491 Walking Away
(Jayden)
I drop Viktor off at the penthouse, handing him the spare key fob. "Cat's in charge while you're here. Don't let him boss you around too much," I say with a smirk.
Viktor raises an eyebrow. "I'm sure I'll manage. Can't be more troublesome than your sister-in-law."
I let out a low laugh. "Truth."
"I'll get back here as soon as I can. I have some forward trajectory I need to discuss with you on Nexus Global. Help yourself to anything."
"I'll be here. If anything happens with Winona, please let me know."
"I will. Right... now it's time to go and finally put Brennan Industries behind me."
***
By the time I pull up outside Gabriel's hotel, I'm ready to let go and walk away.
I knock on the door and it opens. Gabriel is there looking as tall and suave as ever. I step into the suite, and he greets me with a firm handshake. "Jayden," he says, his tone even. "Thanks for coming." "No problem," I reply, keeping things brisk. "Let's get this done."
Gabriel gestures to the small conference table in the room, where a stack of documents waits. "It's all there."
"Great. Once you sign, the majority shares of Brennan Industries transfer to you, Eva, Ana and Mia equally."
I glance over the papers. Yes, it's all there in print. Equal shares. No first-refusal clauses. No need to babysit this mess anymore. "You think your sisters will sell their shares to you?" I ask casually, picking up a pen. "Are you going to ask them?" Gabriel shrugs, his confidence evident. "They were ready to sell before. I don't see why that would change now. But honestly, it's their decision. I'll handle it."
"Good," I say, scribbling my signature on the dotted line. "Because I don't need to know the details. You're in charge now. Wish you all the best, but don't expect me to play happy families." Gabriel leans back in his chair, studying me. "Suits me."
"What's happening with Mia? Is she going to step aside for you to take over?"
"Mia helped clear Gus's name. She's been feeding information about the cartel and the smuggling ring to the authorities. The case against him is falling apart."
That makes me pause. "Mia? An informant?"
"She's been instrumental," Gabriel says, his voice steady. "And she's about to go into witness protection. It's the only way to keep her safe. I trust you will keep this confidential."
"I have no desire to get involved, so I will keep my mouth shut." I really don't, I just want this over with. I sign everywhere I need to sign and take my copies once Gabriel signs them.
Just as I'm about to leave, my phone buzzes in my pocket. It's the hospital. My stomach tightens as I answer. "Brennan."
Dr. Harris's voice is calm but firm. "Jayden, we're seeing another spike in Winona's blood pressure. We suspect it could be preeclampsia. We need to bring her out of the induced coma to assess her condition and check on the baby." ""How soon?"
"As soon as possible. If this is
preeclampsia, the safest course for
Winona is to no longer be pregnant. Her life may be in danger. Her major organs may shut down, go into convulsions..."
The words are a punch to the gut, and for a moment, I can't breathe. "I'll be right back. This is Winona's decision ultimately."
"We're reducing her meds now. We'll proceed with an ultrasound as soon as she is awake."
"I'm on my way," I say, already heading for the door. "Cass is there, her sister. Tell her everything you just told me."
Gabriel watches me. "Is everything ok?"
"I have to get back to the Brennan Wing."
"Has something happened?"
I hesitate for half a second before shaking my head. "Nothing you need to worry about. I've got to go."
And with that, I'm leaving, my focus narrowing to one thing: getting back to Winona.
***
Images flash through my
mind-Winona laughing with the kids, her hand resting on her growing belly, the way she looked at me when she told me we were
having another miracle baby can't
lose her. I can't lose either of them.
That is an impossible choice.NôvelDrama.Org holds © this.
MS
I push the car harder, weaving through traffic like a man possessed. Every second feels like an eternity, the stakes are so high.
When I finally pull into the hospital
parking lot, I don't bother with pleasantries. I sprint through the halls, the sound of my shoes echoing as I make my way to the family suite.
en
Dr. Harris meets me at the door, his expression serious but calm. "We've reduced her dosage. She'll wake up in her own time. Once she does, I'll be back." "Okay. I'll go stay with her. I want to be there when she opens her eyes."
Cass is still with her, quietly holding her hand.
"Hey."
"Hey. Anne and the kids will be back soon. I let Lisa know too."
"Great. I want everyone here when she opens her eyes. The people who love her the most."
Cass nods. I can see this is hard for her. "We got this, Sis."
"Anything that happens with the baby will be up to her."
"We both know she will never willingly let the baby go, not even at the risk of her own life."
It's hard for me. But Cass is right, Winona has never been one to back down from a fight. And neither will I.