My CEO 174

174 Desperate Measures (Judy)

I stand on the balcony of my castle in France, the sun doing little to warm the chill that's settled deep in my bones. The view from the highest hilltop here is breathtaking, but all I can think about is Jayden.

He's slipping away from me. I can feel it in every clipped word, every unanswered call. He's more distant, more unreachable, and it's driving me mad.

I need Ashlyn to step up, to start pushing Winona again, to destabilize her. But Ashlyn has been quiet, too quiet. She's stalling, and I don't have time for this. Whatever clever little plan Ashlyn thinks she has, won't work.

If she thinks she's going all vigilante on me, that she's safe because I'm in another country, she's wrong.

I text her number.

Call me. I need to speak with you. Urgent

It's difficult for her to be able to call, I know that. But she'll find a way.

The tension coils in my chest as I wait for her to text back. To my surprise, my phone rings and it's her.

"That was fast. I like it."

"Judy," she says, her voice lacking the usual fire I've come to expect from her. "I have five minutes."

"What the hell is going on, Ashlyn?" I snap. "You're supposed to be messaging Winona, making her unstable. I gave you her number. Why haven't you started?"

"I will," she says, but there's something off in her tone. "I haven't had much chance to use the phone. They've got me doing activities and jobs. I'm not in isolation anymore."

I narrow my eyes, suspicion gnawing at me. "Are you getting cold feet? Don't tell me you're having second thoughts."

"I'm not."

just want to tick you off their list to make them feel like they are actually good at what

breath. "No, Judy. I'll start soon. I just need to be careful. They're watching me

and if you don't act soon, we'll lose him. Don't

what's at stake here."

says, but the uncertainty in her voice

know her too

something she's hiding. I decide to play it cool. That always works

+25 BONUS

174 Desperate Measures

forcing my voice to remain calm. "Because

understand," she replies, "I have to go. Kitchen duties. The line goes dead

else.

her edge, and that's dangerous for both of us. If she can't

my son from falling

now because of Winona. If she just left him alone,

that way. Abby will be mine too. I'll make sure

how lucky I am to be here with you and have this amazing place

were. Now tell me the truth." He lets me go and stands beside

is going fine

surprised he

have a connection." I'm not

if you want to go to

you stay

this castle for the rest of your life. You wanted

castle. It feels like a fairytale

her. I don't blame her,

Time

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