SWNOVELS Chapter My CEO 99
99 Confrontation
(Winona)
The judge calls for a two-hour recess to speak privately with Abby and consider all the arguments and information.
It's only then I realize Abby is present in the courthouse somewhere. My heart skips a beat at the thought of her being here, so close yet so far from me. I hope she is okay. I'm sure Anne is with her.
The bailiff escorts me out of the courtroom, and I'm allowed a brief toilet break. I head to the restroom, my mind swirling with anxiety and hope.
I push open the heavy restroom door, the cool air hitting my face. I splash some water on my face, trying to compose myself. As I stand there, staring at my reflection in the mirror, the door swings open, and in walks Ashlyn, her eyes locked on mine. "Well, well, well, look who we have here," she sneers, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "The desperate mother."
I take a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "You aren't supposed to be near me or discussing the case."
She shrugs. "Who cares?"
She steps closer, her smile twisted. "I wanted to see the look on your face when you realize your little wire trick isn't going to work. You really thought you could trick me into a confession?"
I feel a cold chill run down my spine. "I don't know what you're talking about," I reply, trying to keep my voice steady.
Ashlyn laughs, the sound echoing off the tiled walls. "Oh, come on, Winona. Don't play dumb. You and your pathetic little lawyer think you're so clever. Wearing wires, hoping I'll slip up and confess. It's not going to happen. You pushed me, and that's the truth."
I clench my fists, anger boiling inside me. "You're lying, Ashlyn. You know I didn't push you. You set this all up. You're the one who's been manipulating everyone."
She steps even closer, her face inches from mine. "No one believes that because it isn't true. Not Jayden, not the judge. You'll be in jail where you belong."
I glare at her, my heart pounding. "I won't let you get away with this, Ashlyn. I will prove my innocence." Ashlyn smirks, leaning back against the sink. "Good luck with that. By the time you're done fighting. Jayden will have full custody, and you'll be left with nothing. You're wasting your time."
I swallow hard, trying to keep my composure. "Why are you doing this? What do you get out of destroying my life?
She shrugs, her eyes cold and unfeeling. "Maybe I just enjoy watching you destroy your own life. Maybe! want Jayden all to myself. Or maybe I just hate seeing you happy. You'll never know."
I shake my head, disbelief washing over me. "You're sick, Ashlyn. Truly sick."
She laughs again, the sound chilling. "And you're weak Winona. Always playing the victim. Face you're
going to lose. You've already lost."
99 Confrontation
+25 BONUS
I don't respond, I know she's baiting me for a reaction. Instead, I turn and head for the door.
"Don't forget," she calls after me, her voice mocking. "No more wires. You're not fooling anyone."
I push open the door and step out into the hallway, my heart racing. I lean against the wall, trying to steady my breathing. The encounter with Ashlyn leaves me shaken, but I know I can't let her get to me.
As I head back to the room with the bailiff, I'm relieved to see Gordon waiting inside for me. He walks over, concern etched on his face.
"Are you okay?" he asks, his voice low
I nod, though my hands are still trembling. "I'm fine. Just ran into Ashlyn in the restroom. She knows about the wire."
Gordon's eyes widened in alarm. "Damn. I let it happen hoping she would slip up. What did she say?"
"She taunted me, told me we're wasting our time. She's not going to confess to anything. She insists! pushed her."
He sighs, rubbing his forehead. "This complicates things. But we won't give up. Let's get this day
first.
I reply, my voice determined. "I'm not giving up. Not on Abby. Do you think we'll have a chance?" over with
"As good a chance as any, I'd say." He pushes a lunch pack towards me. "Eat. We may have a bit to wait yet." Almost three hours later.
"Okay," Gordon says, his expression firm. "The judge is ready. Let's go back in. We'll figure out our next move from there."
I'm absolutely beside myself with nerves. Will I be seeing Abby at home to stay?
T
We walk back into the courtroom together, my mind racing with thoughts of Abby. I have to believe that the judge will see the truth. I have to believe that there's hope.
We take our seats, and I give Phillip a quick hug. I glance around the room, my eyes landing on Jayden. He looks tense, his jaw ticking. He doesn't look at me.
The judge re-enters the courtroom, and everyone stands. My heart pounds as I wait for her to speak, every second feeling like an eternity.
I silently begged for this to be a positive outcome for me but mostly for Abby. That kid is my life.
The judge sits and shuffles some paperwork before speaking. "May I commend you on your job raising Abby so far, Ms. Nolan. She's clearly a well-balanced and happy child who has been dealt some unfortunate circumstances. Still, I am certain I have reached the correct decision for her continued wellbeing."
I'm not sure if the unfortunate circumstances are me, her health, or the whole Brennan saga.
"Thank you, Your Honor." I acknowledge her observations about Abby and swallow, waiting for her to
100 Conditional Arrangements