490 Show of Strength

(Cass)

When Viktor and I step into the Brennan Wing family suite, the first thing I notice is how together Jayden looks.

He's standing by Henry's highchair, feeding him bits of banana while the little guy alternates between smearing food on his face and laughing like he's cracked the greatest joke in the world. Jayden doesn't even flinch when Henry chucks half a cracker at his chest.

"Alright, Superdad," I say, dropping my bag on the couch. "You're really leaning into this whole family-man thing. Should I be worried you're going to start wearing matching dad-and-son tracksuits next?" Jayden smirks without looking up. "You jealous, Aunt Cass? I can always order you one too. I'm thinking neon green?"

I grin, then I run to hug him. "Pass. I prefer my black on black for now."

Henry spots me and lets out an excited squeal, waving his sticky hands in my direction. "Oh, no you don't," I warn, taking a step back. "Your dad can keep the food fights. I'll hug you as soon as we use some wipes." Jayden wipes Henry's hands with a practiced efficiency that makes me pause. He doesn't look like a man who's cracking under the weight of everything happening around him.

He looks steady, calm-even with the chaos of four kids and Winona lying unconscious just a room away.

"You've got this down," I say softly, meeting his eyes. "You're doing good, Jayden. She'll be proud of you."

For a moment, his mask slips, and I see the exhaustion etched into his face. But it's gone as quickly as it appears. He nods, his voice steady. "Thanks. But it's not just me... I'm grateful for the support network we have." Viktor steps forward. Jayden shakes his hand and they grip elbows. That's as animated as Viktor gets. "Jayden. We have to touch base on Nexus Global."

"I'm getting Brennan Industries out of the way this afternoon, then I'm all yours."

I take a very clean Henry from his chair and hug him tight. Then I pop him down and off he toddles. "Wow, he's kicking some goals lately."

"You two want coffee? I just made a fresh pot."

Viktor says. "I've

well apart from Cat. Bobby would love you there for company. I'll go settle you in there shortly. If that's okay, Cass.

He stays with me.

young man is a chick

coma slowly. I'm not sure if she can

and I follow him. "She'll be glad you're

to stop worrying and get back to

for heartbeat on the baby. I said not until she is awake and strong enough to hear the outcome

something she will

looks almost peaceful in the bed. But the monitoring she has attached is a stark contrast to how she

sit down in the chair beside her, reaching for her

Sis," I say softly. "It's me. Cass. I'm here now, so you can stop scaring the crap out of everyone,

a deep

"So, I had

the estate,"

what? I nailed it. The head

kitchen."

laugh softly, squeezing her hand. "But don't worry-I'm not going back until you're back on your feet. I'll tell the chefs to manage without me

in the

need you, Winona. I can't do this without you. So,

wiping at my eyes before the

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255