My CEO 178

178 Back at the Townhouse (Winona)

The familiar scent of my townhouse hits me as we step inside. It's just so good to be home. To have somewhere to call home. I feel for Mom and Cass who've just lost theirs, even though it was time that house went.

My place is warm, inviting, and it's so far removed from the world we just left behind that it almost feels like stepping into another life entirely.

But I've tried to keep it ordinary and nothing flashy but after revisiting my past I can see how this place reeks of someone with money and not without.

Mom and Cass follow me inside, looking around with wide eyes. I can tell they're both trying to take it all in. Mom clutches her bag a little tighter, like she's afraid she might break something just by being here. Cass, on the other hand, has that same defiant look on her face, like she's daring the house to reject her or me. She needs to find her feet. That can be a rough road.

"This is... this is really nice, Winona," Mom says, her voice trembling a little. "I've never imagined living in something quite so grand.

"It's home," I say, forcing a smile. "For now, it's your home too. I hope you can be comfortable here. I'm not forcing you to stay but you're welcome here as long as you both need."

Cass scoffs, crossing her arms. "Yeah, sure. Let's see how long that lasts."

"Cass," I warn, not in the mood for her attitude right now. "This is a fresh start. Let's try and make the most of it, okay? Leave the negativity on the doorstep because Abby will be here soon."

She shrugs, but I can see the tension in her shoulders. She's on edge, probably feeling just as out of place as I did when I first left that old house behind.

I lead them into the living room, where the sunlight pours in through the large windows, making everything look even more polished and perfect.

the 'affordable' hotel room we just left

mood light. "That way you have a little autonomy and can cook for yourselves. Kinda like a small apartment. There's two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a kitchenette and a living

sleep in the same room to start. Why don't you both take some time

"Don't you have servants?"

have to put up with my cooking since Anne's

says her

towards Anne as

+25 BONUS

at

be, and the father for

lady who took you in all that time ago.

been a rock for me and Abby. Right now, she has

he did to Bobby and Sarah to get at me. I don't want to

"I'd like

and it does have its own back driveway and entry. So you don't have to check with me if you want to come and go." I look

back

do need to check in with Mom,

Mom.

shrugs. "I'll sort that out

in without clearing it with me. I'm not in a position where I can have just anyone come and go." I look to Cass to make sure

she's actually listening and continue, "and that you always consider Abby before you say and do anything. That is the deal breaker for me. Abby's health and happiness must be

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