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."

way Steve talks to her, 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 say stop me in my tracks. "Go on, Jayden." Barnaby

I didn't even realize I was becoming like her bastard father. And like

expression thoughtful. "It's important that you're recognizing this, Jayden. We're not our parents, but if we're not

over at her, guilt washing over

now."

"Thank you for hearing me. I'm also hearing

relentless, dripping with malice. Every word is like a

+25 BONUS

twisted her childhood

about how he left her mother and the baby, calls

something in me snaps.

Winona stops the recording.

anger rise to a dangerous level. "I want him dead," I say, the words slipping out before I can stop

is threatened or hurt. But

with problems by eliminating them. But I can't stand the thought of

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, by standing by her side, not

to let his words sink in. "I hear you. But it's

wants him dead more than me, Jayden. But he's not

am with you all the way," I say, meeting her eyes. "I'm here. And if you're going to that house, there's no 'way you're going without me. I won't let you face whatever's there alone. We're in this together, no

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. "Jayden, how do you feel about Winona going back