My CEO 229

229 A Hidden Storm

(Winona)

I arrive at the office, but my thoughts are still clouded with everything that happened this morning. Cass's words, her defiance, they all replay in my mind.

Is she using again?

And if she is, how do I help her without pushing her away?

Probably not how I reacted this morning. I sigh. I practically booted her out. I flick her a quick text apologizing and say I hope she will be home when I get home today.

Phillip greets me as I step into our shared workspace. He looks up from his desk, a knowing look in his eyes. "You okay? You look a little...tense." Aside from Jayden and Anne, Phillip knows me the best.

We spent a lot of time together, for work and in our personal lives. We're close work associates again, and friends. I'm building my trust for him back up again. Which is nice.

I sigh, sliding into the chair opposite him. "It's Cass. She didn't come home last night. Went out with Mia again and walked in looking like she'd been through hell. We had an argument. She said she's moving out." Phillip frowns, setting down the papers he was holding. Moving out? That's sudden."

"I know." I rub my temples, trying to fight off the growing headache. "I don't know what to do. She's angry, defensive. Then I got angry and told her I'd help her pack."

"Oh. I see. Well, you two have argued before and survived it."

"I'm worried she might be using again."

"Are you sure?"

"How sure can you ever be? But she isn't acting like the person I've come to know."

"It's tough."

is the real Cass. Maybe she's been trying to be someone she isn't around me. Maybe this is

own mistakes, as

if she's

if there's a support group she'd feel comfortable in. Sometimes, it's easier to hear it from

on edge. If

a reassuring smile. "I'll keep it low-key. We'll

to do here, I

chair. "Yeah, Brennan Industries offered us

229 A Hidden Storm

+25 BONUS

accept it. Jayden still has a no-contact order against Judy." Phillip nods thoughtfully. "That could complicate things. But if Jayden's okay with it, I could handle

say. "I trust your judgment

the room, without knocking, his face

raise an eyebrow, gesturing for him to

closes the door behind him, lowering his voice. "I've had the new family to looked into. Maria's father... he's not just

investigation for his possible involvement in drug and people smuggling through South America

feel my stomach

me. "Are

to him since she had Gabriel, as far as I've found out. But this ring is known for grooming young people to

happen to just find out who Greg really was and turn up? The authorities would see

possibility. This whole investigation involves undercover agents. It's been ongoing for years, but they can't get enough evidence to take anyone down." I stare at him, my mind racing. "Are

start a business or invest in one here in the US to get their green card.

shake my head, trying to process the information. "This is...this is

says, standing up. "I don't know if it will help. But we need to be cautious. We don't know who we're dealing with.

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