My CEO 184

184 Where's Steve? (Winona)

It takes a few days to set up the visit with Ashlyn. I haven't told anyone we're going, not even Lisa. Jayden and I agreed to keep this between us until we figure out what's really going on.

But just as I'm trying to focus on preparing for the visit, my phone rings. It's Gus. I hesitate for a moment before answering. I mean the man has never really done anything to me. In fact, he's been nothing but supportive.

But I'd be a fool to trust him and think he's a friend. Especially as he has Judy over there and I know she's up to something. Gus probably knows that too.

But Gus I know will protect Abby at all costs. The heir to Nexus Global.

I'll take that as a security blanket.

"Gus," I say, keeping my voice neutral. "What's going on?"

"Winona," he says, his voice serious. "1 need to ask you something. Have you seen Steve lately?"

My heart thumps in dread. "Not for a few weeks. He met me in the park, and he told me my mother still lived in our old house and that there might be another child." "Did you find them? Was it true?"

"Yes, they are at the townhouse with me now. Temporarily."

"Nothing from him since then?"

"No. Why?"

says, his tone grim. "He's gone off the radar, and I thought you should know. I'll

a chill run down my spine. "I won't

this was his plan all along. He better

is silent for a moment, then he lets out a long sigh. "I don't like this, Winona, Steve disappearing like this... it doesn't sit right with me. He has a lot of money to not come back near you and he's already been there once." "He's planning something." My mind races with possibilities. "I think it might have something to

him. Just be careful, okay? Keep your

want to tell him about Ashlyn and the

I've

184 Where's Steve?

+25 BONUS

gone off the radar," I say, my

have told me about Mom and Cass for nothing. He'd know that

but if he wanted to hurt them, he could have gone

nod. "This is true. Maybe I'm being

good reason to

your mother paid him too. Now your father is paying him more to stay out of it. Yet he has already been back

disposal than any of us, even your mother. Surely Steve would play this and bargain

about money, is it," Jayden

me even more. If he wants all three of us together for some reason. Maybe he wants to eliminate his past altogether." My blood runs cold at the words I'm saying. "Judy gets what she wants too. You and

bare hands if I have to." "Jayden. No. You being in jail for murder isn't what we need. You have to keep your temper if you see him. You can't play into his hands like that. He wants to break me. I won't let him." He rakes his hand through his

of his life. I don't think he'll ever forgive me for

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255