s still too much.” “Fair.” I lean forward, wrapping my hands around the warm mug. “I know it’s hard. But it’s a start, you know? A start to getting on the other side of all this.” She shrugs.“I’ll be right by your side.”Lisa exhales slowly, tugging the blanket tighter. “It’s just... everything. The way it happened. The way he let me in and really loved me for those few days. The way he left. And now this reading, like it’s going to somehow tie up all the loose ends. But it won’t, will it? Nothing changes that he’s gone.” I nod, letting her words hang in the air for a moment. “No, it doesn’t change that. But it mig
(Winona)The law office is still and cold, a contrast to the storm of emotions brewing inside me. Jayden sits beside me, his jaw set, shoulders tight with the tension he’s carried for days.I can tell he’s ready for this to be over but also bracing for whatever last hand Judy might play.“You okay?” I whisper. He doesn’t answer at first, his stare fixed on the polished table.“No,” he finally says. “But let’s get it done.”Mr. Carter, the lawyer, clears his throat and adjusts his glasses. “Thank you all for being here. We are gathered for the reading of the final will and testament of Judith Ann Brennan.”Jayden shifts in his chair, his knee bouncing with restless energy. I can feel the heat of his frustration, but I keep my hands to myself. No comfort from me is going to land right at this moment.“This will was last amended six months ago,” Carter continues. “Mrs. Brennan made several significant changes, which we will now outline. Copies of the full document will be provided afterw
(Jayden)The elevator dings, and the penthouse opens up before me. This used to be my happy place. Where I could unwind and take in the city lights with a nightcap or three. Before kids.Now it looks like an executive man cave with a family shoved in.I was an idiot for pushing that idea. There’s a crooked home-made banner saying Welcome Daddy, and a tray of icing and sprinkle laden cupcakes on the side table. My heart surges.A chorus of voices breaks through. “Daddy!” Abby’s little feet pound the hardwood floor as she barrels toward me, her arms wide and her face split into a grin. She wraps herself around my leg like a koala. “You’re early!”“Hey, princess,” I say, lifting her up as Bobby and Sarah rush in right behind her. Bobby grabs my middle in a tight hug, and Sarah hovers just slightly back, smiling shyly. “I sure am. Surprise!”“Missed you, Dad,” she says softly.“I missed you too, kiddo,” I reply, wrapping my free arm around her.Winona’s voice carries from the living room,
(Jayden)The clock on my desk blinks 12:47 AM, but the late hour doesn’t register anymore.I’ve spent the last few hours in calls and emails, trying to coordinate everything: the will readings, the services, the logistics of leaving Nexus Global in capable hands while I head back to the States.I hit call on Viktor’s number, knowing he’ll be awake. He always seems awake. I wonder if he’s actually human sometimes.“Jayden,” Viktor answers on the second ring, his voice sharp and alert. “What’s wrong?”“Nothing’s wrong,” I say quickly. “I need to talk to you about Nexus. I’m flying back to the States soon, and I need someone I can trust to hold things down while I’m gone.”There’s a brief pause, then a low chuckle. “You’re not serious.”“Dead serious.”“Jayden,” Viktor says evenly, “I don’t run billion-dollar companies. I handle security, strategy, and occasionally beating people to a pulp if they get too close.”“You also know Nexus Global inside out,” I counter. “You’ve been in the tre
(Winona)The hospital release is a relief, but it doesn’t wipe away the worry. By the time Lisa arrives, I’m eager to get back to the penthouse.“You look awful,” Lisa says, her tone blunt as ever, but there’s concern in her eyes.“Gee, Thanks, Lisa. That’s exactly what I needed to hear.” I grin.“Hey, at least you’re walking out of here,” she retorts, falling into step beside me. “So, what’s the verdict?”“Blood pressure’s back down, no signs of infection or anything. But they told me to call if I feel anything even slightly off.” I know they think I’ll lose this baby and it makes me feel a little hopeless.“Good,” she says, nudging me with her elbow. “You’re not exactly known for taking it easy.”I glance at her, surprised by her willingness to show up. “Thanks for coming. Did you watch the USB?”“No. Not yet. I just can’t,” she says quickly. “But I needed to get out of the apartment anyway. Sitting there being angry about Lance wasn’t doing me any favors. He did what he did, and I
(Winona)It’s been months since Henry was discharged from Neonatal, but the memories of sleepless nights, anxious conversations, and cautious hope are still fresh. Now here I am again but for my own pregnancy.Nurse Ellen Mitchell spots me first. “Winona Brennan!” she greets with a wide smile, her sharp eyes immediately scanning me like a mother hen. “Europe didn’t steal you away permanently, huh? Is Henry okay?”I laugh softly. “He is thriving. I’m here for… me, this time.”Ellen nods and squeezes my arm in support, gesturing toward the exam room. “We got you. Dr. Harris and Dr. Reeves are ready. Let’s see how you’re holding up.”Inside, the doctor’s room feels like it always did with Nurse Casey Ramirez prepping the equipment. “Look who it is,” she says with a grin. “Our favorite mama. How’s Henry? Still dazzling the world?”I smile, relaxing a little. “He’s doing great. Eats like a trucker and sleeps like an angel when he’s not too busy chasing after Bobby’s cat.”These ladies were
(Jayden)The phone rings just as I finish my third coffee of the morning. I glance at the caller ID: Unknown.But I know it’s Gus. I take a deep breath. This is going to be challenging. I answer, keeping my tone even. “Jayden Brennan.” “Jayden,” Gus replies. “Awful news. I can hardly imagine what you’re going through.” “I’m managing. There’s a lot to get through.” “Yes. Have they released the bodies yet?” “Just waiting on final paperwork, so probably tomorrow. How are you?” “Shit,” he admits, and the bluntness catches me off guard. “Judy’s gone, and I can’t quite believe it.”He exhales. “My biggest regret is not making us a family all that time ago. And now she’s just… gone.” I let the silence stretch, unsure how to respond.“I tried to fix things recently,” Gus continues. “Hoped I could. But Judy played me as much as she played everyone else. She loved me, yes, but she was never going to stop punishing me.” “She knew what she was doing, Gus,” I say. “She manipulated everyo
(Winona)“It’s not,” I admit, keeping my tone neutral. “But it’s important. I have a lot of friends and colleagues here. The deaths and the media surrounding them will have a profound effect on morale. Not to mention investor confidence.”Mia raises an eyebrow. “Investor confidence? Bold of you to assume that’s a concern you need to handle. My family owns half of Brennan Industries. It’s our legacy, and we won’t be giving it up anytime soon.”I hold her gaze, unflinching. “You can hash that out with Jayden. And Mia? Don’t think I’m as easy to manipulate as my sister.”Her smile falters slightly, replaced by something colder. “How is Cass? She disappeared it seems. I was worried.”“Cass is just fine, thanks. She’s safe and well.” I’m not mentioning exactly where Cass is. I don’t trust Mia. “No thanks to you. Getting her involved in drug selling.”“That had nothing to do with me. Cass got herself into her own mess. She wouldn’t listen to me. Why do you think Gabriel got out when he did?
(Winona)The phone buzzes on the counter, Jayden’s name flashes on the screen. It’s been a few hours since we last spoke, and he sounded strained then. I swipe to answer. “Jayden,” I say, “everything okay?” “Not exactly, I need a favor.” “Of course. What’s going on?” He exhales, and I can hear the faint clatter of papers in the background. “I need you to go to Brennan Industries. Talk to the employees. Offer them some support after everything that’s happened with Lance and Judy.” My stomach tightens at the mention of Judy. The entire feud between us has been splashed across every media outlet forever. Everyone at Brennan Industries knew, and they’d seen the fallout.“Why me?” I ask cautiously. “Because you’ve worked with them,” Jayden says. “You’re respected there. They deserve some support because everyone loved Lance and Judy was a well-respected CEO despite her side game with us.” “Jayden, they know about everything between Judy and me. What if they think I’m just showing up