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

she doesn't

throat, glancing at Judy. "We'll

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

casually. "Soon. For

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

much does Judy

my phone to 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

of this trigger me. I need to talk to someone, get some

thumb hovering over Gordon Brown's number. He's been a solid ally, someone

1/3

And

+25 BONUS

some insight, help me

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, make things even more

1. us.

can't risk that. I need to handle this on

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

me. I glance down and see a message from

on it. Don't worry. I

a quick reply, telling him to

figuring I'll grab a

hit the road,

in my kitchen. "Oh, having

you know I'm skipping going out today." Her voice sounds worn out. "I want to take something to help me sleep. I'm just so tired but the thought of

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