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

tightens, but she

throat, glancing at Judy.

locked on mine. "Yes, another time. Soon." Then

"Soon. For sure.

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

much does

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

in my shoulders. I refuse to let any of this trigger me. I need to talk to someone, get some advice. But who? Jayden's gone, and

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

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Once And

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me some insight, help

mind works-he thrives on conflict, on pushing people to their limits. If he thinks I'm

1. us.

need to handle this on

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

phone buzzes in my hand, startling me. I glance down and

it. Don't worry. I

telling him to be safe and that I

phone on the kitchen counter, figuring I'll grab

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

is back in my kitchen.

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

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