My CEO 241

241 Gus and Maria (Judy)

Gabriel watches quietly, his eyes flicking between us. He doesn't intervene, but his presence is undeniable. His sisters start talking to each other in Spanish.

I don't speak Spanish and I have no clue what they are saying.

Gabriel answers them. I assume he's relaying what he thinks is wrong with Cass.

My annoyance flares. "It's polite to speak in a language everyone at the table can understand," I say, trying to maintain control of the situation.

Gabriel turns his gaze on me, his expression calm but authoritative. "I will speak with my sisters however I please, Judy," he says, his voice smooth but firm. "We don't need to explain ourselves to you or anyone else." The power in his words hangs in the air, and for the first time, I feel a shift. Gabriel isn't just playing a role, he's asserting himself. I don't like it, but I can't afford to challenge him openly. Not yet.

Cass, emboldened by Gabriel's support, crosses her arms and looks me dead in the eye. "You're not going to get between me and my family, Judy. I don't care what you think you're doing with Gabriel or anyone else." I open my mouth to respond, but Gabriel cuts in smoothly. "Cass and I are very much in control of our own decisions. Perhaps it's best if we all focus on our own concerns, rather than family drama."

"In other words, everyone can mind their own business," Cass says.

"Indeed," he replies

It's a calculated move on his part, and it's effective. The conversation stalls, and I realize I'm not going to win this round. Not tonight, anyway.

I glance at Phillip, who has been observing quietly, as usual. I'm sure he'll be reporting this back to Winona. Let him.

spot Gus and Maria heading for our

Spanish flowing smoothly. Gus answers her just as

even here with her, flaunting her in front of me, pisses me off, I feel the rage bubbling up inside me, but I keep it contained. I have to Gabriel and his sisters can't

She says something that makes. Gabriel smile, and he nods

clear my throat, determined to take the

How nice to see you. I guess

1/3

241 Gus and Maria

+25 BONUS

me as if he's worried about

he thinks he's having some great romance like that dirty, rotten, cheating brother of his,

Judy. Greg's wife." I reach my hand out

eyes me for a second before taking my hand. Then she says something Gus translates. "She's sorry for your loss, all those years

laugh. "Well,

I ignore him. Whoever they thought Greg was, I have news for them and it's all bad. I'm done with this happy-happy joy-joy

say, "it must be so nice for you to play translator all night. You're

stares at me. He knows I'm being sarcastic. "Well,

As if Gus ever understood anything. Especially when it came to Jayden and me. He threw us to the

a successful

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255