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."

be listening to what those therapists have to say. They just want to tick

her take a deep breath. "No, Judy. I'll start

away, and if you don't act

what's at stake here."

won't," she says, but the uncertainty in her voice

know her too

something she's hiding. I decide to play it cool. That always works better with Ashlyn. Her crazy, weak mind can't take too much pressure. So I'll tread

+25 BONUS

174 Desperate Measures

forcing my voice to remain calm. "Because we can't afford any more

"I have to go. Kitchen duties. The line goes dead before I

else.

edge, and that's dangerous for both

my son from falling completely into her

she just left him alone, I

mine. My son. My flesh and blood. And I'll do whatever it takes to keep it that way. Abby will be

just thinking how lucky I am to be here with you and

you were. Now tell me the truth." He lets me go

Everything is going fine

surprised he talked

and I will always have a connection." I'm not

I'm here to see if you want to

you stay here for

life. You wanted to come here, remember? Why don't you

It feels like a fairytale dream

don't blame her,

never know. Time

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