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."

thanks for

tightens, but she

clears his throat, glancing at

"Yes, another time. Soon." Then she

casually. "Soon. For sure. Welcome

moment as I try to catch my breath. What

much does

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

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

Brown's number. He's been a solid ally, someone

1/3

And

+25 BONUS

can give me some insight, help me

then I 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

1. us.

risk that. I need to handle this

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

in my hand, startling me. I glance down

I got

to be safe and that I love him

counter, figuring

hit the road, so I dry and dress and go to the kitchen to grab my phone

back in my kitchen. "Oh, having

out today." Her voice sounds worn out. "I want to take something to help me sleep. I'm

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