Divorce Me Before Death Takes Me, CEO

Chapter 243

Audrey’s POV

Thalia’s eyes widened as she turned to Laurel, ‘You know this person?‘ Thalia finally asked, eyebrow raised.

Laurel hesitated before nodding. “Yes.”

“She’s my mother’s daughter with that man,” she said quietly. “Rachel Hayes.”

“Oh, so this is the sister you never talk about?” Thalia’s eyes lit with recognition.

“I thought she died years ago,” Olivia chimed in, leaning closer to study Rachel. “When you said your sister would attend your engagement, I figured you meant, like, a photo or something. Not that she was actually alive but… you know.”

My grip tightened on Rachel’s wheelchair handles. Each word made my blood boil, but I kept my face neatral. Tonight wasn’t about confrontation it was about getting Rachel out safely.

“We don’t usually mention my sister,” Laurel explained with practiced sadness. “Her existence reminds us that my mother once abandoned my father and me.”

She glanced down at Rachel with cool detachment. “But now that she’s like this, my father and I have moved past it. That’s why I wanted her here tonight.”

“Wow, that’s really generous of you,” Olivia gushed. “But why is she with Audrey?”

Laurel laughed lightly. “Because Miss Sinclair has experience with vegetative patients, of course.”

Her eyes met mine, filled with mockery. “Blake suggested she’d be perfect for the job. After all, when he was sick, she took such good care of him. One Audrey is worth three professional caregivers.”

“My brother is something else,” Thalia snorted. “Even after divorce, he’s still making you do his dirty work?”

She looked me up and down. “Is he paying you? Or are you working for free?”

A cruel smile spread across her face. “No compensation, just free labor. You’re so cheap, Audrey. Blake says ‘jump‘ and you’re still asking how high?”

I bit my tongue. Arguing would only draw more attention and risk our escape plan.

“That’s enough!” Astrid stepped between us, practically vibrating with anger. “We’re taking care of Rachel because she’s our friend! We don’t need your commentary.”

vegetable for four years,” Thalia shot back, “How

back to elementary school. Audrey met her five years ago. Our friendship

step forward. “If it weren’t for Rachel, we wouldn’t be caught dead at

wheelchair handles. “Let’s go. Talking to these people is

nodded, more than ready

faster than I expected, grabbing my

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stared at her hand, then met

been holding back to avoid complications. But Thalia keeps pushing, mistaking my restraint for weakness. This could draw attention and

pulled away from Rachel’s wheelchair, turning to face Thalia directly. With a quick motion, 1 yanked

stumbling backward with a surprised yelp. She crashed into a nearby table, sending cake and champagne flying, dass shattered across the

stood over her, suddenly finding myself in the position of power. “Do you

brainless,” I said, my voice steady. “Laurel says jump, and you’re the perfect lapdog.

to deserve that name, you spend

tutor,” I said coldly.

room fell silent. Nearby conversations stopped

Blake’s POV

the pillar, I watched with unexpected satisfaction. As Thalia’s brother, I should’ve been rushing to her defense. Yet bearing Audrey’s sharp words gave

I thought. Constant patience only

small smile that touched my lips. Even now, Audrey Sinclair

Audrey’s POV

remembered her

called, her voice concerned but her body language, telling

made no move to help her up. I could see it clearly. Laurel had hesitated because

of ruining her shoes right

nodding toward her feet. Because

face paled. “Thalia, I’m not

running to find

broken glass to help Thalia up. Only then did Laurel rush forward, grabbing Thalia’s arm with exaggerated

you hurt?” she asked, her voice

at her, face ashen. “When I fell, you were right there. Why