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?”

name was rarely mentioned between us. I’d always assumed grief was the reason, but now

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your plans to

stiffened, confusion flickering in her eyes. “She…

She spoke about it like it

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

–

dark days, Rachel had mentioned that Laurel was interested in jewelry 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 sought them out, Rachel was gone. Laurel

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 can’t believe she remembered

I wouldn’t have remembered I once wanted to create jewelry. Feels

“Today I discovered someone

Her eyes widened slightly.

she have friends interested in jewelry? Or did anyone

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

nodded after a moment.

watching the

help wondering why Laurel seemed so uncomfortable talking about Rachel. Was it simply grief? Or something else? In the four years since Rachel’s death, Laurel rarely mentioned her. At

Laurel occasionally glanced at me, while I kept my gaze forward,

briefly before walking through the gates. I watched until she disappeared inside, then told my driver to head to the

2/4

Chapter 128

Audrey’s POV

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

“Audrey, I really messed up, didn’t

you were hiding. When I saw you with Blake and Laurel, I thought

watched the floor numbers change, surprisingly calm.

timing. Besides, Blake was already suspicious – [ could tell by how he studied me. After three years of marriage, I knew his habits

James’s intervention, Blake would have found a way to confirm his suspicions

been more careful, James said. “This job matters to

a small smile. “You were trying

quiet, most staff gone for the day. When we entered the office, we found it empty except for Tiffany Cooper hunched