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,

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

Phillip. Actually, I'm not. But I am sorry he hurt you. I'm sorry my mother had anything

do with that."

important, getting her health back on track for her future."

gesture. "I haven't opened it. I'm not

I still haven't forgiven myself for doing long

The thought strikes me,

+25 BONUS

go play? Abby's

simple joy of this moment. "Just go through that door." I point at the room I've set up

to be an office, now

face. We can hear her saying wow and telling Puppy

again. I like that. "So,

need to go be in Santa Monica, my best chance

to stage a hostile takeover of your own?

and I

long will

If my family life has taught me anything it's patience and endurance. Anyway, Santa Monica beach will be amazing." I try to inject

me." The words slip out before I

is

not? Abby needs the sun and fresh air. The beach would be amazing for her. She doesn't need an operation for six months. We have

about to

"Schools are there too."

think this is a good

foster is with Abby. I've missed so much." The plea is raw, my need to

keeping her safe and raising her out of all the toxicity. I'm not letting my mother

needs help, and if she wants to have me and my children in her life, she damn

You can't

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