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?”

rarely mentioned between us. I’d always assumed grief was

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your plans to

confusion flickering in her eyes. “She… told you

I stayed with you after my accident. She spoke about it like it

and Laurel, Rachel’s sister, had lost her voice from shock. One unable to see, the other unable to speak Rachel had

–

the Parker family, one of my first initiatives was launching a jewelry division. But when I finally recovered my sight and sought them out, Rachel

company again.

young then, Laurel said with a slight cough. “Full of random ideas. Rachel and I were so close – I told her everything.” She laughed awkwardly. “I

it, I wouldn’t have remembered I once wanted to

discovered someone using Rachel’s name

Her eyes widened slightly.

Rachel was alive,” I pressed, “did she have friends interested in jewelry? Or did anyone else. know about her

expression shifting rapidly. “I… I’m not sure. But Rachel Hayes isn’t exactly a unique name, is it? Could be someone else with the

after a moment.

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

uncomfortable talking about Rachel. Was it simply grief? Or something else? In the four years since Rachel’s death, Laurel rarely mentioned her. At first, I thought the wound was

us. Laurel occasionally glanced

pausing briefly before walking through the gates. I watched until she disappeared

2/4

Chapter 128

Audrey’s POV

our silent ride back to Original Studio. I watched buildings blur

spoke. “Audrey, I really messed

his voice despite us being alone. “I had no idea you were hiding. When I saw you with Blake

floor numbers change, surprisingly calm. “It’s

even with bad timing. Besides, Blake was already suspicious – [ could tell by how he studied me. After three years of marriage, I knew his habits too well. Once Blake Parker caught

without James’s intervention, Blake would have found a way to confirm

James

offered a small smile. “You were trying to help. Let’s

we walked toward the studio. The hallway was quiet, most staff gone for the day. When we entered the office, we found it empty except for Tiffany Cooper