Divorce Me Before Death Takes Me, CEO

Chapter 422

Audrey’s POV

Rachel Hayes stood at the podium in a black suit, tears streaming down her face despite her flawless makeup. Camera flashes lit up the press room as she faced the reporters.

“Ladies and gentlemen,’ she began, voice cracking, “I have to confirm that the man killed in the Parker Group garage today was indeed my fiancé, Blake Parker.”

She dabbed her eyes with a black handkerchief while the room fell silent.

‘I kept this information private to protect his family, especially his grandfather, Rachel explained. “For that confusion, I apologize on behalf of myself and Blake.”

When asked about the perpetrators, Rachel’s expression hardened momentarily. “The person who harmed Blake is already dead. This tragic chapter is closed.”

She squared her shoulders, looking both devastated and determined. ‘I’ll now take over Parker Group to finish Blake’s work and care for his family as he would have wanted.”

She pulled out a document from a folder. ‘Blake and I had already legally married. While our ceremony was scheduled for tomorrow, we filed the paperwork early.”

The marriage certificate caught the light, drawing gasps from the press. Rachel’s voice broke. ‘I never thought I’d become a widow before becoming a bride.”

I watched this performance on the TV screen, feeling strangely hollow. Beside me on the couch at Thompson mansion sat Blake – very much alive despite Rachel’s tearful proclamation.

“My wedding to Blake will still happen tomorrow, Rachel announced, wiping away fresh tears. “First, to comfort Blake’s soul in heaven. And second, to promise his family that I’ll fulfill my vows as his wife, as a Parker daughter-in-law, and as the new head of Parker Group!”

The reporters erupted in applause, clearly moved by her performance.

“Jesus,” Felix muttered, leaning against a column with his arms crossed. ‘Who said she could act? She can barely hold back her smile. Is Blake’s death really that exciting for her?”

“Of course,” Blake replied coolly from the sofa, a blanket over his legs. ‘Now she’s free from having a husband, free from competition, and his lips curled into a cold smile, ‘she’s inherited billions without lifting a finger.”

you were

back to the screen.

replied, my

what he’d shared, I could see he was genuinely

confirming the accident victim wasn’t her had brought relief – as long as she wasn’t

she be? New York’s only so big. She didn’t leave by airport or train, so she must still be here. But why can’t

“My brother’s death has devastated us all. Mom’s

microphone, her face pale and eyes red. “Blake was the best brother anyone could have,’ she said, voice trembling. “He always took care

Chapter 422

was Blake –

we still have Rachel. Without her to manage Parker Group, what would become of our family? Blake would be so upset seeing us

on stage. “Yes, we’re so grateful for

the perfect picture of a united family in grief. Reporters

her to Astrid’s disappearance, but

man in white approached the stage and whispered something in Thalia’s ear. She nodded

“Who’s that?” Felix asked.

EAR

NYU Finance. She vetted him for months before introducing

but his voice carried an edge. “If things go as

laughed without humor. “Strange that my mother never trusted her own son, preferring to find a son-in-law to help her daughter

of them both for years, Blake added quietly. “Yet our relationship has always been

voice made my heart twist. I could relate, having never felt parental love myself. I’d never realized Blake and I shared this wound. He seemed to have everything – hard to imagine someone like him being

quiet until now, suddenly spoke. “Mr. Parker, forgive my bluntness, but are you sure you’re your mother’s

room went silent. I stared at James,

are you talking about?” I