Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

(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 to... I don't know, gloat?"

He snorts softly. "Anyone who knows you, knows better than that. Mia's not equipped for this. She's too inexperienced and also from another country. And I'm definitely not leaving something as sensitive as this up to Phillip." Shit. Okay. Fair point I guess.

"The employees need support, they may need professional services or time off. I know you can facilitate all of that. But, only if you don't feel it's adding pressure for you and the baby."

"Okay. I'll go. I think being involved like that actually helps my stress levels anyway."

"Thank you," he says, relief evident in his tone. "I know it's a lot to ask."

"How are things on your end?"

He hesitates. "Busy. Lawyers, funeral directors, and making sure Nexus is okay while I'll come home has kept me busy."

"And the USB? Have you watched it again?"

"No." he says, his voice tightening. "Did you watch yours?"

"Yes. It was hard but also gave me some peace." I admit, hoping that doesn't sound awful. "I'll miss him, a lot. He was one of a kind."

"He sure was. I'll miss him too. He doesn't make it easy, but did he ever?" There's a pause, then Jayden clears his throat. "How's Lisa?"

"She's getting there. I hope she can find a way to be happy again one day."

"I hope so too. Now, whatever you need for Brennan Industries you make it happen. Money is no object here. Winona, you are the best number cruncher we have. I need you to make sure Mia is handling the funds appropriately or find someone you trust to do so." "Okay. But what say do I have?"

He sighs. "Mother's lawyer has informed me I'm CEO again. She left it to me. I don't want it, but for now, what I say goes. I say you are acting in my stead until I arrive and I'm emailing legal documents saying as much right now. Is that okay? It'll be like a week tops." My spirits surge with the trust and faith he has in me with this. But that business, not personal.

"I'll be fine. I promise. You just get yourself here as soon as you can."

"Call me after, okay?"

"I will. Take care, Jayden."

***

The drive to Brennan Industries feels longer than usual. My mind races with memories of Lance, Judy, and the tangled web of relationships that brought us to this point.

Inside, the familiar hum of the office greets me. Employees move about and I'm greeted with smiles and hellos, and some level of caution it seems Judy may have been a tyrant at times, but she was also a brilliant leader.

Now I guess they are going through the motions until told differently.

As I make my way through the lobby towards reception, I'm aware of the tension in the air.

I spot Phillip near the conference

fet

room, talking with Mia. His gaze locks on mine, and a flicker of. something crosses his

face surprise, annoyance, maybe something else.

"Winona," he says, striding over. Mia stays back, her expression unreadable.

"Phillip," I reply evenly.

"To what do we owe the pleasure?" he asks, his tone smooth.

Clearly, he hasn't checked his emails yet.

"Jayden asked me to come. To support the employees. It's been a rough week. He's sent an email to explain."

Phillip raises an eyebrow. "Oh, let me check..." He pulls out his cell phone.

I glance toward Mia, who's walking over. "I'd like to address the team and then the wider workforce, right down to the janitors," I tell her.

Mia is clearly not up to speed on emails either. "Winona, it's okay. I can handle the staff in this situation."

"Actually, Mia, Jayden has sent an email explaining. I will be addressing the staff, and everything else until he gets here."

"I think I can handle my own company." Mia dismisses me with a smile.

Phillip looks up from his phone. "Mia, actually the company is back in Jayden's hands now and temporarily in Winona's." "That's ridiculous. Judy trusted me."

I choose to ignore that. "I need all

management called to the

boardroom right away. Mia, can you organize refreshments for everyone? I'll need access to computers and passwords after the meeting

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Phillip hesitates, then nods. "Of course. Let me set that up for you."

"Thank you."

He walks off, leaving me alone with Mia.

She offers a thin smile. "This can't be easy for you, coming back here."