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.

this and the 'affordable' hotel room we just left behind is

can use the guest wing," I say, trying to keep the mood light. "That way you have a little autonomy and can cook for yourselves. Kinda like a small apartment. There's two bedrooms

get it if you prefer to sleep in the same room to start. Why don't you both take some time to settle in? I'll

"Don't you have servants?"

put up with my cooking since

says

have some feelings towards Anne as she was the one who essentially became

+25 BONUS

Back at the

and the

is the lady who took you in all that time ago. She's still

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

Bobby and Sarah to

"I'd

guest quarters and it does have its own back driveway and entry. So you don't have to check with

back

to check in with Mom, okay? I don't want her to

Mom.

"I'll sort that

in without clearing it with me. I'm not in a position where I can have just

consider Abby before you say and do anything. That is the deal breaker

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