Divorce Me Before Death Takes Me, CEO

Chapter 144

Audrey’s POV

Blake’s icy voice cut through my racing thoughts.

I froze behind the fire exit door, unable to move. My heartbeat thundered in my ears as if trying to escape my chest.

I lifted my gaze toward his voice. Blake had already reached the emergency exit, his hand pulling the iron door open. I gripped the handle tighter, as if that could somehow protect me from the humiliation of being caught.

“You think holding that door means I don’t know you’re behind it?” Blake asked, his voice dripping with mockery.

Heat rushed to my face. Being caught eavesdropping on my ex–husband was mortifying enough. Hearing him discuss using me to manipulate William made it infinitely worse.

Blake yanked the door open with a cold snort. Our eyes met, his dark guze boring into mine.

“Hello,” I managed, barely audible.

Blake leaned against the wall, arms crossed. “When did you pick up eavesdropping as a hobby?” he asked. “I thought you’d reveal yourself when I was talking with my grandfather. You showed surprising restraint.”

eyes widened. “You knew I was there

a not–quite–smile as

you asked me to beg William to approve your engagement to Laurel because you knew I was listening?” I

want you

unconsciously looking up to meet his gaze. His eyes held none of the playfulness I’d expect from a joke. They were

He’s not joking. He honestly expects me, his ex–wife, to plead with h grandfather to approve his

you find that request both ridiculous and offensive?” I asked, keeping my voice steady

admitted. “But grandfather listens to you. When I can’t convince him

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Chapter 144

caves. You’re

at Blake coldly, bitterness washing over

only sees that William listens to me. He’s never once wondered why. Does he think it’s simply because I was

time,

the mansion tending to William. The hours listening to his stories. The special meals prepared just the way he liked. The

goodwill toward me appeared out of thin air. That his grandfather’s respect for me required no

years together. Even a stone held against your chest would eventually warm. But Blake