Divorce Me Before Death Takes Me, CEO

Chapter 79

9

Blake’s POV

The bruises on Audrey’s legs held my gaze, an unexpected tightness forming in my chest. Purple–blue marke mapped her pale skin like a topographica record of this morning’s violence. My throat constricted.

This morning, when she’d tumbled down the stairs, she hadn’t cried out in pain. Hadn’t shown any sign of distress. She’d simply taken Snow’s carrier from Michael and walked away. I’d assumed she was fine–or maybe I’d just needed her to be fine. There had been signs the slight unsteadiness in her step, the tightness around her mouth–but acknowledging them would have meant confronting truths I wasn’t ready to face.

Dr. Bennett’s examination expression darkened as she gently lifted Audrey’s shirt, revealing an angry red mark on her abdomen.

And this is from the kick Miss Rose gave her just now,” Dr. Bennett said, her voice slicing through the room’s tension. Her eyes found mine, sharp with accusation.

“Laurel didn’t kick her, I said automatically. “It must have been an accidental bump…”

Even as the defense left my lips, uncertainty crept in. I’d been focused on getting Laurel to the car safely. Had I missed something?

Dr. Bennett gave a cold laugh. “An accidental bump wouldn’t leave such a precise bruise mark. Her voice was clinically detached, but the accusation beneath was unmistakable. “This was caused by a pointed shoe applied with force. Wasn’t Miss Rose wearing stilettos today?”

She was right. Laurel had been wearing her favorite red–soled stilettos. I fell silent.

Felix stepped forward, physically placing himself between Audrey and me. “Blake,” he began, his voice balancing respect with challenge, “everyone knows your history with Laurel. But I’ve heard that when you were comatose, Audrey took care of you.”

His eyes searched mine. “Even if there wasn’t love, surely there’s some loyalty? You’re still legally married–is this really how you treat your wife?”

The words stung more than I wanted to admit.

Grandfather’s cane struck the marble floor. “Exactly! You demand Audrey apologize to Laurel, but for what?” His voice clearly gave away “That woman pushed Audrey down a flight of stairs this morning, then kicked her just now. Has she offered one word of apology?”

The weight of their disapproval pressed in from all sides. I turned to Audrey, deflecting rather than confronting.

you were hurt earlier?” I must have been out

mattered if I had?” Her voice demanded I forgive her.

drried

his extreme anger.

accumulated disappointment. “This

seemed to thicken, making it

up the screen, and

stares.

how are

trembling, “it hurts so much… I feel terrible…” soft sob

surged through me. “Don’t cry, don’t cry! I‘

turned back, my mind clear with a singular purpose. Whatever moral quandary I’d been navigating moments ago vanished

urgency in Laurel’s voice.

read my intent immediately. He moved with surprising agility, placing himself

the authority that had built Parker Group from the ground up. “If you

1/3

Chapter 79,

anyone, but couldn’t yield now. I maneuvered around film and Falis, scooping Aidtey into my armve the ble inna

urgent! I called over my shoulder. 1 II take cate

protests behind me. Outside, Audrey

She pushed against my chest, her strength surprising given

said through gritted teeth. There’s

to deposit her in the backseat and lock the doors before she could escape, then slid behind the wheel. The car roared to life as I pulled away from the mansion,

mirror, I caught Audrey pushing herself upright, her expression

I go to

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255