My CEO 208

208 Priorities and Legacies

(Winona)

I sit with Jayden in the quiet of Ashlyn's hospital room.

The doctors have just left after delivering the news, Ashlyn's condition hasn't changed, and they don't expect her to regain consciousness. Her brain is showing no activity.

But the baby is showing no signs of distress right now. That's the one piece of good news we needed to hear. even

r like t this, Ashlyn and I were once friends. I helped her a lot through the her school years. Seeing her after all the things she's done to me, makes me feel sad for her. I wish she'd have chosen a different path in life.

Jayden is standing by Ashlyn's bedside, his hand resting on the small swell of her abdomen. "They said the baby can stay in the womb as long as there's no distress."

His voice is low, controlled. "The best option is to let the baby grow stronger, but if there's any sign of trouble, we'll have to act fast. But, I mean, I feel like it's a cruel thing to keep a body going for my own devices like this. No one deserves to be reduced to being a vessel." I nod, feeling the gravity of the situation settle in. "The longer the baby stays in there, the better the chances. I do understand what you're saying though. Is it even your responsibility?"

""Meaning?"

"You and Ashlyn are divorced. Surely that means her mother is her next of kin."

"Yes. Her mother is on the way. But this is more complicated because the rights of the baby and it's wellbeing have to be taken into account also."

"It's not easy."

decision about Ashlyn that almost removes her humanity. I know

at some point in our lives. We had a lot of fun

did. But what she turned into is not something I

agree. Perhaps in a couple more days, we'll get some more

coming to stay at the penthouse. Is that okay? I should

love that you feel you

here for a week. Bobby and Sarah are meeting some placement opportunities.

with the Brennan Industries. I don't want anything to

201 Portion and L

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you sure?" I ask gently. "I understand why you want to cut ties with Judy,

when they're older, like she did with me?" He's right to be worried. Judy's track record isn't exactly stellar, and the thought of her having any kind of power over the

of her life

choosing my words carefully. "But that could happen anyway. All we can do is be honest with them when

do you even explain

entirely from Abby right now, but about setting boundaries

his brow furrowing in thought. "Maybe," he admits, though I can see the conflict still brewing inside him. "But it's complicated. I don't want to take any chances. The no-contact order gives us

take his hand. "We've got a lot going on, and the baby is your priority. We'll have time to think this through, to

squeezes my hand, a small, grateful smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "You're right.

know. Look

going to build something new, Winona.

will happen to Brennan

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