My CEO 194

94 Once And For All

+25 BONUS

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

she doesn't

clears his throat, glancing at Judy. "We'll see Abby

move, her eyes still locked on mine. "Yes, another time. Soon." Then she turns and walks away,

casually. "Soon.

as I try to catch my

does Judy

middle of something important. However, I know I also have to tell him his mother is back in the country.

need to talk to someone, get some

hovering over Gordon Brown's number. He's

1/3

Once And For

+25 BONUS

can give me some insight, help

finds out and sees it as a challenge? I know how his mind works-he thrives on conflict, on pushing people to their

1. us.

can't risk that. I need to handle this

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

me. I glance down and

Don't worry. I got

to be safe and that

drop my phone on the kitchen counter, figuring I'll grab

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

in my kitchen. "Oh, having trouble

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

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

Comments ()

0/255