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420 Building Bridges
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2024-11-15 11:43:07Related chapters
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 421 The Predator’s Game
(Judy)The bar hums with quiet sophistication, the kind of place where London’s elite come to sip overpriced whiskey and pretend they’re untouchable. I walk in, a predator among prey, and there he is: Lance. The person I’ve come to see.He sits hunched over his glass, looking every bit the broken man I expected. The bruises and swelling from his fight with Jayden haven’t faded, and there’s a hollow look in his eyes that makes my lips curl with satisfaction.He’ll hate Winona now for coming between him and Jayden. Perfect.“Hello, Lance,” I purr, sliding onto the barstool beside him. He doesn’t even flinch, just glances at me with a weary indifference. Pathetic.“Judy,” he acknowledges, his voice flat, devoid of the cocky charm he usually wields like a shield. Good. I’ve taken that from him, too. Easier to further poison his mind against this couple.I order a glass of Merlot, savoring the anticipation of this moment. “You know,” I say, swirling the wine, “I never thought I’d see you q
Last Updated : 2024-11-15Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 422 Arrival at the Farm
(Winona)The three-hour drive to Klara’s farm has been surprisingly therapeutic. The winding roads took us past lush, rolling fields and dense patches of forest, and for a while, I allowed myself to feel at peace. The kids were mostly quiet with their devices, watching the scenery or chatting excitedly about what they thought the farm would be like.Henry dozed off in his carrier after the third stop for a break for the kids to run about, and for me to go through the process of elimination on what made Henry fussy that time.But we are here now and I’m full of anticipation on seeing Jayden and Viktor and the possibility of finding a way to make Judy pay for what she’s done. At least some of it. It seems too much to hope for but I’m strangely feeling calm and collected.It feels like forever since I’ve driven anywhere, let alone a long drive. It’s been amazing. I know I have to add some car exploration trips to my schedule.The farm comes into view. It’s a picturesque scene: a cozy far
Last Updated : 2024-11-16Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 423 My Dream Life
(Winona)Another girl who looks Abby’s age approaches with a friendly smile.“This is Lotte. Lotte, this is Abby, she is six like you.”“Want to see the sandbox?” Lotte asks, her voice sweet and inviting. Abby hesitates for a moment and looks up at me.“Go ahead, darling. I’ll just be inside with Klara.” Abby smiles and then lets go of my hand to follow Lotte around the side of the house.Bobby hangs back, his eyes scanning the scene until the teenage girl with a tablet walks over. “Hey,” she says with a friendly smile. “I’m Katalin. Come and meet my brother, he’s working on another invention.” She rolls her eyes and smiles.Bobby just follows her like a puppy dog.“I think he’d follow her to Mars if she asked.” I grin. “I can’t blame him.”“Katalin has that effect on boys. But don’t worry, she doesn’t let that go to her head. It’s her business first for her.”“Business?”“Yes. She’s our social media and marketing design guru.”“Oh wow! How old is she?”“Sixteen. She’ll be keen to pi
Last Updated : 2024-11-16Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 424 Helicopter Arrival
(Winona)“All my remedies are grown here. I have a hothouse as well,” Klara explains, her voice filled with pride. “I can’t wait until my cottage garden looks like this.” I feel a pang of longing as I take in the lush, vibrant plants. It’s a picture of calm and beauty, something I’ve always dreamed of having. Klara smiles knowingly. “It takes time and a lot of patience. But I can show you how to work with what you have.” We make our way to the first shed, which is a striking contrast to the rustic surroundings. It’s pristine white, with large windows letting in natural light, and the scent of herbs and fresh dairy fills the air.“Ilona and Agnes, also twins, handle most of the produce and the dairy,” Klara explains. “They make the cheeses, the jams, pickles, that sort of thing.” The young women wave at us, their hands busy as they pour jam into jars and stir large pots. I marvel at the efficiency of their operation, how seamlessly everything seems to work here. The stainless-stee
Last Updated : 2024-11-16Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 425 Pregnancy Truth Time
(Winona)Viktor and Klara take the kids back to the farmhouse for afternoon snacks. Abby clings to my hand, reluctant to go at first, but Klara promises there’s fresh-baked bread, butter and honey waiting.Sarah and Ava run off giggling, and Bobby trails behind Katalin, trying to look uninterested but failing miserably.Jayden watches Bobby with a grin. “Um, do I need to have the talk with him?”“He sure is smitten. But I think we’re safe at the moment.”I watch them disappear, my heart hammering. It’s just me and Jayden now, and I know what I have to do. “I have something I need to say.”Jayden stands there, eyes fixed on me, waiting. I take a deep breath and reach into my pocket, my fingers closing around the folded piece of paper.“Here,” I say, holding it out to him. My voice is steadier than I feel. “Read this.”He steps closer, taking the paper from my hand. His eyes searching mine for some understanding. He unfolds it, his eyes scanning the words. I can see the moment it hits h
Last Updated : 2024-11-17Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 426 Unbelievable News!
(Jayden)Winona stands in front of me, and my mind is still reeling from the shock. A baby. Our baby. It’s hard to wrap my head around it, and I’m fighting through a storm of emotions: disbelief, fear, and the tiniest flicker of hope.“Twelve weeks,” I say, my voice rough and unsteady. “How long have you actually known for sure?”She takes a deep breath. “I did a test after you left for London. Look, obviously you aren’t the first to know. Viktor helped and then Klara. Lisa knew, and Lance overheard us talking about it.”“Fuck. Half the world knew before me. Have you suspected before now?”“Because I needed to be sure,” she repeats. “I needed to know everything before I told you, and I didn’t want to do that over the phone. Then you and Lance kind of derailed that.”“That alone could have brought on a miscarriage. How are you feeling?” I ask, desperation and worry bubbling up. “Are you okay? Shit.”“I’m okay. Klara’s been a huge help, making sure I stay calm and monitoring my blood pr
Last Updated : 2024-11-17Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 427 Planning the Next Move
(Winona) “Keeping you and the baby safe is the thing that matters,” he says, his voice low but firm. “But taking Judy out of our lives is also a priority.”“True. But all we can do is divide and conquer. Me fighting Judy beside you is going to put extra stress on this pregnancy.”“If you and the kids head back to the States,” he says. “Back to the life you know, where it’s familiar, at least until we’ve dealt with Judy. That could work in the short term. With you over there, and her here, you’ll feel safer.”“I thought the same, but flying is a risk, anyway. And I really love what we’ve been building here with the kids. Then seeing what Klara has achieved, that’s like all my dreams come true.”“I get it, but Brussels will still be here,” he says. “What if we found a way that wouldn’t be so stressful on you or the baby? Maybe a cruise ship home.”He looks completely serious about this.“It’d be longer, but it’d give you time to relax, avoid the pressure and altitude of flying, and it
Last Updated : 2024-11-17Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 428 Desperate Times
(Cass)The first few nights were rough—I stayed in the smallest, cheapest hostels I could find, the kind where you barely feel safe enough to close your eyes. The money I had quickly dwindled away, gone on overpriced vending machine snacks and cramped rooms.Desperation and the reality of being broke in a foreign country hit hard, but I didn’t let it break me. Instead, I started traveling by train, hopping from one small country town to another, offering to wash dishes or clean tables in exchange for a meal or a warm place to sleep.Getting just enough money to get me to my next destination, edging ever close to Brussels. It might be a luxury, but it’s me. I’m doing it. I’m being independent and I like it.It isn’t glamorous, but it’s kept me going. I travel as far as the money I have will get me and try to keep a little for some food.Upside, I’ve lost some pounds, and I’ve tried so many new foods I didn’t even know existed. Downside, language barrier is a struggle and it’s been two
Last Updated : 2024-11-18
Latest chapter
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 477 Moving Forward
(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
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 476 Judy’s Will Reading
(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
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 475 Back Home
(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,
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 474 Preparing For Home
(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
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 473 Getting There
(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
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 472 Precautionary Measures
(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
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 471 Confrontation and Doubt
(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
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 470 Taking Charge
(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?
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 469 Jayden’s Request
(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
