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, my heart pounding

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

about Phillip. Actually, I'm not. But I am sorry

do with that."

and betrayed but I can focus on Abby. She's what's important, getting her health back on track for her future." Winona's strength amazes me, her resolve unwavering even in the face of such pain. I nod, my mind racing. "And the offer

gesture. "I haven't opened it. I'm not taking it. There's no way I can work those

myself for doing long hours

The thought strikes me, sudden and

+25 BONUS

go play? Abby's innocent voice breaks the

give her a kiss on the cheek, savoring the simple joy of this moment. "Just go

to be an office,

wow and telling Puppy all about his new friends. The sound brings a smile to my

smiles again. I like that. "So,

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

want to stage a hostile takeover of your own? Winona's eyes widen,

and I

will

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

slip out before

No." Her reaction is immediate, her

would be amazing for her. She doesn't need an operation

to start

"Schools are there too."

I get why you think this

with Abby. I've missed so much." The plea is raw, my need to connect with my daughter outweighing everything

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

me and my children in her life, she damn well better get

the baby. You can't just leave them

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