SWNOVELS Chapter My CEO 350
350 Rising Tensions
(Winona)
I mean who has a Picasso in their living room?
I'm pacing, trying to keep my voice calm, but frustration is making it hard.
"I just don't get why you thought kids would be okay here," I say, gesturing at the fragile antiques and museum-level furniture. "You should have made other arrangements."
Jayden crosses his arms, looking as frustrated as I feel. "I wanted to share this with you first. I didn't even know that cottage existed. And now you want us to refurbish a place that's been abandoned for thirty years?"
"Yes, because it's the only option that makes sense!" I snap back. "We can't raise the kids here, tiptoeing around a bunch of things that are priceless. They're already on edge, Jayden."
"I get that, but my schedule is packed. I've got work piling up."
Just as he finishes, his phone buzzes. He glances at the screen, and I see the tension in his shoulders tighten. "It's Sofia," he swipes to answer the video call
Sofia's voice comes through, clipped but with that annoying sexy edge. "Jayden, finally. The client's pissed that you missed the marketing meeting."
Jayden shifts, his face tight. He steps away from me, but I can still hear everything. "I know, Sofia. I had to deal with family stuff. I'll handle the client." She's clearly not pleased. "Well, I've been fielding questions all morning. It would've been nice to get a heads-up before you vanished."
"I'll sort it out. We'll talk later," he replies, trying to cut the conversation short and end the call..
"You need to come and sort it out now. We'll lose a major client if you don't. We haven't lost a client in years."
"I'll be there in thirty minutes." He disconnects the call.
"Great, now you're leaving us again."
Jayden rubs the back of his neck. "I'll be back as soon as I can."
"Whatever. I'm sure Sofia will keep you company," I snipe.
"Don't start," Jayden snaps, turning back to face me. "She's just trying to please the client."
"I'm sure she knows exactly how to please the client, and the boss."
""Now you're being ridiculous, Winona."
"Am I?"
"I have to do what I came here for. You understood that."
"What I don't understand is why you aren't more prepared. You knew we were coming"
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950 Rising Tensions
He's about to respond when we both hear shuffling behind us. We turn to see the kids standing there. watching us with wide eyes.
"Shit." I mutter under my breath. How much have they heard? We never argue in front of them.
Jayden softens immediately, taking a deep breath. "We're both tired. This will all work out."
"Yes," I agree, forcing a smile for the kids.
Viktor steps forward. I forgot he was there. It's like he's invisible.
"Maybe a walk to the cottage?" he asks.
I nod. "Yeah, I think I'll take the kids and see what we're working with."
He glances between us and then suggests, "Why not make it more of an adventure for the kids? I can have the kitchen pack a picnic basket."
I blink, surprised by the suggestion. "That sounds perfect. Thanks, Viktor."
"Sir, if you don't need me, I'm happy to accompany the family. Make sure it's safe in there before they go inside."
"Viktor, that would be amazing. If it's okay with Winona,"
"Fine by me."
He nods and disappears.
I glance at Jayden. "I'm sorry. My emotions are all over the place lately. I'm overreacting. The kids can chill here for the night, and I'll make sure they are careful." "We'll make sure they are careful." He kisses my cheek
"Go do what you need to do with Nexus," I say, softening my tone. "We'll check out the cottage, and we can talk more tonight."
He gives me a grateful look, his shoulders relaxing. "Thanks. I'll handle work and catch up with you later. I know you're in safe hands with Viktor."
Viktor returns shortly with a large picnic basket. I hope it isn't caviar and blue cheese.
"Thank you, Viktor," I say sincerely. "This is just what we needed."
I have Henry's carrier clipped onto the wheels. It will be so nice to take him for a walk in the countryside.
Viktor gives a small nod. "The kids will love it. They can let off steam."
"I guess you understand having all those siblings. This family dynamic has been thrust on Jayden. I cannot fault how he's stepped up. I mean he was an only child with no decent father role model and now he's giving us all he can." "He's very dedicated to you all."
I nod. So, stop busting his ass, Winona. I mean he never said that...but...
We gather the kids and head out toward the cottage, with Viktor carrying the basket a few steps behind.
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It's beautiful here-rolling hills, lush greenery, and the sun shining through the trees. The walk is calming, and the kids are excited, pointing at everything they see.
As we approach the cottage, I stop in my tracks.
"Just wait with me, kids, we aren't sure how safe the floors and things are."
The building in front of us is large, with overgrown gardens and vines creeping up the stone walls. It looks like something out of an old movie-neglected but still standing strong. Viktor stands beside me. "The original homestead was gifted to Gus. He told me he was too scared to breathe in there to start with."
"Gifted?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.
"From the royal family here in Belgium."
"It's unbelievable that this type of thing happens in real life."
"He set about building this cottage with high hopes."
Leven
1 can see that. It has strong bones and even though it's far from a cottage, it feels like a home."
"It does."
I nod, taking in the building's weathered beauty. "It's a shame it was forgotten."
"Until now."
"I'll need to start cleaning up tomorrow," I announce, more to myself than to Viktor. "There's a lot of work to do, but it could be perfect."
"Let me go in and make sure the floors are solid and the ceilings won't cave in or anything."
I nod. "Just wait for Viktor, kids."
"Mommy, can we pick some flowers? They are so pretty."
"That would be lovely. Be careful. Don't wander too far. We can take some for Daddy."
"Are you angry with Daddy?"
"Sweety, adults argue sometimes. But it doesn't mean anything changes, okay?"
She nods. She and Sarah go off amongst the front garden, overgrown but boasting some beautiful flowers.
"Bobby, this could be like the cottage we had in Santa Monica, when we first met." I'm careful not to mention Steve. I don't want to drag back the bad memories. "It was good there."
"It was "
Viktor comes back out and gives me a reassuring nod. "Messy but solid as a rock."
"Great." I have real hope we can settle in here.
"Let's go around the back, I think you'll like what's there. So will the kids." Viktor says. +25 BONUS
351 Getting to Know Viktór