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."

lean forward, my heart pounding in my

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

But I am sorry he hurt

do with that."

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

haven't opened it. I'm not

still haven't forgiven myself

thought strikes me, sudden

+25 BONUS

play? Abby's innocent voice breaks the

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

to be an office, now it's for

runs off, her excitement on her face. We can hear her saying wow and telling Puppy all about his new friends. The sound brings a smile to

smiles again. I like that. "So,

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

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

do, and I

long will

beach will be amazing." I try to inject

out before I can think them

reaction is

would be amazing for her. She doesn't need an operation for six months. We have

to start

"Schools are there too."

get why you think this is a good

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

of all the toxicity. I'm not letting my mother

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

baby. You can't just

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