Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

My CEO 230

230 What's His Agenda? (Judy)

Sitting behind my desk, I take a long, measured look at Gabriel. He's calm, collected, dressed sharp in a tailored suit that makes him look every bit the professional he wants me to belleve he is.

But I've been around too long, seen too much, to take anyone at face value anymore. Especially not Greg's long-lost son.

"Let's get straight to the point," I say, folding my hands on the desk. "You've got shares now, but what exactly are you planning to do with them? Surely you have some kind of ambition."

Gabriel meets my gaze, his expression steady. "I want to help, but I can't legally manage any businesses here without a green card. I can own shares, have a joint venture or even fund a start-up but not work in the U.S. until the green card is through." "Have you got a green card application in?"

"I do."

I narrow my eyes. "So, what's your plan? Just sit on those shares while the rest of us do the heavy lifting?"

Gabriel smiles. "Not at all. I've already been in touch with an immigration law firm I'm exploring options for the future. But for now, I'm here as a shareholder, not a manager. But I can learn as well."

A sliver of irritation slips through my defenses. "Jayden was instrumental to this firm and, if you want to be employed here, you need to be as well."

He doesn't flinch. "I understand that this is a delicate situation. Greg's legacy is complicated, to say the least, but I intend to honor it. I want to learn the business, contribute where I can-when I can."

I scoff. "Greg's legacy."

Gabriel watches me closely.

"It's my legacy. I'm the one who built this business up. All Greg did was get busy with some floozy in Cuba."

I watch him tense. I'm testing the waters of course.

"Don't speak about my mother that way. You've no right. She had no idea you existed either."

she says. How do I

mother doesn't

in

business takes time, Gabriel. It's not something you can just walk into. I've been running Brennan Industries for over three decades. If you think you can waltz in here and make decisions, think again." He nods, accepting my words without so much

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230 What's

at's His Agenda'

suspicion. He's saying all the right things, but that only makes me more cautious. "What about your

a moment, then speaks. "They're not as invested in the business. They've made it clear they'd like to sell their shares and focus

Opportunity. That word again.

say, watching him carefully for a reaction. "I'm sure you realize I

politely but doesn't commit. "I'll let them know your offer, but we need to discuss it as

still suspicious, but I can feel a flicker of something else-a grudging respect. He's handling this well, better than I expected. But I'm not ready to hand

letting him look at the

your trust, Judy. I'm not here to make things

the meeting. "Trust is earned, not given," I say, my voice firm. "For now, I'll

respectfully. "Thank you for the opportunity. I'll be

watch him go,

grab my phone and dial

the second ring, his usual

meeting with Gabriel," I say, getting straight to the point. "He seems eager to get involved, but I'm not giving him access to the financials.

he insists on seeing anything, make up some fake reports-something that looks real but doesn't give him any actual

"You sure about that? He

I snap, my voice sharper than I intended. "I need to know more about him before I let him anywhere near the real numbers. Jayden sold

I pause

a moment, then

THE handle it."