SWNOVELS Chapter 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?"
"Cass and Gabriel," Phillip says, nodding toward the two of them on the dance floor. Gabriel is leaning in close to Cass, whispering something that makes her giggle.
It's satisfying, seeing her so entranced by him. Winona must be hating this. Anything that pisses off Winona pleases me greatly. Not even my doing but I'll throw my support their way.
Do I think Gabriel is smitten with Cass? Not a chance. But whatever he is up to with her, doesn't bother
1. me.
I shrug, pretending to be indifferent. "They seem. close. None of my business."
Phillip raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying my nonchalance. "He's a bit old for her, don't you think?"
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"Age is just a number, Phillip," I say, dismissing the concern with a wave of my hand. "Cass is a grown woman. She can make her own choices."
He's about to say something else when Lance, 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 polished, too...rehearsed."
I glance at Lance. "Lance, please. You're just jealous because Gabriel's better looking than you and Cass ignored you hitting on her."
Lance laughs. "Maybe. But I've got a bad feeling about him."
"Jealousy doesn't suit you," I retort, not wanting to entertain Lance's concerns.
I have my 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 he's just a player.
I mean he doesn't need the money or use her for a green card or anything.
As long as it doesn't affect me and my business, I don't give a rat's ass who is bonking who.
Cass 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 and Winona at odds, all the better. I know it's getting under Winona's skin. That alone makes it worth encouraging.
Gabriel and Cass come back from the dance floor. He is getting a lot of looks from the ladies. I mean he is absolute cover model material. I think he'll be getting offers very soon.
Cass is glowing, her face lit up with excitement from Gabriel and her time on the dance floor. He's got that easy confidence about him, the kind that draws people in without effort. He's charming.
I doubt he learned that off Greg. He's much more like Gus in his demeanor. Charming and dangerous.
"Did you have a good time?" I ask, keeping my tone casual as I watch them sit down.
Cass smiles brightly, leaning into Gabriel. "Yeah, it was great. He's a good dancer."
Gabriel flashes that disarming smile. "Cass is the real talent. I'm just along for the ride."
I resist the urge to roll my eyes. He's laying it on thick, and Cass, in her naivety, is eating it up. This dynamic is going to get interesting. I can see how easily he's manipulating her.
But if it keeps her close to me, then I have no reason to stop it.
"Cass, what do you do for work?"
"I've just started a traineeship in a kitchen. I'd like to open my own place one day."
"Well, if you have half the determination of your sister, you won't have a problem. You'd do well to take advice from her."
Cass eyes me suspiciously. "I can make my own decisions."
"That's what every young person thinks."
Cass jumps in, her voice sharp. "Judy, this is about your ongoing bullshit with my sister and Jayden, isn't
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it? Don't get me involved. I'm not Winona when she was eighteen. You can keep your old-lady bullshit for people stupid enough to give you an inch."
I'm momentarily taken aback by her bluntness. It's clear that Cass isn't meek. There's fire in her, and it's aimed straight at me.
I raise an eyebrow, keeping my tone even. "I'm just offering some old-lady advice, Cass. Take it or leave it."
"Let's be real here. I'm not interested in whatever feud you've got going with Winona or Jayden. And I'm certainly not going to be a pawn in whatever game you're playing." "I'm not playing games."
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