Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

My CEO 163

163 The Recording (Jayden)

The thought of listening to Winona interact with Steve makes my skin crawl, but I know we need to do this. We need to face it together.

Barnaby nods at Winona, who pulls out her phone. "Whenever you're ready," he says calmly. "Winona, you stop the recording whenever you feet Jayden's anger or you feel overwhelmed and need a break. You're in control."

Winona presses play, and Steve's voice crackles through the speakers.

It's harsher than I remember, filled with that famillar venom. The same voice that's haunted Winona her entire life, and now it's seeping into my consciousness

Steve starts with his usual bullshit-taunting, throwing out his twisted version of reality. I glance at Winona, but she's staring straight ahead, her face a mask of calm. I know her too well to think she's unaffected. She's just holding it together. To be honest, so am I. ou're lucky I took care of you, protected you," Steve sneers. "I could've made a lot more money off you

T

Winona pauses the recording, and I feel the bile rise in my throat. "He actually said that?" My voice is tight, barely containing the rage.

Winona nods, her eyes meeting mine. "That's just the beginning."

I can't believe this man, this monster, is the reason Winona has had to fight so hard to become the incredible woman she is today. The thought of him having any influence over her, any power at all, makes my blood boil.

Barnaby clears his throat, drawing my attention. "Jayden, I can see you're angry, and that's understandable. But let's take a moment to unpack why this is affecting you so deeply."

the way he tries to tear her down... it's not far from how I treated her when I lost my memory." The words I just

punished her, and I

nods, his expression thoughtful. "It's important that you're recognizing this, Jayden. We're not our parents, but if we're not careful, we can fall into their

over at her, guilt washing over me. "I didn't see it then, but I

now."

me nod. "Thank you for hearing

dripping with malice. Every word is like a dagger to my heart, knowing that this is the man who raised her.

+25 BONUS

her childhood Into a living

left her mother and the baby, calls her mother a

something in me snaps.

Winona stops the recording.

to a dangerous level. "I want him dead," I say, the words slipping out before I can stop them. "I don't just want him dead,

just watches me closely. "It's natural to feel that way when someone you love is threatened or hurt. But let's talk about what

to focus. "No. I don't want to be like Gus, dealing with problems by eliminating them. But I can't stand the thought of Steve

have to be like Greg or Gus," Barnaby says, his voice steady. "You can be the man you choose to be. One who protects Winona by supporting her,

it's hard. It's hard to sit here and listen to

dead more than me, Jayden. But he's not worth taking the rest

there's no 'way you're going without me. I won't let you face whatever's there

relief and determination in her expression. "Okay. We'll go together. But you have to understand that this isn't just about confronting the past. Jayden, this will be confronting for you." Barnaby leans forward slightly.