My CEO 206

206 Jayden's Unyielding

206

Jayden's Unyielding Resolver

(Winona)

We sat in the ward waiting room. Jayden is beside me, his hand clasped around mine. We haven't said much since Mom passed away, both of us caught up in our own thoughts.

Cass came back after ten minutes, tears streaming down her face, to say her final goodbyes to Mom. I couldn't bring myself to intrude on that moment. She needs her space, and I need to respect that.

Jayden squeezes my hand, grounding me in the moment. I look at him, seeing the exhaustion in his eyes. But he's strong, certain, and that's what I need right now.

"I should head back to Ashlyn's room soon," Jayden says quietly, his voice steady. "Check on the baby before I take you and Cass home."

I nod, standing up with him. The thought of seeing Cass now, of trying to convince her to come home with me, feels like an insurmountable task, but I know it needs to be done. I'm not leaving her alone. I promised Mom. But as we start along the ward corridors, past the nurses station to head off this floor, the hairs on back of my neck prickle.

the

there she is-Judy. She's standing at the entrance to the ward, her face drawn and

voice cracking as she takes a step towards us. "Please,

wall of

the security guard stationed nearby. "She's breaching a no- contact order. Call the police. In fact, call Detective Harris, who's leading

and steps forward, already reaching for his radio. Before long two other security men

voice is frantic, her hands shaking as she reaches out, as if she could somehow

Gus come in the ward doors behind her. "Judy, this

"I just need Jayden to talk to my

his eyes narrowing. "There's nothing to talk about, Mother. You've crossed every line. There's no coming back from this. Now my baby is fighting for life." "Please, Jayden," Judy begs, her voice breaking as tears spill down her cheeks. "I never

believe you, and even if

Judy by the arm

206 Jayden's Unyielding Resolv

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mother. You understand. I love Abby. I would never hurt her. Please, make him understand that.

the damage she caused, that love is real. And I can't ignore that Abby loves her as well. I have to tell her Grandma

me with a hard, unreadable expression. "Jayden, maybe... maybe we can talk about this later. Abby... she misses her Grandma

a mix of emotions-anger, hurt, betrayal-but he takes a deep breath, his jaw clenched. "We'll talk about it later," he says, his voice clipped,

she can say anything else, the security guard begins leading her away. She

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