My CEO 363

363 Bobby's BBQ (Winona)

As Viktor drives me home from Nexus Global, I can't help but feel a strange mixture of satisfaction and exhaustion. It's been a long day, but surprisingly, a good one.

Connecting with Sofia was something I wasn't expecting, and it's left me with more to think about than I'd planned.

We pull up to the huge mansion and Jayden's standing by the front entrance, pushing Henry's pram back and forth. He smiles when he sees me, that warm, easy grin that always makes me feel like everything is going to be okay.

I step out of the car, making my way over to him. "Hey," I say, leaning in to kiss him lightly. "You're waiting for me?"

"Of course. How was it with Sofia?" Jayden asks, his voice genuinely curious as he peers down at Henry, still asleep in the pram

I bend down and kiss Henry's cheek.

"She's sharp. Really sharp. I actually learned a lot from her today." I let out a small laugh, shaking my head. "She's damn good at her job. I can see why she's where she is."

Jayden nods, his expression thoughtful. "And...do you still think my mother might have a hand in anything there? Pulling strings?"

I hesitate, thinking back to Sofia's easy confidence and the way she commanded the room. "I don't know. I'm not ruling anything out. Sofia doesn't seem like someone who can be manipulated easily. But it might be as simple as keeping us apart by me working with her." Jayden raises an eyebrow. "We'll keep an eye on it."

"Thanks for coming back early to check in on the kids. How was your afternoon? What've you and the kids been up to?"

"Actually, I went

surprise. "You did?

He wasn't exactly focused on studies

Did you

you're right about the cottage being home. "Really?" I feel a sudden rush of excitement. "This

come down to the cottage. Out back. You'll see."

+25 BONUS

closer, I start to hear the faint crackle of a fire. There's smoke smell in the air and I

I stop in my tracks, my heart

Jayden and the kids, gathered around a stone fireplace with a metal grill. The cobblestones surrounding it have all been cleared and cleaned and there's a big stack of wood

1. to.

ground that will fit under the grill. The flowerbeds have been weeded and cleared and the many flowers

sun of another fire pit made from larger stones in a big circle in

and sodas, and some large containers

with staff.

is all this?" I ask, walking closer,

the garden. I found the grill, and

invited the entire staff to join us. As a thank you for having us, sort of thing. I look at Bobby, my heart melting. "You did?" I

to all the people who help us around here. And, you know, share some of our culture with them. Hot dogs, burgers and

thinking of ways to bring everyone together. Before I

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