Classic Novel
Chapter 89
89 Bigger Fish To Fry (Jayden)
Arriving at the penthouse the next morning, I helped Ashlyn out of the limousine and into the building. The familiar surroundings do nothing to ease the tension in my gut. The elevator ride up feels endless, the silence between us thick with unspoken words. I play the part of the doting husband, all the while my mind is on Winona, on the plan, on the desperate hope that this will all be worth it in the end. As Ashlyn settles in, I keep up the charade, making small talk and pretending everything is normal. The place looks like no one has been here since I left.
"Ashlyn? Weren't you living here when I went to Santa Monica?" I ask, glancing around.
Ashlyn shakes her head. "Gus asked if I wanted to stay in his guest suite, so I wasn't alone."
"I see." I wonder why he did that? My mind races with suspicions.
"Does it upset you that I was staying there?" she asks, her voice laced with a hint of worry.
"I'm glad you had company," I replied, forcing a smile.
"I never told him I was coming to Santa Monica."
"Well, you are your own person, you don't need to check in with anyone. I should have been more communicative with you under the circumstances." This gets me a smile.
"I think I'll head up to bed for a rest. You didn't get much sleep on the plane, you should come join me."
"I need to talk business with Gus first. You go ahead. I'll check in later." I kiss her forehead. "I love you. Take your pain meds for that arm."
I watch her go up the stairs, dread pooling in my stomach at the thought of joining her later. Right now, I'm heading to the office to have it out with Gus. Then I'm going to deal with Mother.
I have Anne and Abby scheduled to arrive home at the end of the week. I don't know how long it will be before she can see Winona. I know it's hurting and confusing Abby, but I have to try and get this confession done as soon as possible.
"Jayden? I didn't expect to see you quite so soon." Gus eyes me but doesn't look at all surprised when I walk into his office, soon to be mine again..
"I'm guessing you know I now own more shares than you. I'm taking my company back over," I state, not bothering to sit down.
"Indeed."
"What? That's it? No lectures, no God-like sermons, no backlash?" I ask, narrowing my eyes.
"No. This is what I needed to see from you. Decisiveness at last."
80 Bigger Fish To Fry
*Just what are you playing at, Gus?"
"Nothing. I have enough to do with Nexus Global. You'll see when you take over from me."
"No."
He stares hard. "What do you mean, no?"
"I'm never going near Nexus Global."
"I'm n
"You say that now, but you're the rightful heir."
"I guess things change. Neither me nor my daughter will have anything to do with it."
"I see."
"You'll need to make other arrangements or sell up."
"How was Santa Monica?" he asks, changing the subject abruptly.
"Great until Ashlyn showed up. Now Winona is in jail and Ashlyn is pressing attempted murder charges."
"I regret not keeping a closer eye on Ashlyn. She's very determined."
"1
"She's lost the baby. But I'm sure none of this is news to you. It's been all over the media."
"I can-"
"No. You can't. I don't want you here. I don't need you here. This is my office. Pack your things and leave."
"Are y "Are you sure?"
"I don't ever need to see you again. We will never be friends or anything like that."
"If Brennan Industries continues to lose money, I will dissolve it."
"You can't do that. Greg made sure of it. As of now, Nexus Global has no claim to Brennan Industries. I'll be changing the name as well."
0
"I see you've done your homework."
"Just get out, Gus, and stop pretending to care. You and I are strangers, and we'll always be that way." He nods, a resigned look in his eyes. "My assistant will pick up my things. Welcome back, Jayden."
I watch him leave, the door clicking shut behind him. The office feels different, lighter somehow. I lean back in my chair, closing my eyes for a moment, trying to gather my thoughts. There's so much to do, so many battles to fight. But I'm ready. For Winona, for Abby, for
us.
"Jayden! Oh my God!" Mother bursts through the office door. "I'm so glad to see you."
"Like you didn't know. I'm sure Ashlyn has kept you updated." I stand up, bracing myself for the usual lecture.
"Ashlyn barely gives me the time of day," she snaps, her eyes narrowing.
"Ah, the apprentice finally exceeds the master," I mutter, shaking my head.
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89 Bigger Fish To Fry
"What are you talking about?" she asks, her tone defensive.
"You know by now that Winona is in jail," I say, crossing my arms.
"I saw the news, yes. But Ashlyn, the baby?" She looks genuinely concerned, but I can't trust it.
"There is no baby, Mother. She miscarried after being pushed down the stairs by Winona."
"You don't believe that, do you?" she asks, stepping closer.
"I was there, I saw it happen."
"Winona wouldn't do that." Her words hit me like a ton of bricks. Have the aliens beamed my real mother up because I just heard this woman defend Winona.
"Are you serious right now?" I ask, incredulous.
"Yes, Jayden. She wouldn't hurt your unborn child," she says, her voice steady.
"Well, the evidence says otherwise," I counter, feeling the frustration rise again. "I have to get to work. There's a lot to sort out."
"I'm glad to see you back where you belong."
"And don't get any ideas about manipulating me. I run my life."
"Have you remembered anything new?"
"No and I don't care. I don't need memories to know who I am. Just stay out of my way and do not interfere with my life." I say in a raised but steady voice. Mother's eyes open wide but she turns and leaves.
I don't believe I've gotten out of her trying to run my life that easily but right now I have bigger fish to fry.
90 Will I Get Bail?