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."

a good thing?" I lean forward,

your confidence back, you know?" Her words are a lifeline,

I'm not. But I am sorry he hurt you. I'm sorry my

do with that."

find out now. I'm very hurt and betrayed but I can focus on Abby. She's what's important, getting her health back on track for her

it. I'm not taking it. There's

forgiven myself for

thought strikes me,

+25 BONUS

Abby's

I have a whole playroom for you." I give her a kiss on the cheek, savoring the simple joy

to be an office, now it's for

We can hear her saying wow and telling Puppy all about his new friends. The sound brings a

smiles again. I like that. "So, this

to go be in Santa Monica, my best chance at convincing those shareholders to

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

do, and I

long will

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

slip out

is immediate, her tone

sun and fresh air. The beach would be amazing for her. She doesn't need an

to

"Schools are there too."

I get why you think

The plea is raw, my need to connect with my daughter outweighing everything else. Winona looks a little sad, her eyes

all the toxicity. I'm not letting my mother interfere anymore. I'm holding her responsible for me

wants to have me and my children in her life, she damn well better

the baby. You can't

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