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 argue. "Of

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

on mine. "Yes, another time.

casually. "Soon. For sure.

it for a moment as I try to catch

does

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

my shoulders. I refuse to let any of this trigger me. I need to talk to someone, get some advice.

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

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Once And For

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insight, help me

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

1. us.

to handle this on my own, at

let Steve take that away from me. Not again. But even as I tell myself that, a dark voice in the

me. I glance

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

text back a quick reply, telling him to be safe

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

I savor each last drop cascading over me. But I need to hit the road, so I dry

my

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

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