SWNOVELS Chapter My CEO 246
246 Getting Intel
246 Getting Intel
(Winona)
"So, the gala night was interesting." Phillip says, not looking up from his papers.
He's been over at Brennan Industries working with Judy on a marketing push since the gala evening.
I glance over at him. "What do you mean?"
"Judy was her usual underhanded self."
"No surprise to me at all."
"No. Me neither. Jayden is right to cut her out of his life."
"What do you think of Gabriel, with Cass?"
"Look, I think we are all a little concerned but Cass is no slouch. She stood up for you when Judy mentioned you. Gabriel basically told Judy mind her own business too."
"Really?" Even after that fight we'd had? "Cass never mentioned anything. What do Gabriel's family think of Cass?"
"They seem fine, but their culture is different I guess."
"Do you know them very well?"
"The sisters," Phillip clarifies, finally looking up. "I've met with Ana and Eva a few times now, and they are very nice, but... I get the feeling they're not really interested in sticking around in the States. They miss home. Mia, well she is a free spirit. I don't think she has any focus in life other than fun."
Half her luck. I'd love to have that carefree attitude to life again.
"Does that mean they will sell their shares?"
"Yeah, I guess," Phillip muses, setting his papers down. "But still, it seems strange to me. Ana and Eva have this opportunity here, to be a part of the American dream and they don't seem to care much about it."
I shrug. "I guess they are happy with life the way they live it now. I can respect that."
"I can tell you, it's not through lack of intelligence. Both of them are highly educated and sharp as a whip. They aren't intimidated by anyone it seems.
"I've heard about the hot-headed Latino blood. I wish I'd had a transfusion of that all those years I couldn't stand up to Judy."
"I think you did what you had to do for Abby."
Before I can respond, there's a knock at the door. Gus walks in, his usual authority filling the room.
"Winona," he greets me with a smile, then nods at Phillip. "Phillip."
I sit up straighter in my chair. "Gus, what brings you here?"
I haven't seen or heard from him since he stopped Jayden going near Judy.
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"I'm going to grab some lunch, Give you two some privacy," Phillip says.
I nod at Phillip.
Gus pulls up a chair. "I wanted to see if you and Jayden would like to have dinner with me and Maria. She has some questions about Greg." "You know how he feels about Greg. And honestly, I think you are the one who should tell Maria about your brother, not Jayden."
"Maria's been asking a lot of questions. She's been struggling to reconcile the man she knew with the stranger that's been revealed."
I raise an eyebrow. "How does she remember him?"
"She said Greg was loving, kind, attentive, and present with her and the kids. He traveled for work a bit but that was his job. When he never came back, she wasn't sure where to start looking for him because after she tried searching for him, it had become obvious he wasn't who he married her as."
"I do feel for Maria. Well, if she is being real. Imagine finding the loving husband you thought you knew had a whole other life and identity?"
Gus leans back in his chair, crossing his arms. "She still gets very upset about it. I do feel she is being genuine. I can see what Greg fell in love with. She sees the good in everything. You know, she even told Judy she was sorry for her loss when Judy introduced herself as Greg's wife at the gala."
"Oh my god. Judy has some hide considering she hated the man."
"Maria took it in her stride. She is quite amazing actually."
I raise my eyebrows. I really can't help but like Gus. "Maybe there's another wedding in the future," I tease, There's a moment of silence before Gus speaks again. "Speaking of the wedding, who's giving you away? Do you have someone? I'd be happy to show up for you, and Jayden."
I smile, shaking my head. "I don't need anyone to give me away, Gus. I'm comfortable walking on my own to Jayden. Thank you, I'm very touched by your offer."
7 mean, I don't have an invite anyway, but I wanted you to know, I'd be there for you."
"Thanks. How does Judy feel about you seeing Maria?"
"Let's just say, if looks could kill, I'd be dead ten times over."
I grin.
"I have to say I'm a little satisfied knowing she's pissed."
"Hah! Me too. I've loved Judy for a lot of years despite her flaws. But lately, the shine is wearing off. It's hard work. I'd like to think love can become easier in my golden years."
"You talk like you're ninety."
1 feel it some days."
"But not when Maria is around?"
"It's almost impossible to not think good things when Maria is around. She has a profound calming
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246 Getting Intel
energy. I thought she'd be good for you. She has that same maternal focus that you have. She loves her children but not in a toxic way."
"What about her father?"
Gus shifts in his seat, his expression turning serious again. "She doesn't acknowledge him as her father. I'm satisfied there's no link between her and the corruption her father is allegedly involved in."
I nod, relieved. "If you're sure about her, then I'll trust your judgment. What about the sisters? Phillip seems to feel they are okay and we're both on the fence about Gabriel."
"Ana and Eva are very much like their mother, but they are well aware that there isn't good in some people. They don't discuss their grandfather. It's like he doesn't exist. Mia is a livewire. I think because being the youngest and last baby there has been a little more leniency with her. Maria says she is her
artistic one."
"I guess artistic is one way to describe it. But thank you, that information really puts my mind at ease."
That just leaves Gabriel to work out.
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