My CEO 266

266 Trouble In Paradise

(Cass)

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This break has been perfect so far.

We're sitting outside, the warm Cancun breeze brushing against my skin as the sun dips below the horizon. Gabriel's next to me, all smiles and charm. I'm really so lucky.

We're waiting for Maria as Ana and Eva are flying home tomorrow. We decided to have a family dinner here at the resort Gabriel and I are staying at.

Ana and Eva talk in broken English about their flights tomorrow. Mia is cracking jokes, her energy contagious as the good vibes keep rolling.

Ana raises her glass, giving a mock-serious look. "Here's to leaving behind the glorious American Dream."

"Ah, don't pretend like you're not going to miss the hamburgers and pizza," I joke, lifting my own glass. Because she's joking right?

"Please," Eva snorts. "Bad food isn't enough to keep me in the land of the privileged who constantly complain about everything."

They all laugh, and for a moment I feel like I'm different to them.

Well, I am. But it's never been an issue. I brush it off as the margaritas.

I've loved every second of being with Gabriel, meeting his family, feeling like I'm part of it.

Maria and Gus are here now.

Maria leads the way with Gus right behind her, Gabriel looks up, his smile faltering slightly when he sees. Gus. "Mamá," he says, standing up. "I'm so happy you're here."

He hugs her and doesn't say much to Gus. Interesting

Maria hugs all her daughters. These guys are so close. The perfect family. I think of Mom and me. I really. miss her.

"Now we can see Ana and Eva off properly." She pulls out a chair for herself, her gaze sweeping over the table. "Gus is dropping me off."

"I don't want to intrude," Gus says, his voice low, polite. "Enjoy your night."

make me notice, but then Gabriel smiles. "Stay," he says, gesturing to the table. "We're all

that makes me feel he's not asking Gus to stay because he

me some of the past. But I wasn't really interested in what happened at

Everyone keeps smiling, chatting, but there's something...off. Gabriel's still being charming, but his eyes. keep flicking to Gus, like he's waiting for something. 266 Trouble in

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to the undercurrents here at the

are sharp, like she's analyzing every inch of me. I don't understand the Spanish, so

are

smile, trying to keep the mood light. "Pretty well, actually. Everything's ready to go. Just waiting for the big day

tells her

and smiles. They talk a little more

your dinner. Let me

have all I need here. The hotel

"You Americans love

Ana" I say, feeling a little attacked. "I was about to say that it's a lot better than what I'm

What would you know about being poor?"

Enough!" Gabriel snaps and she rolls her eyes. "Gus sit. Have a drink. I have some things to ask

he

Greg.

"Yes."

in America? Was he a

don't

have nothing

in his seat. "I have

hiding our father from

""No. I'm not."

by the look on

live in the past. Papa was who he was to us. That's all I

a smile,

own

266 Trouble in

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eyebrow, "Greg

T

shouldn't ruin dinner with this topic." I say

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