My CEO 160

160 Cutting the Ties (Winona)

I'm sitting at a wooden park table, my fingers tracing the rough surface, trying to focus on anything but the dread pooling in my stomach,

The park is beautiful today-familles laughing, kids playing by the stream, and ducks floating lazily in the clear water. It's the kind of day that should bring peace, but instead, my frayed nerves barely hold me together. Gordon had assured me that Steve would find me and to just sit somewhere amongst other people. Gordon is here as well. I can't see him but I know he is. Knowing that quells the gnawing anxiety.

My phone is recording, hidden in my pocket, ready to capture every word of this twisted reunion. I brace myself for what I know will be an ugly encounter.

The wind rustles through the trees, and I catch sight of him walking toward me. He's thinner but well dressed and that same smug smirk twists his lips. His presente is a shadow, darkening the brightness of the day. ach

"Well, well," Steve says as he approaches, his voice laced with condescension. "If it isn't my bougie

daughter."

I steel myself, taking a deep breath, "What do you

want?"

He takes a seat across from me, leaning back like he owns the place. "Straight to the point, huh? Always so serious. I figured you'd want to catch up, see your old man before I disappear for good."

"I have nothing to catch up on with you," I reply, my voice steady. "You're a part of my life I'm ready to

leave behind."

shaking his head. "You say that, but here you are. Couldn't resist seeing what I had to say, could

the edge of the table, trying to keep my composure. Memories of my

shame of wearing tattered hand-me-downs while other

was when the school stepped in with uniforms

the streets, a pathetic prop in his begging schemes. I was just a tool to

me like I was something

one ever stepped in to help. No one wanted to get involved.

living alone

and care, so I

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160 Cutting the Ti

+25 BONUS

entire childhood was a nightmare," I say, my voice firm. "You dragged me

hungry and cold

smirk fades slightly, but he covers it quickly. "I did what I had to do to

what about me, Steve? I was a child. I deserved a childhood, not a life spent begging on the streets

you're better than me now, don't

came from."

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