My CEO 84

(Winona)

"We're doing everything we can," he replies, his tone firm. "But right now, you need to focus on staying calm and cooperating. Don't talk to anyone unless I'm present. I need the truth from you, Winona, no matter what. You don't lie to me, okay?"

I nod, though my mind is far from calm. Every step feels heavy, each echoing footfall a reminder of the nightmare I'm trapped in. They lead me to a solitary cell, the door clanging shut behind me. The silence is oppressive, and I feel the weight of it pressing down on me. "I'll be back to talk to you soon. I need the full story, from the start. Are you prepared to talk to me?"

"Of course. I'm not sure I can afford you, though."

"Let's worry about that later. I'll see you soon." He strides off, and the sound of the door locking echoes in the quiet.

I pace the small space, my thoughts racing. How did everything go so wrong? Just a few days ago, I was hopeful about starting a new chapter with Jayden and Abby.

Hopeful that we could blend our families. But it's gone way too far for any of that. Now, I'm in a jail cell, accused of trying to kill Ashlyn and her baby. Jayden's baby.

I think of how he must be feeling right now. If he has lost his child, he'll be hurt and angry. He'll probably turn against me like he did before. Once Judy gets wind of this, she'll be all over him to dump me for good. That's if she doesn't already know. For all I know she might be the master behind all of this

reality of my situation crashes over me. I collapse onto the narrow bed, tears streaming down my face. "Please, let this

think of Abby, my sweet, innocent Abby, and the fear she must be feeling. I have to stay

apart, and I don't know how to piece it back together. Ashlyn's twisted words echo in my mind, her

malice in her eyes as she spoke of using her own child as

by, each second stretching into eternity. The small cell feels like it's closing in on me, suffocating me

air, the feeling of sand between my toes. The memories seem like

from outside the cell makes me jump. The clang of metal, the distant murmur of voices, the occasional shout-all reminders that I'm trapped in

alternating between fury at Ashlyn and sheer terror at what

the ceiling. I can't let her win. I have to fight, for Abby's sake. No

+25 BONUS

84 Glimmer of Hope

have to believe that the truth will come out. But can Abby be kept safe in

maybe it's just minutes-when the cell door creaks open. I jolt awake, my heart racing. It's the lawyer

to talk now," he says, his voice a blend of

from my eyes. "Okay," I whisper,

"Start from the beginning. Tell me everything about Ashlyn, your father, the kids-every detail

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