Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

21 Fighting Back!

21 Fighting Back! (Winona)

I grip the official adoption papers in my hand. Finally. Phillip is now legally her father and listed on her birth certificate. My heart is hammering. I'm so happy and relieved. Now, no one can make it any different without lawyers and a courtroom. I don't have to hide my daughter anymore. When I feel Jayden is ready. I will tell him the truth. But for now, I want to at least keep Judy off balance. Hopefully the good news will continue and Abby will be accepted into the preschool. My cell phone rings and it's a local number. I answer, "Hello, Winona Nolan speaking."

"Hi, Winona. This is Marion Gregory from Johnstone Academy calling.

"Oh, Hi Mrs. Gregory," I say cheerfully.

"I'm very sorry. But we've gone over Abby's information and I'm afraid she's not suited for our academy."

"Not suited? Is there any particular reason? I mean the fees are not a problem and we live in the area."

"I'm sorry ma'am. We don't discuss the exact details. But you understand we have many applications, so the competition is very strong. The Parents and Friends committee has the deciding vote. I hope you have a nice day." Then she disconnects the call.

Abby is very bright and artistic; she was accepted in the best preschool in our hometown. Also, in the interview at Johnstone Academy they were talking as if we'd already been accepted. After that we'd even had a meet and greet with Abby attending for a half day with Phillip and ĺ there.

I don't believe it's because the school has too many numbers. Wait, the Parents and Friends.. I get online and search up the school and committee. No familiar names there. Then I see a list of the school's benefactors. Judy Brennan. That cow!

She has influenced this decision somehow. I certainly intend to find out if she's back from this so-called vacation. I head off to work.

Of course, I'm not surprised to see Judy waiting at my office door. "Guess your vacation is over. Pity. I was enjoying the peace."

"I know you have a daughter you've been hiding. Guilty conscience, is it?"

"Think what you want." I'm not letting her think she has me worried. "I know you're a major supporter of Johnstone Academy as well," I glare at her.

She just scoffs it off and continues on her topic. "I think you know what I want to ask you about. Is she Jayden's?"

"No. Now leave. I have work to do." I swipe my entry card and walk into my desk.

Judy follows me. "You aren't coming here and wrecking Jayden's life with more of your lies."

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"My daughter has nothing to do with Jayden. If I wanted to wreck his life, surely I'd be saying the opposite."

Judy just stands there and taps her foot.

Philip's office is just next door and he casually strolls

He walks up to Judy with his huge smile and holds out his hand. "You must be Mrs. Brennan. Hi, I'm Philip, Winona's partner. I'm very pleased to meet you. I've heard a lot about how well you ran this company while Jayden was on a leave of absence." Judy shakes his hand and gives a close-lipped smile. Please, call me Judy."

Then Phillip turns to me. He's almost irresistible when he switches on the charm like that and I smile at the way he's swooped in to attempt to stop Judy from her verbal attack.

I pick up on the line he's throwing me immediately. The official letter of the adoption was already opened, so he must have read it before me. He often goes through the mail before I do as I fall into bed late most nights and check my mail in the mornings.

It's been a real joy sharing our townhouse together with Anne. We function very well on a grassroots level. Something Jayden and I never did. We often argued over the little things and the big things but that was just our way. We never went to sleep angry with each other or anything.

Quite the contrary, our passion was always on fire and we'd fall asleep, sated, in each other's arms.

"Morning Darling. You left early this morning." I greet him. I told Abby you'd call her at lunchtime as she was still asleep when you went." I walk around the desk and give him a kiss on the cheek. "You know how she misses her daddy in the mornings.

Now he knows that I've read the adoption news. His dark eyes sparkle back. I think he's enjoying his roleplaying very much.

"I'll call her. I had a breakfast meeting, and I didn't want to wake her." He kissed my cheek back.

"You're the father?" Judy asks with a doubtful look on her face.

"You mean Abby? Yes, I am. Why? Who else would be?"

Judy still looks unimpressed. "I think our little Winona could be playing tricks. Abby is almost three years old. When she left here she could have been already pregnant. In fact, she may have gotten pregnant while she was still married to my son! I'm sure there's a lot you don't know."

Phillip just smiles again. "You know, maybe you'll never know, Judy. But one thing I do know is it's my name on her birth certificate. Abby is my daughter in every way. Now, if you'll excuse us, I need to discuss some business with Winona."

Once again Phillip is there to protect me and Abby.

But Judy's next words make my blood run cold.

"Then how about a DNA test?"