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

tightens, but she doesn't argue.

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

time. Soon." Then she turns and walks

"Soon. For sure.

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

does Judy

if he's in the middle of something important. However, I know

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

over Gordon Brown's number. He's been a solid ally, someone who knows

1/3

Once And

+25 BONUS

insight, help me figure out my

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.

can't risk that. I need to handle this

take a deep breath, trying to steady my 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

me. I glance down and see a message

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

to be safe

phone on the kitchen counter, figuring I'll

hit the road, so I

is back in my

let 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 him

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

Comments ()

0/255