My CEO 240

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(Judy)

I watch Jayden's face tighten from across the room as I make the small, familiar gesture with Gabriel. A rush of satisfaction floods me. He saw it. I knew he would.

It's a tiny thing, something I used to do with him when I wanted him to know I was proud of him and I loved him.

And now? Now it's enough to remind him of what we had, of what he's lost by cutting me out. Good. Let him stew in that for a while.

Jayden was on his way over. He would've violated the no contact order. I wanted that. But damn Gus had to step in being a big fatherly hero and stop Jayden's onslaught. Oh well, there's always next time. And there will be a next time,

Outwardly, I keep my expression calm and pleasant. I can't let Gabriel or Cass, or anyone else at this table, know how much pleasure I'm getting from riling Jayden up. It's a calculated move, and I'm already thinking three steps ahead.

If Jayden still cares enough to react, then I have leverage. There's still a chance for reconciliation, whether he realizes it or not. Because clearly he still has emotions attached to me.

I glance around the table. Phillip is deep in conversation with Eva, his usual smoothness on display. Phillip and I have a complicated history, but it's strictly business now.

We work well together, both of us perfectionists when it comes to our work.

He's always been professional, and while I don't entirely trust him given he's chosen to side with Winona, I know he's useful. He's loyal to Winona but I like to keep my friends close and my enemies closer. Our working relationship is solid, and that's important for me and Brennan Industries now.

"Judy, what do you think?" Phillip suddenly asks, pulling me back into the conversation. His gaze is sharp, assessing. He's good at that-making you feel like he's always a step ahead.

I smile, keeping my tone light, "About what?"

nodding toward the two of them on the dance

Winona must be hating this. Anything that pisses off Winona pleases me greatly. Not even my doing but

chance. But whatever he is

1. me.

to be indifferent. "They seem. close. None of my

nonchalance. "He's

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concern with a wave of my hand. "Cass is a grown woman. She can make her own

who's been quietly observing the room, leans in. "I don't know. Gabriel's a smooth talker, but something about him rubs me the wrong way. He's too

Lance. "Lance, please. You're just jealous because Gabriel's

But I've got a bad

retort, not

own reservations about Gabriel. He's playing his part too well, and Cass is too young to see through him. But I can't work out why he would be stringing her along. Maybe

doesn't need the money or use her for

business, I don't give a rat's ass who is bonking

is not my concern. She'll figure it out on her own, or she won't. I'm just happy to have a front row, seat to Cass pissing off her sister. If I can use Gabriel to keep Cass

getting a lot of looks from the ladies. I mean he is absolute cover model

lit up with excitement from Gabriel and her time on the dance floor. He's got that easy confidence about him, the kind that

off Greg. He's much more like Gus in his

a good time?" I ask, keeping

Gabriel. "Yeah, it was great. He's

disarming smile. "Cass is the

in her naivety, is eating it up. This dynamic is going to get interesting. I can see

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