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Chapter 395
395 Perfect Plans (Judy)
The view from the penthouse stretches over Dubai's glittering skyline, neon lights reflecting off the sea, perfectly framed by the vast expanse of desert beyond.
I sink back into the plush silk armchair, savoring the balmy warmth of the evening as I sip from a crystal glass of the finest champagne. There's a richness to this city, a pulse that suits me. A place where wealth and exclusivity are second nature, where people understand influence is bought, not earned.
My phone pings, a soft chime interrupting my thoughts. It's a brief update from Phillip, telling me things are running smoothly, that Mia's handling the responsibilities I left her with.
Good. Mia is perfectly capable of managing Brennan Industries in my absence. In fact, she's probably even more driven than I am when it comes to maintaining my expectations. Phillip, of course, pretends to be on Winona's side. But don't care, it looks like he's aligned with me and that's all I need. And Lance? Well, he's off on one of his so-called breaks. If he's not willing to follow my plan, then he's of no use to me.
They all have their roles to play, and I've set this game in motion perfectly. Poor Jayden, my dear, naïve son, is still dealing with the mess I left him in London.
All it took was a nudge in the right direction, a tip that Grayson might not be as clean as Gus once believed, and voilà-an embezzlement scandal that just couldn't have come at a more convenient time for me.
Jayden, scrambling, desperate to prove himself competent, forced to stay there and clean up a mess he never even saw coming.
I'sip my champagne slowly, savoring the sharp taste. Oh, the timing could not have been better. And Viktor, bless his loyal soul, probably thinks he has me cornered, tracking my every move like a watchdog.
He doesn't seem to understand yet that his loyalty to Gus means nothing to me. No, I've been planning this too long to let a mere bodyguard interfere. Viktor may think he's watching me, but I have my ways, and my son will see what I need him to see. The photos will reach Jayden, and with them, the revelation he so desperately needs.
Winona, with her facade of loyalty, her supposed devotion, has had her moments of indulgence. Those nights with Lance and Phillip? Oh, the irony.
When Jayden sees those photos, he'll finally understand what I've known all along-that she's nothing more than a liar and a cheat that he's foolishly tied himself to.
And once he sees the truth, once he sees her for what she really is, he'll realize he's better off without her. Then he can take those children back and raise them the way I wanted for him from the beginning. With
1. me.
I imagine his face when he sees it-confusion, shock, the dawning realization of betrayal, Fury. Jayden was always quick-tempered, a trait he now tries to hide behind that mask of calm.
395 Perfect Plans
But I know him better. This will crush him, break his defenses, and finally, he'll do what's best for his Abby and Henry, even f he doesn't understand it yet. He'll finally see that I was right all along.
And Winona? The photographs alone should shatter any illusion of innocence she's clung to. Even if she tries to worm her way back, even if she tries to explain herself, he'll know, deep down, that she's betrayed him, that she's unfit to be the mother of his children. Those children deserve a stable, disciplined environment, free from her influence, free from the
recklessness she brings into their lives. They need to be prepared to step into the legacy and prestige that
comes with the Brennan name.
I set my glass down, my fingers tapping lightly against the marble table as I plan my next steps. London has served its purpose, delaying him just long enough.
Jayden believes he's untouchable, that he's in control, but he underestimates me. I've navigated these circles longer than he's been alive, and he still doesn't see how easily I can pull the strings.
His foolish attempt to shut me out only made this easier. He gave me all the distance I needed to move forward, and when the dust settles, he'll understand just how much he still needs me.
Across the room, one of the servants-a woman draped in luxurious silks, courtesy of my gracious hosts- enters, bowing slightly as she offers me a plate of dates and nuts. I wave her off.
My friends here, these royals with a taste for lavish parties and exclusivity, understand what it means to hold power, to shape the world around you. They know the art of subtlety, of influence that extends beyond borders.
They've known me long enough to trust my judgment, and they've been more than amused by my... family issues. They understand the importance of legacy, of ensuring one's children fall in line with the family's ambitions. No matter how long it takes. If Jayden were one of their children, he'd be stripped of his inheritance by now, removed from the family tree entirely.
But I'm a mother. I'm willing to give him the chance to redeem himself, to realize where his loyalty should lie. After all he's just a stupid, weak man.
In time, he'll thank me for this. In time, he'll understand that everything I'm doing is for his own good, for the good of his children. And when the dust settles, he'll come back to me, ready to accept his place, ready to build the future I've crafted for him.
I glance at my phone again, a message from Mia confirming a meeting back in the States, with a few key people she's brought on board. Smart girl. She understands loyalty, understands the cost of defiance..
T'll need to keep an eye on her-loyalty is one thing, but ambition is another.
Still, she's been useful, and as long as she follows orders, she'll find her place. I can't trust her. I know that.C0ntent © 2024 (N/ô)velDrama.Org.
Yes, everything is falling into place perfectly. Jayden will see the truth, and when he does, he'll know who to turn to.
And Winona? She'll be nothing more than a memory, a regret that he'll leave behind.
And those two children-my grandchildren-will have the stability, the structure they deserve.
396 Beating Judy at her Own Gathe