Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

My CEO 194

94 Once And For All

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194 Once And For All

(Winona)

"What the hell are you doing here?" The words slip out before I can stop them. I'm too on edge to care about politeness right now.

"Is that any way to greet your daughter's grandmother?" Judy's voice is all syrupy sweetness, but her eyes -those cold, calculating eyes-are scanning me, taking in every detail. Gus gives me an apologetic smile. "I told her you didn't like surprises."

"Abby's at school," I say, crossing my arms. "And we have plans after, so..."

"So?" Judy cuts in, her tone sharp. "So we'll wait. I'd love to catch up with you, Winona. Maybe we can chat while we wait for Abby to come home?"

I do not want her near my mother.

Is this coincidence that Steve is in town and Judy shows up?

I'm not mentioning a word about anything. Not Jayden, not Steve and definitely not Ashlyn.

I stand my ground.

"Maybe I can help," Judy offers, her voice too eager. "I could pick Abby up from school, like I used to. Spend some time with her while you handle your plans." "No," I say, too quickly. "Abby has a friend's birthday party."

Judy's eyes narrow slightly. "I see."

for the

but she doesn't argue. "Of

glancing at Judy.

on mine. "Yes, another time. Soon." Then she turns and walks away, Gus sticking

I say casually. "Soon. For

door, leaning against it for a moment as I try to catch my breath.

much does

call Jayden. But I know he won't answer, not if he's in the middle of something important. However, I know I also have to tell him his mother is back in the country. I sent off

to someone, get some advice. But who? Jayden's gone, and I don't want to

my phone again, my thumb hovering over Gordon Brown's number. He's been a solid ally, someone who knows how to

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me some insight,

hesitate. What if involving Gordon only makes things worse? What if Steve finds out and sees it as a challenge? I know how his mind works-he thrives on conflict, on pushing people to their limits. If he thinks I'm trying to outmaneuver him, he'll double down,

1. us.

need to handle this on my own, at

nerves. I can't let fear control me. I've faced worse than this before, and I've survived. I'm stronger now, more capable. I won't let Steve take that away from me. Not again. But even as I tell myself that, a dark voice in the back of my mind whispers that I'm in over my head. That Steve is more dangerous now than he's ever been, and that I'm not prepared for

me. I glance down and see a message from

it. Don't worry. I got you. Talk soon.

text back a quick reply, telling him to be safe and that I love him

figuring

a treat, and I savor each last drop cascading over me. But I need to hit the road,

back in my kitchen. "Oh, having

want to take something to help me sleep. I'm just so tired