My CEO 59

59 Come With Me

(Jayden)

I pat her on the head. "I'm okay, Abby. I'm glad you're here though." Her small smile lights up a part of me that's been dark for too long.

"I thought she might cheer you up. We were at the park, Winona says, her voice soft but tinged with

concern.

"Come in. I was just thinking about something" My voice comes out strained, barely masking the turmoil roiling within me.

"Are you okay? I mean, that was unbelievable really. I think we all need to lick our wounds for a while." Winona says.

"I'm angry." We walk into the lounge area, the weight of the day pressing down on us. I sit and pull Abby up onto my lap, her warmth a temporary balm to my frayed nerves. "With Gus?"

"With myself." I sigh, running a hand through my hair, feeling the frustration build.

"You can't blame yourself for what he's done. What everyone around you has done." Winona's voice is soothing, but it doesn't reach the core of my guilt

"I dropped the ball with Brennan Industries. Gus is right. I'm not in a position to be running that company. I know that now." The admission feels like a knife twisting in my gut, sharp and unrelenting.

"You're just going to walk away?" Winona's eyes widen, a flicker of disbelief crossing her face.

"No way." I smile, a determined edge creeping into my voice. "I'm going to get my company back."

Winona smiles, and it's like the first ray of sunshine breaking through a storm. "What?" I ask, caught off guard by her sudden shift in mood.

"That's the very first time since I've been back that you sounded like you used to be, before the accident."

good thing?" I lean forward, my heart pounding in my

so. You need to get your confidence back, you know?" Her words are a lifeline, pulling me

I am sorry he hurt you. I'm sorry my

do with that."

for her future." Winona's strength amazes me, her resolve unwavering even in the face of such pain. I nod, my mind racing. "And

not taking it. There's no way I

haven't forgiven myself for doing long hours

thought strikes me, sudden

+25 BONUS

can I go play? Abby's innocent

have a whole playroom for you." I give her a kiss on the cheek, savoring the simple joy of this moment. "Just go through that

office, now it's for

on her face. We can hear her saying wow and telling Puppy all

I like

best chance at convincing those shareholders to sell to

your own? Winona's eyes widen, a mix of surprise and

do, and

long will

this for the long haul. If my family life has taught me anything it's patience and endurance. Anyway, Santa Monica beach will be amazing." I try to inject some optimism, though it feels forced. Winona looks down, a shadow crossing her face. "Just what

words slip out before I can think

Her reaction is immediate, her

The beach would be amazing for her. She

about to start

"Schools are there too."

confused, torn. "Jayden, I get why you think this is a

after finding out about Ashlyn and Lance. But the relationship I'd like to foster is with Abby. I've missed so much." The plea is raw, my need to connect with my daughter outweighing everything else. Winona looks a little sad, her eyes reflecting a

not blaming you. Thank you for keeping her safe and raising her out of all the toxicity. I'm not letting my mother interfere anymore. I'm holding her responsible

me and my children in

You can't just

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