SWNOVELS Chapter My CEO 276
th an 276 Truth and Lies
(Winona)
I zip up my duffel bag, tossing in the last few pieces of Jewelry, cash, and anything of value I can scrounge up from home and the office safe.
My mind is racing, heart pounding, as I move in autopilot-getting everything ready to leave for Cancun, Getting everything ready to save Cass.
But all I can think about is Jayden. The look on his face when he realizes I'm gone. How do I justify this?
How do I explain why I've left, why I'm keeping him out of the most important thing happening in our lives?
I can't. This is wrong. I want him to know the truth.
I grab the burner phone I picked up on the way back, with a new SIM card, Clearly Gus already knows something because he has a chopper ready and waiting.
How? If Gus knows then surely I can be honest with Jayden
He has a right to know. We've spent too much time hiding things, avoiding the hard conversations. I owe
him this.
I reach for a pen and paper, my hand shaky as I write the note.
Jayden
By the time you read this, I'll be gone. I'm going to Cancun. Cass has been kidnapped, and I have to get her back. Please don't come after me-I need to do this alone. If they find out I told you, they'll kill her. I'm scared, Jayden. I'm terrified. But I have to do this. I love you more than anything. Please understand why I have to keep you out of this. I'll see you soon. Please forgive me for running out on our wedding day.
Winona.
I stop, staring down at the words. This is the truth. This is what he deserves to know.
But, I need answers. Gus knows something. How? I've trusted Gus so far, but something about his knowing where I was headed before I even told him feels off. I grab the burner phone and pull his number from my pocket.
I text him that this is my new number and to call me asap. I should be going but I need to find out what Gus knows. Then I save Cass's number I know by heart. I message saying it's me wit a new number.
The phone buzzes almost immediately after I do that. Gus is calling.
T
"How did you know?" I demand, cutting straight to the point. "How did you know I'm going to Cancun?"
Gus's voice is calm, too calm. "I had a feeling something was wrong. Call it an instinct."
"An instinct?" I snap. "That's not good enough, Gus. You don't just 'have a feeling' about something like this. Tell me the truth. My sister's life is on the line." 276 Truth and tien
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There's a pause on the other end, and I can practically hear him weighing his words carefully. "Winona, I've been keeping tabs on the situation in Cancun." "So you knew Cass was taken? Why then fuck didn't you say something?"
"Not until you got that phone call. The ransom one."
"How did you know? You have my phone topped?"
"It's temporary."
"Holy shit. Can't you trace her from her phone when they use it?"
"Not yet."
"Why not?!"
"Winona, we just need you to make this ransom demand and not tell anyone."
"We? Who the fuck are 'we'? What the hell is really going on here?"
Gus
sighs. "It's... complicated. Look, there's something bigger at play here. I'm not entirely sure yet, but I think Jayden might be the real target."
My blood runs cold. "Jayden? Why would they want him?"
"Winona," Gus says softly, "Jayden is my heir. Cass is just bait to get you there and to have Jayden come after you. I think. I'll know more soon."
My head spins as I try to process his words. "They'll kill her," I whisper, tears burning the back of my eyes. If they get Jayden, they won't need her anymore. They'll kill her."
"That's why we need to buy time," Gus says, his voice firm but not unkind. "If you give them the money, it won't save her. They'll take it, and then they'll ask for more."
"I'll give more."
"They'll kill her after getting what they want. We need time to figure out if I'm right and how to handle it." "What am I supposed to tell Jayden? I've just jilted him at the altar. He deserves to know I had no choice." "He can't know yet. He'll follow you. You know how he is. I have to keep him out of South America."
"I need to leave here. They'll know I'm not there soon." I imagine the look on Abby's face.
"Winona, don't tell him yet. Just give me a couple of days."
"So I just lie to Jayden? Let him think I've abandoned him?"
"I know it's hard," Gus says quietly. "But we don't have a choice right now. These people don't play."
I shake my head, tears spilling over. "I can't just lie to him, Gus. I can't. After everything we've been through-"
"It's not forever," Gus interrupts. "Give me a couple of days, and then you can tell him the truth. This might be his life at stake, your life and, right now, it's definitely your sister's life."
226 Truth and Lies
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I can't breathe. The thought of lying to Jayden, of making him believe I'm abandoning him... It breaks something inside me. But Gus is right. If they're after Jayden, I can't let him get anywhere near Cancun.
And I can't risk Cass's life by doing anything suspicious.
I pick up the pen again, my hand shaking as I begin to write the new note.
Jayden
I'm sorry. After everything that's happened this week, I'm just not sure anymore. I'm going away. Cass is okay, she's flying back and meeting me tonight. I need time to think, to figure out what I really want. Please don't follow me. Stay with the kids. I'll be in touch. Winona
I stare at the words, my heart breaking with each letter, I don't want this. But I can't let Jayden walk into a trap if that's what this is. I fold the note and leave it on the dresser, my tears blurring my vision.
I screw up the first note and go to put it in the trash can. No, he might find it there. I shove it in my pocket. I grab my bags, one ransom, one clothes, and head for the door.
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