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 the

but she

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

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

"Soon.

the door, leaning against it for a moment as I try

much does

he won't answer, not if he's in the middle of something important. However, I know I also

this trigger me. I need to talk to someone, get some advice. But who? Jayden's gone, and I don't want to drag Lisa into

phone again, my thumb hovering over Gordon Brown's number. He's been

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insight, help me figure out

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

1. us.

that. I need to handle this on my

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

I glance down and see

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

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

figuring I'll

last drop cascading over me. But I need to hit the road, so I dry and dress and go to the kitchen

is back in my kitchen.

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

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