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."

those therapists have to say. They just want to tick you off their list to make them feel like

the other end, and I can hear her take a deep breath. "No, Judy. I'll start soon. I just need to be careful.

away, and if you don't

what's at stake here."

the uncertainty in her voice

know her

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

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174 Desperate Measures

say, forcing my voice to remain calm. "Because we can't afford

"I have to go. Kitchen duties. The line goes dead before I can

else.

phone, my mind racing. Ashlyn's losing her edge, and that's dangerous for both of us. If she can't follow through, I'll

from falling

just left him alone, I wouldn't have had to push

My son. My flesh and blood. And I'll do whatever it takes to keep it that way. Abby will

to be here

lets me go and stands beside me. "It is

is going fine there.

surprised he

have a connection." I'm not letting Gus get under my

if you

you stay here for

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 dream

won't let her come without her. I don't blame

never know. Time