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."

to say. They just want to tick you off their list to make them feel like they are actually good at

a deep breath. "No, Judy. I'll start soon. I just need

slipping away, and if you don't act

what's at stake here."

the uncertainty in her

her

I decide to play it cool. That always works better with Ashlyn. Her crazy, weak mind can't take too much pressure.

+25 BONUS

174 Desperate Measures

remain calm. "Because we can't

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

else.

that's dangerous for both

keep my son from falling completely into her

twice now because of Winona. If she just left him alone, I wouldn't have had to push

it that way. Abby will be mine too. I'll make sure of it. "Penny for your thoughts." Gus envelopes

to be here with you and have this amazing place to

me the truth." He lets me go and stands beside me. "It is a wonderful

fine there.

surprised he

have a connection." I'm not letting

here to see if you want to go

really. Why don't you stay here for

inside this castle for the rest of your life. You wanted to come

like a fairytale dream I can't wait for Abby

her. I don't blame her, and even that will

Time heals