(Jayden)The flashing lights of ambulances and police cars light up the hotel’s entrance as I run the last few of the distance. My stomach churns, the bile rising in my throat as I close in on the foyer. This can’t be real. It doesn’t feel real.I enter the elevator and take what feels like the slowest ride in the world up to the top floor. My mind is full of everything. Mother, Lance. I know she did wrong, so much wrong.But she was still my mother. She loved me. I could never fault her on that.Outside the elevator now, I march towards the officers outside the open suite door.I try to push past the uniformed officers at the door, my voice sharp and demanding. “I’m Jayden Brennan. That’s my mother in there. Let me through.” Two of them grab me by the upper arms.Another officer steps forward, raising a hand to block me. “Sir, we can’t—” “It’s my mother! Do you understand?” My voice cracks with desperation. “Let me through now!” I yell, trying to get free.“Let him through,” A tal
(Winona)Jayden’s voice trembles through the phone. “They’re here.”“Viktor and Cass?” I ask, trying to steady my own voice.“Yeah.” His tone is flat, exhausted. “They just arrived. The detective’s here too.”“Let them help, Jayden,” I say softly. “You don’t have to do this by yourself.”“It doesn’t feel real, Winona. Lance didn’t even... warn me. He didn’t give me a chance to stop him. I didn’t want to discuss it with him, I didn't want to forgive him, but I didn’t want this…”“It’s not your fault,” I say firmly, though my own heart aches. “You couldn’t have known.”The sound of muffled footsteps grows louder, and then a new voice cuts in, Cass’s, calm and strong. “Winona, it’s me. Jayden, the detective would like a few words.”“Cass.” Relief washes over me. “You’re there. Thank God.”“I’ve got him,” she says, her voice resolute. “You take care of yourself and Lisa. How is she?”Tears sting my eyes. “She’s broken. Really broken.”“It can’t be easy. Viktor’s in full protector mode. He
(Winona)It’s been hours since Lisa shut herself in her bedroomI knock softly. “Lisa? It’s me.”No answer.I crack the door open, peeking inside. The room is dim, lit only by the faint glow of her bedside lamp. She’s curled up on the bed, facing the wall, her body still.“Lisa,” I say softly, sitting down on the edge of the bed. “Can I get you a tea, or coffee?”Her voice comes out muffled, raw. “I can’t, Winona. Not now.”She turns her head slightly, her eyes red and swollen. “He didn’t even let me help him. Those last few days…were so perfect, why couldn’t he see how perfect they were?”I reach out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Lance loved you. I know he did. But we know the pain he always carried.”She shakes her head violently. “If he loved me, he wouldn’t have done this! He wouldn’t have left me like this.”Her words dissolve into sobs, and I gather her into my arms. She clings to me, her grief pouring out unchecked. “I know,” I whisper. “I know.”For what feels lik
(Jayden)It’s been hours since I walked in on that horror scene, but my mind is still running on adrenaline. The detectives have been and gone, ruling it a straightforward case of murder-suicide.I’m not sure what to feel about that—relief that it’s simple enough to close quickly, or anger that they’ve already written off Lance’s actions and the death of my mother with such cold efficiency. I push those thoughts aside. There are practical things to handle, and that’s where I focus. Emotions can wait. I sit at the desk in my suite, surrounded by a chaos of papers and my phone. Viktor is dealing with much of it and I know he’s going to contact Gus. Cass sits on the arm of the couch, her arms crossed, watching me like a hawk. I dial my lawyer, leaning back in the chair as I press the phone to my ear. The familiar voice on the other end picks up after a few rings. I know this will have hits all the media outlets by now but I refuse to watch any of it.“Jayden, how can I help?” I keep
The screen flickers for a moment before Lance appears, sitting in what looks like his hotel. He’s bruised from our fight—his eyes still dark, his knuckles marked. But he’s himself, leaning back in a chair with his usual grin. Even battered, he looks at ease.My heart is in my throat as it hits me that I’ll never see him again. He was my ride or die. He chose to die.“Jayden,” he begins, tilting his head. “You son of a bitch. You threw the first punch again. Or rather you mowed me down before I could do anything. Let’s just get that out of the way. That’s the only reason you ever landed one on me.”A laugh escapes me. Typical Lance. Even now, he finds a way to turn the pain into a joke.“Look, I know you’ve got questions. Probably a lot of them. Maybe you’re angry, or maybe you’re just sitting there thinking, ‘What the hell, Lance?’ So let me explain… as much as I can.”He pauses, rubbing the back of his neck. “I always knew this was how I’d go out. One day, when the time was right, I’
(Jayden)“She loves you, Jayden. Her life has been crap. And you’ve got another baby on the way now. That’s big, man. That’s bigger than anything else. Don’t screw it up.”I flinch at the mention of the pregnancy. How did he know? Winona must’ve told him. Of course, she did. She trusted him.“Look,” Lance says, leaning back in his chair, “I know you’re pissed at me right now. Hell, you’ve got every right to be. But don’t let that anger eat you alive. Find a way to forgive. Not me—I don’t deserve it—but for yourself. For those kids. They need you, Jayden. All of them.”His voice softens again, and he smiles faintly. “You were my brother, Jayden. The only real family I ever had. You, Winona, and Lisa... you made my unbearable childhood memories bearable. And I know I wasn’t perfect. Far from it. But I’m grateful for you. For everything.”He pauses, his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. “I wasn’t perfect, but I was awesome. And don’t dwell on not having a mother now, we all expect p
(Winona)Lisa finally emerges from her bedroom, her eyes red-rimmed, her face pale.I stand from the couch, where I’ve been sitting for what feels like hours.“Hey,” I say softly.She doesn’t answer at first, just walks to the kitchen. Her movements are slow, deliberate, like she’s holding herself together with sheer will.I take a tentative step closer. “Lisa... can I get you anything?”She turns to me, her expression a mix of sadness and exhaustion as she shakes her head. “I don’t know, Winona. None of this feels real.”Her voice breaks, and she presses her hands against the counter, her head bowed. “I’m so angry at him. I’m so damn angry. Why did he have to do this?”I move closer, keeping my voice gentle. “I know. And it’s not fair. None of it is. But you’re allowed to feel everything. The anger, the disbelief, the confusion—it’s all valid.”She lets out a shaky breath, lifting her head to meet my gaze. “I wish he loved me enough to stick around.”“No, Lisa,” I say firmly. “He lov
(Winona)The sight of their toys scattered across the floor feels like a lifeline in the middle of a horrible dream. Despite how I felt when I left here, the penthouse actually feels like home now. Familiar and safe.As I step out of the elevator, Anne greets me softly. “They’re asleep. They were very happy to see their things and Bobby settled the cat in first. They even did all their chores without being asked,” she pauses, studying my face. “How are you holding up?”I set my bag down on the counter and exhale. “I’m managing. Lisa’s... not okay, but I think she’ll be fine as time passes. She’s angry at Lance for giving up.”Anne nods, her expression sympathetic. “And Jayden?”“He’s focused on logistics, keeping himself busy. He’s bringing Lance and Judy back to the States soon, sorting out the wills, the services... everything. I think he’s in shock, honestly.”Anne steps closer, placing a comforting hand on my arm. “And you? You’re shouldering so much right now. Are you really okay
(Mia)The townhouse is spotless. Every vase, every gold fixture, every inch of marble gleams under the crystal chandelier’s glow. I’ve made sure of it, not for me, but for them. My family is coming, and I know the judgment in their eyes will be as sharp as their words. They will think I don’t belong here. Such luxury and display of wealth is unbecoming. I should be more humble. Show more gratitude and grace.I don’t care. I do belong here. All I want is for mother to love and respect me as a woman. Not to always see me as her baby girl who needs constant mothering.I straighten the throw pillows for the third time, my nerves simmering beneath my skin. When the doorbell rings, I force my shoulders back and my face into a practiced smile. “Come in,” I say as I open the door. Mama steps in first, her dark eyes scanning the room like she’s searching for something to scold me about. Behind her, Ana and Eva follow, their expressions less obvious but no less guarded. Gabriel brings up
(Winona)“Winona,” he says, walking over to kiss my temple. “Welcome home. It feels so good here, right?”“You feel it too?” That makes me happy. Knowing Jayden feels the same vibe the kids and I do in this place.“You chose perfectly. I’m heading out for a meeting with Gus and Viktor. Figured I’d take Henry with me. He can nap in the car. If that’s okay with you? Is Henry being with Gus okay?” I nod. “Gus visited me, and we sorted some stuff. It’s fine with me if it’s fine with you.”He kisses my lips and whispers in my ear, “I can’t wait to snuggle with you tonight. I have missed you so, so much after dinner time.” He nuzzles my ear.I smile as Henry tries to grab my hair.“Hey, you two, get a room!” Lisa teases.“Oh, we will.” He steps away and Henry reaches for me and I hold his little hand in mine. I’ve missed him so much.“Anyway, I better bounce. Get this Global Nexus stuff done,” Jayden says.“Henry can stay here if it’s easier.”“No need. He’s my right-hand man these days. H
(Winona)The moment I step into the farmhouse, the scent of lavender and woodland spice welcomes me like an old friend. I know it’s one of Klara’s aromatherapy concoctions that I love.Lisa has given me a ride home to save Jayden the trip into the city as he’s here with the kids.The kids are buzzing around like a small tornado, their excitement obvious. It’s a stark contrast to the opulence of Brussels high-end estate or Jayden’s Penthouse here. This place is different. It’s ours. Once I have the renovations done, it will still be luxurious, of course—heated floors, state-of-the-art kitchen, and furnishings you’d see in a design magazine—but not excessive.It’s cozy, warm, and every inch of it feels lived-in. It’s like the cottage in a way. A family home but this place has something the cottage didn’t have. A history in its walls of previous families. It feels like home in a way nowhere else I’ve ever lived has.Even my townhouse, which was perfect for me at the time, pales in com
(Cass)I sit on the couch at Jayden’s penthouse, picking at my nails, while Viktor stands near the window, arms crossed, eyes focused on the city below.His broad shoulders are tense, his entire posture screaming disapproval.I’ve just told him what I overheard in my apartment and he’s acting like I heard it on purpose.“Say it,” I snap, breaking the silence.He turns, his blue eyes icy. “You shouldn’t have gone there alone.”“Tell me why you went there,” he demands, his voice a coiled spring ready to snap. “I didn’t know they’d be there!” I snap, my frustration bubbling to the surface. “I was cleaning up, minding my own business, and then they just… showed up.” “Does anyone else know?” he growls, his accent thickening with his anger. “Did you see anyone on the way in, or out? If he finds out…” “No.” I fire back. “No one else was around. Stop being so dramatic.”“You need to take this seriously,” he says, his voice sharp enough to cut glass. “Don Alejandro is one of the most danger
(Winona)“Judy really taught me everything I know about being self-reliant and a strong woman, but she taught me in all the wrong ways. By threatening my life and the life of my children. I mean she almost took the life of her son more than once.”“Judy only knew extreme. But she also knew how to cover her tracks.”“She brought danger to my doorstep that I’d fought so long to keep away. I will not miss her in any way. I never loved her. But I do feel for Jayden, and for you.”He tilts his head, his sharp eyes locking onto mine. “Life must look very different for you now Judy’s gone. Knowing she won’t be there to interfere.” I take a moment to think about it. “Honestly? Yeah, I am. Judy had a way of… making you doubt yourself. Questioning every move you made. It’s exhausting, constantly looking over your shoulder, waiting for her to strike.” “She was good at that,” Gus says with a small, humorless chuckle. “Always did everything to the highest degree.”“Certainly cannot fault her wor
(Winona)The sound of soft-soled shoes against the hospital floor makes me glance up from my laptop. I know those footfalls anywhere.Gus’s towering frame fills the doorway, his hands tucked casually into the pockets of a sleek black coat.He looks sharp considering his months in confinement, but the time has carved deeper lines into his face. His presence still carries that unmistakable air of control, like he’s never stopped being the man who built Nexus Global from the ground up. Or the man who is capable of almost anything if he sets his mind to it“Gus,” I say, closing the laptop and setting it aside. “It’s so good to see you.” We’ve always shared a close friendship. I trust Gus where I couldn’t trust many others. I know he has my back.He steps inside, glancing around the sterile room. “You’re looking well, Winona. Jayden told me you’d be going home soon.” “I am,” I reply. “A few more days here, then I’m free. Physically, I’m fine. Just have to finish healing from the fall an
(Jayden)Gus steps out, his posture as straight as ever, his piercing eyes scanning the surroundings like he’s still in charge of the world. He looks older—more weathered—but there’s still that unmistakable aura about him.The one that tells you he’s better off as your friend than your enemy.I climb out of the car, my leather boots crunching against the gravel as I approach him. Viktor lingers by the driver’s side, watching, his face as stoic as ever. Not even a hint of a smile. “Jayden,” Gus greets me, his voice steady, calm, as if he’s walking out of a board meeting instead of a federal prison. “I didn’t expect you.”“Gus,” I reply, my tone neutral. I’m not playing doting son. There’s too much history, too much unresolved. “How was the hospitality?” A ghost of a smile tugs at his lips. “Let’s just say I’ve had better accommodations.” Viktor steps forward, his arms crossed over his broad chest. “Let’s not linger.”“Very well.” Gus moves towards the car.I follow and get into the
(Mia)The chandelier glitters overhead, casting rainbows across the marble floor as I pace the room, my heels clicking loudly in the oppressive silence.Judy might be gone, but the specter of her looms large over this place. Gold fixtures, crystal vases, and overpriced art that screams wealth and power.I stare out the window of Judy’s luxury apartment as I clutch my phone. The screen glows with a message from Gus’s people, promising me that everything will be fine.That they’ll protect me. That I’m safe.Safe.I’ve just met with the person they are supposedly keeping me safe from at Cass’s old apartment. I had a key cut, just in case I needed it.No one is safe from Don Alejandro, my grandfather. That’s what they don’t realize. There is no escape from him. They’ll never get anyone close enough to him to kill him.Gabriel’s voice echoes down the hall, he’s staying here with me.I sink into one of the velvet armchairs. Gabriel was supposed to sell me more shares. He promised he’d think
(Cass)The smell of mildew hits me the moment I open the door to my tiny apartment. My stomach churns as I step inside, taking in the chaos left behind. Furniture overturned, drawers yanked open, and everything I once owned strewn across the floor like a crime scene.I should clean this place up and sell it. But letting it go is harder than I imagined. It’s what I bought with money from Mom, to start my new life. To be the person she always believed I’d be.That worked well, didn’t it?I drag myself out of the downward funk, this time I’ll make good.I swallow hard, gripping the strap of my duffel bag. It’s been months since I fled this place, running from my own disasters. Part of me wonders why I came back at all.But I know it’s because it’s all I have left of Mom—her money barely stretched far enough to buy this shoebox, but it was something of my own. My tiny sanctuary.I drop my bag on the only chair still upright and let out a shaky breath. “Okay, Cass,” I mutter to myself. “Le