(Jayden)I don’t want to believe that, but I can’t rule it out either. But running away?No, she would come and tell me. “I’ll go talk to everyone and get the kids home with Anne. We’ll postpone. Right now, I need to find her and talk to her.”I find Abby sitting with Sarah and Bobby at the table we’re supposed to sign our marriage license on. She looks up at me with those big, innocent eyes, completely unaware of the chaos swirling around her.“Where’s Mommy?”“Hey, sweetheart,” I say, crouching down next to her. “Can I talk to you for a second? To all three of you.”She nods, setting her crayons down. “What is it, Daddy?”I take a deep breath, trying to keep my voice steady. “Mommy isn’t here. We can’t get married today, okay?”“But where is she?” Abby says, her eyes shining.“I think Mommy needed a little holiday, but she’ll be back and we’ll get married then.”Bobby and Sarah don’t say anything. “You know she loves you two, don’t you?”Sarah nods. “She told me before we came down.
(Winona)The helicopter blades beat above me as I jump out of the chopper. My heart pounds in sync with the relentless thrum. Gus is standing there, waiting for me, his face stone cold.The same damn unreadable expression he always wears.My mind is a mess. I keep thinking about Jayden. I’ve walked out on him on our wedding day. But this? Gus has a lot to answer for and I don’t care what he says. He will help me get Cass out and then he can go back to wherever he came from and leave us alone.“Gus,” I start, stepping up to him, my voice sharp, cutting through the noise of the blades. “You knew this was about Jayden from the start, didn’t you?”He doesn’t even flinch. “No. But now I know they are after Jayden to get to me.”“Goddamn it.” I throw my hands up. “So, Cass was taken just to get to me, and I was supposed to lure Jayden right into a trap, is that it? This whole thing is because of you and whatever it is you’re involved in!”His eyes flicker with darkness, but he doesn’t say
(Jayden)The hospital lights are harsh, sterile, and the hum of machines fills the air. It’s become background noise to me at this point. I sit in the chair next to Henry’s isolation room, staring at him through the glass.His tiny body is hooked up to so many tubes and wires that it makes my heart ache just to look at him. I wish I could touch him. Feel his tiny hand grip my finger.The nurse said they’ve identified the virus, started him on antivirals. But it was still touch and go, and Henry is still in isolation.All I can do is sit here and wait, feeling completely useless about everything. Winona included.“Jayden?” The doctor’s voice pulls me from my thoughts, and I look up, trying to focus.“Doctor, I didn’t expect to see you here so late.”“I’m afraid Henry isn’t the only infant with this virus now. It’s been a very long day.”“Mine too. Do you know where the virus came from?”“Not exactly, that’s why isolation still stands. But we’ll track it down eventually.”“How is he re
(Winona)I pull the GPS tracker out of my bag, the tiny device feeling foreign in my palm. I tie it into my hair, tucking it into the tight bun I’ve secured high on my head.My fingers tremble as I make sure it’s hidden.I have a lifeline, but that doesn’t make me feel any less on edge.I don’t know how long Jayden will take to get here, but I’m using every minute to get prepared. My mind keeps circling back to everything that’s happened. I left him.He stood at the altar, humiliated in front of everyone—our family, our friends. The children. Our children.I push the guilt down as best as I can, but it sits heavy on my chest like a weight I can’t shake. I made that choice, and I had no other. I had to leave. For Cass.Gus drove us to this nearby camp—an odd place, not quite a hotel, but functional enough. There’s a kitchen, a bathroom, and some food. I’ve showered and put on layers of warm clothes, thinking ahead for when I find Cass.She might need them more than me.I slip a small n
(Winona)“Good question,” I say. “Let’s ask Gus.”I motion for Gus to come in, and he steps into the room, the tension between him and Jayden feels like it could explode at any moment.“Jayden raised a good point. How will you know when I’m with Cass?” I ask him.“There’s a button to press on the GPS,” Gus explains. “It’ll send us an alarm. Then we’ll know you are with her, and we can proceed getting you two out of there. If I can get a chopper in Mexico to get you both, I will.”“What if you can’t?”“We’ll get you to a more public place by road.”“That’s it?” Jayden says, glaring at Gus. “What if that doesn’t work? What if Cass is injured and can’t move?”“We’ll have people on the ground following, remember we will be tracking you. All you need to do is press that button once you are with Cass and you can both move together safely.” Gus replies calmly.“How do I know who to trust?” I ask, my heart racing.“They’ll show you a symbol,” Gus says, pulling out his phone to show me an imag
(Winona)Can’t take a commercial flight. I’m carrying the ransom. I’ll get to Cancun by private jet tomorrow morning.The phone buzzes, and my stomach lurches. A call from Cass’s phone.I press accept and put the phone to my ear.“You said tomorrow? We said tonight,” the voice on the other end is cold.“Yes,” I say, my voice steady. “I’m carrying a significant amount of cash and jewelry. I can’t go through commercial airport security with that. Private jet is the only option.”There’s a pause, then, “you’re not in a position to make demands.”“I’m not making demands,” I reply, my voice firm. “I’m telling you what’s possible. The earliest I can get there is tomorrow morning. I’ll bring the ransom. You bring Cass.”Another pause, and I can hear the tension in the silence. My heart races, and I force myself to breathe steadily. I can’t show any fear. Not now.“Fine,” the voice says. “But don’t think you can play games with us. If you try anything, if we suspect something, your sister’s d
(Jayden)I’m standing behind Gus, watching the GPS signal flicker on his laptop screen. My stomach’s in knots as I see the tiny dot moving further inland, away from the border. Not toward safety.Not toward any escape route Gus has promised.“They’re moving in the wrong direction,” I say, my voice tight with panic and frustration. “What the hell is going on? You said you had this under control.”Gus doesn’t flinch, keeping his eyes locked on the screen, his fingers tapping something into the keyboard. He’s pulling up more maps, more satellite imagery.His face is set like stone as he calculates something. “I’ll handle it.”I can’t just stand here and trust that everything will be fine. Not with Winona and Cass in that van, being driven who the hell knows where. My gut catapults, every nerve in my body screaming for me to do something—anything—but I don’t even know where to start.I stare at him, my fists clenched. “You better do something, fast. Winona is out there risking her life—
(Jayden)“So, all of this... Winona, Cass, even me—this is all part of their plan to get to you?”“Yes,” Gus says quietly. “They’re using you to get to me because they know you’re my heir. They think if they can take you, I’ll do whatever they want to keep you alive. They are right.”“And you let it get this far,” I snap, anger boiling up inside me. “You let them put my family in danger because of your goddamn secrets.”Gus doesn’t flinch. “I’ve been trying to contain it. To keep them away from you. But now... things are moving faster than I anticipated. They’re getting desperate, and that’s why they took Cass.”I stare at him, my mind racing. “What about Greg? Was he involved in any of this?”Gus hesitates, and for a moment, I think he’s not going to answer. But then he nods. “Greg knew about some of it. Not everything, but enough. Let’s just say, he was never savvy enough to do what I do.”Gus taps into this message screen again before he continues.“He knocked up Maria on his very
(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