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."

for

she doesn't argue.

at Judy.

move, her eyes still locked on mine. "Yes, another time. Soon." Then she turns

I say casually. "Soon.

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

does

in the middle of something important. However, I know

let any of this trigger me. I need to talk to someone, get some advice. But who? Jayden's

Gordon Brown's number. He's

1/3

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can give me some insight, help me figure out

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 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 dangerous

1. us.

to handle this on my own, at least for

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 of my mind whispers that I'm in over my

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

on it. Don't worry. I got

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

on the kitchen counter, figuring I'll grab a quick shower to clear

I need to hit the road, so I

is back in my kitchen.

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

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