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…

I work for your brother to… help you get revenge?”

“Exactly. You’ve been

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

he added. “I just got to

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

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

“Besides, I don’t know any of your New

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

okay,” he said against my hair. “When I heard about the accident, I was scared

1/3

aversion rising from somewhere inside me. When he finally let go, I felt

room and rest,’ I said, backing toward the door. “Thanks for the phone. And for

back to

Audrey’s POV

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

Adrian and Emma had already

took Emma and left?” I asked when he

airport, Adrian replied, sounding tired. “After thinking about it all night, I decided to take

people who have it out for you,” he continued. “As her dad, I can’t keep Emma somewhere

“Plus, with us gone, you can figure out what really matters

by nature – you wouldn’t ditch Emma and me, or

Emma and I will keep tabs on New York news from Sydney, and after

everything here is wrapped up, I’ll come

adoptive parents. When I’m done here, I’ll come back and handle my responsibilities.

was really saying reminding me of my debt to them, of my obligation to return. I gave

Astrid?” he asked after a long

the worry

for Emma,” Adrian

out his half-brother. Him and this guy