My CEO 298

298 Doubt Blossoms (Winona)

I'm sitting on a park bench the next day, watching Abby as she climbs the jungle gym, her little legs kicking out as she tries to navigate the bars. Judy's right behind her, guiding her carefully. It's one of the new playgrounds in the area, all shiny and safe. But I still feel uneasy, as I always do with Judy.

Judy's laugh rings out as Abby makes it to the top. She claps her hands, and Abby beams down at her. It's a picture-perfect moment, and I love it for Abby, but I hate that I can't ever be at peace with this woman in our lives. Every time Judy's around, I feel on edge, like there's something waiting to go wrong. But Abby loves her, and no matter how many boundaries I put up, there's always supervised visits. It's the deal we made.

I pull my jacket tighter around me, watching Judy lean in close to Abby, whispering something that makes her giggle. Judy looks over at me, I know she has something she wants to say.

"You should try the big slide next, Abby," Judy says, holding out her hand as Abby clambers down from the equipment. "It's the best one in the city. I'll come with you."

Abby nods excitedly and rushes off yelling, "no, I can do it by myself," leaving Judy to stroll back over to me. Damn it.

I can feel her judgment on me before she even sits down. Here it comes-whatever she's been gearing up

for

"So," she says casually, sliding onto the bench beside me. "You and Jayden all set for the wedding rerun?"

reply, keeping my tone

married, managing everything

never

in anything you say," I say flatly. "You're here with Abby

just concerned, Winona. Jayden's stepping into some big shoes. Gus is...

about to let her know that. "Jayden's not Gus," I say, my voice cold. "And whatever happened with Nexus Global, it's none of your business." Judy chuckles softly, shaking her head. "You're right. It's none of my business.

voice soft, like she's offering some kind of twisted comfort. "Power like that changes people, Winona. Trust me, I've seen it happen too many times. Love... it takes a second seat

+25 BONUS

Judy. He's not

knows more than I do. "Maybe. But Gus was different once too. He promised me the world. Promised me a family Ife. Before the business took over.

planting these doubts in my head. But the truth is, I've already had some of those thoughts myself. Jayden's been distracted

got that look in his eyes sometimes, the one that says his mind is a million miles

shove the thought down. "This is none of your concern," I say, standing up, my hands clenched into fists. "You don't get to come here to try to mess with my

stay the same. And I'm sure you want to believe Jayden is

"You're

her coat. "Maybe I am. But I've lived this life a long time, Winona. Power goes to their heads. Always has, always will. I'm just

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