Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

My CEO 174

174 Desperate Measures (Judy)

I stand on the balcony of my castle in France, the sun doing little to warm the chill that's settled deep in my bones. The view from the highest hilltop here is breathtaking, but all I can think about is Jayden.

He's slipping away from me. I can feel it in every clipped word, every unanswered call. He's more distant, more unreachable, and it's driving me mad.

I need Ashlyn to step up, to start pushing Winona again, to destabilize her. But Ashlyn has been quiet, too quiet. She's stalling, and I don't have time for this. Whatever clever little plan Ashlyn thinks she has, won't work.

If she thinks she's going all vigilante on me, that she's safe because I'm in another country, she's wrong.

I text her number.

Call me. I need to speak with you. Urgent

It's difficult for her to be able to call, I know that. But she'll find a way.

The tension coils in my chest as I wait for her to text back. To my surprise, my phone rings and it's her.

"That was fast. I like it."

"Judy," she says, her voice lacking the usual fire I've come to expect from her. "I have five minutes."

"What the hell is going on, Ashlyn?" I snap. "You're supposed to be messaging Winona, making her unstable. I gave you her number. Why haven't you started?"

"I will," she says, but there's something off in her tone. "I haven't had much chance to use the phone. They've got me doing activities and jobs. I'm not in isolation anymore."

I narrow my eyes, suspicion gnawing at me. "Are you getting cold feet? Don't tell me you're having second thoughts."

"I'm not."

tick you off their list to

deep breath. "No, Judy.

find a way," I hiss. "Jayden is slipping away, and if you don't act soon, we'll

what's at stake here."

says, but the uncertainty

know her

tighter, a wave of frustration washing over me. There's something she's not telling me, something she's hiding. I decide to play it cool. That always works better with Ashlyn. Her crazy, weak

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174 Desperate Measures

to remain calm. "Because we can't afford any

she replies, "I have to go. Kitchen duties.

else.

phone, my mind racing. Ashlyn's losing her edge, and that's dangerous for both of us. If she

from falling completely into

left him alone, I wouldn't have had to push getting rid of her

and blood. And I'll do whatever it takes to keep it that way. Abby will be mine too. I'll make sure of it. "Penny for your thoughts." Gus envelopes me

am to be here with you and

you were. Now tell me the truth." He lets me go and stands beside me. "It is

going fine there. Abby

surprised he talked

will always have a connection." I'm not letting Gus get

see if you

don't you stay here

inside this castle for the rest of your life. You wanted to come here, remember? Why don't you

in my castle. It feels like a fairytale

don't blame her,

Time heals all