Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

My CEO 238

238 Crashing and Burning (Winona)

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I watch from across the room as Cass and Gabriel saunter away, and my stomach knots up in frustration. I don't even have to see them sit down to know where they're headed. Judy's table. Of course.

It's the one place they can be where I won't go near. It feels calculated, like Judy's pulling strings again, positioning herself as the puppet master.

I let out my breath, my gaze narrowing as I try to piece together how it's come to this. Cass was supposed to be on my side. She was supposed to be part of my family.

Now, here she is, sitting with Judy, the woman who tried to destroy my life so many times.

The woman who succeeded in doing that for so long.

"Don't let her get to you," Lisa says softly, sipping her champagne. She's trying to sound calm, but I can see the annoyance flicker in her eyes. "Judy thrives on this. You know that."

"I know," I reply, my voice tight. "But it's hard when she's using Cass as a pawn in whatever game playing now."

she's

Lisa nods, clearly understanding but knowing there's nothing to be done at this moment. "T'll give you two some space," she says after a moment, standing up and flashing a smile at Jayden as he makes his way back to the table. "Thanks, Lisa," I appreciate her knowing when I need a moment with Jayden. Tonight has been a whirlwind, and I'm barely keeping it together.

Jayden slides into his seat next to me, loosening his tie. He's fresh off the stage, and the energy in the room is still buzzing from his speech. The standing ovation was well deserved, I'm very proud of him.

"Well, that went better than expected," he says, leaning back in his chair. "How are you holding up?"

have settled in like it's the most natural thing in the world. I drop my gaze. "I need to

brow furrows as he leans

a fight with Cass," I say. "A

tenses, his eyes narrowing.

away the frustration. "It started with Gabriel. I told her he's too old for her and that he may not even be able to stay in the country. And then I said Mia is a bad influence, and

That I'm

out a long breath, shaking his head. "You need to let her make her

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238 Crashing and Burning

away if you keep trying to control her. She's an adult by law now.

pulled out of the wedding," I say bitterly, the words tasting like ash on my tongue. "She

to take my hand, his touch grounding me. "I'm sorry. I know that hurts, but this isn't about the wedding, Winona. This is about family. Cass is still your sister. The kids love her, and you know it. You can't let this rift get too deep." I feel tears prick at the corners of my

his head. "No. You let her live her life. If she crashes and burns, you'll be there to help her pick up the pieces. But if you keep pushing, she's going to run away forever

He's always right. But it doesn't make it any easier. "It just feels

squeezing my hand. "Cass loves you. She's angry now,

not trusting myself to speak. The last thing I want is to lose Cass, but

in the background, I can't afford to make the

his voice soft but filled with determination. "You need to mend things with Cass. For the kids' sake, for your sake. She's family, and it's not worth losing

in. He's right. I can't let my fears and

sister.

I'm certain he has one-I have to be there for

looking up at him. "But I'm so scared, Jayden. I don't trust Gabriel, and I know he's up to something. I can feel