Divorce Me Before Death Takes Me, CEO

Chapter 128

Blake’s POV

I tore my gaze away from Audrey and James’s retreating figures. Laurel searched my face while Thalia stood with her arms crossed, still pouting from my rebuke.

“Original Studio has real potential,” I said, my volce steady. “I’m planning a collaboration with them for my new jewelry venture. Having you and Thalia wear their pleces would help build buzz before

we launch.”

Laurel paused before her expression brightened. “So when Thalla and I wear their jewelry… we’re actually helping you?”

I nodded. “Yes,”

She looped her arm through mine, leaning against my shoulder. “Then I’m all for It: Blake darling, I’d do anything to help you!”

We started walking toward the exit as she pressed closer to my side.

Thalia made a face at our display. “God, you two are nauseating. Go have your couple time – I’m heading out to meet Olivia!”

With a dismissive wave, she turned and left us alone.

“Blake darling, what a nice surprise seeing you here today,” Laurel said, interrupting my thoughts. “Did your meetings end early?”

I gave her a slight smile but didn’t answer as we walked through the building. Outside, the night air felt cool against my face as we moved toward the waiting car. My driver opened the door, and we slid

into the backseat.

Once we were alone, I turned to Laurel, my expression serious. “I came to see you because there’s something I need to discuss.”

“What is it?”

I faced her directly. “It’s about Rachel Hayes.”

The effect was instant. Laurel paled, her hand freezing mid–gesture. “Rachel? Why bring her up

now?”

watched her closely. Rachel’s name was rarely mentioned between us. I’d always assumed grief was

174

Chapter 128

Rachel mentioned your plans

flickering in her eyes. “She… told

stayed with you after my accident. She spoke about it like it was your shared

temples, memories washing over me. Back then, I’d been blinded by an injury, and Laurel, Rachel’s sister, had lost her voice from shock. One unable to

–

design, that they dreamed of starting a company together. I’d promised to support them, and after returning to the Parker family, one of my first initiatives was launching a jewelry division. But when I finally recovered my sight and

company again.

was young then, Laurel said with a slight cough. “Full of random ideas. Rachel and I were so close –

wouldn’t have remembered I once wanted to

added, “Today I discovered someone using Rachel’s name for jewelry

Her eyes widened slightly.

I pressed, “did she have friends interested in jewelry? Or

exactly a

nodded after a

the window, watching the city blur past. “I’ll

simply grief? Or something else? In the four years since Rachel’s death, Laurel rarely mentioned her. At first, I

moved through traffic, silence hanging between us. Laurel occasionally glanced at me, while I kept

before walking through the gates. I watched until she disappeared inside, then told

2/4

Chapter 128

Audrey’s POV

our silent ride back to Original Studio. I watched buildings blur past, processing what

“Audrey,

no idea you were hiding. When I saw

watched the floor numbers change, surprisingly

bad timing. Besides, Blake was already suspicious – [ could tell by how he studied me. After three

would have found a way to

James

small smile. “You were trying

walked toward the studio. The hallway was quiet, most staff gone for the day. When we entered the