Divorce Me Before Death Takes Me, CEO

Chapter 424

Astrid’s POV

Ryan frowned at the butler, his eyes cold. “You can go.”

The butler bowed slightly and left, leaving me alone with Ryan. Without a word, he walked back into his study.

The room smelled of cigars and leather, with dark wood shelves and a massive desk. I placed the tray down, pretending to be more focused on arranging the cups than I actually was.

“Who were you talking to?” I asked casually. “Sounded like a guy.”

Ryan watched me for a moment before sitting down. “Just a classmate,” he said, taking a sip of tea. “What are you doing out of bed? You just had an accident.”

‘I was going stir-crazy in that room,” I said, trying to sound normal.

After a pause, I glanced at the TV mounted on the wall. “I saw on the news that Rachel Hayes is still having her wedding even though her fiancé died. That’s… something else.”

Ryan’s face darkened. “You want to go?”

“Well, I met his gaze, “I saw the guest list they showed. I’m apparently invited.” I paused. “But I’m paired with someone named Henry Hartford, not you. What’s up with that?”

‘Who’s he to me?” I asked, my confusion genuine.

Ryan’s expression changed abruptly. The coldness melted into a smile that never reached his eyes. He stood and walked toward me, touching my hair in a way that made my stomach turn.

“He’s my brother,’ he said, leaning close. And you’re paired with him because we’re too close. His voice dropped to a whisper. ‘Four years ago, when you came back from studying abroad, you started working to get close to Henry, all to help me get revenge. He thinks you’re just an executive at his modeling

agency.”

I stood still, processing his words. The hatred in his voice was unmistakable.

This doesn’t sound like something I’d do…

brother to… help you get revenge?” I

wider. “Exactly. You’ve been my inside source for

his desk drawer. “Your old phone got wrecked in the crash. This one has my number in

your other friends,” he added. “I just got to New York. You

took the phone, frowning. “So you’re cool with me going

to go, Ryan shrugged. “We’re engaged, but I’m not gonna control you. If you

of your New York

about it made my skin crawl. Ryan suddenly pulled me into

hair. “When I heard

1/3

somewhere inside me.

said, backing toward the door. “Thanks for the phone. And for letting

hurried back to

Audrey’s POV

with raccoon eyes from a sleepless night. Worry about Astrid had kept

hotel, I discovered Adrian and Emma had already checked out. I

and left?” I asked

tired. “After thinking about it all night, I decided to

out for you,” he continued. “As her dad,

us gone, you can figure out what really

be boxing you in. You’re loyal by nature – you wouldn’t ditch Emma and me, or anyone

I will keep tabs on New York news from Sydney, and after William passes, we’ll be ready

said. “Once everything here is wrapped up, I’ll

after my adoptive parents. When I’m done here, I’ll come back

a moment. I understood what Adrian was really saying reminding me of my debt to them, of my obligation to return. I gave my breakfast to a homeless man and headed for the

Astrid?” he asked after

the worry gnawing

scared for Emma,” Adrian said. “Tell Astrid I’m

“Also… have Henry Hartford check out his half-brother. Him and this guy Vincent Brooks have been making moves in New York. Might be connected to Astrid