Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

246 Getting Intel

246 Getting Intel

(Winona)

"So, the gala night was interesting." Phillip says, not looking up from his papers.

He's been over at Brennan Industries working with Judy on a marketing push since the gala evening.

I glance over at him. "What do you mean?"

"Judy was her usual underhanded self."

"No surprise to me at all."

"No. Me neither. Jayden is right to cut her out of his life."

"What do you think of Gabriel, with Cass?"

"Look, I think we are all a little concerned but Cass is no slouch. She stood up for you when Judy mentioned you. Gabriel basically told Judy mind her own business too."

"Really?" Even after that fight we'd had? "Cass never mentioned anything. What do Gabriel's family think of Cass?"

"They seem fine, but their culture is different I guess."

"Do you know them very well?"

"The sisters," Phillip clarifies, finally looking up. "I've met with Ana and Eva a few times now, and they are very nice, but... I get the feeling they're not really interested in sticking around in the States. They miss home. Mia, well she is a free spirit. I don't think she has any focus in life other than fun."

Half her luck. I'd love to have that carefree attitude to life again.

"Does that mean they will sell their shares?"

"Yeah, I guess," Phillip muses, setting his papers down. "But still, it seems strange to me. Ana and Eva have this opportunity here, to be a part of the American dream and they don't seem to care much about it."

I shrug. "I guess they are happy with life the way they live it now. I can respect that."

"I can tell you, it's not through lack of intelligence. Both of them are highly educated and sharp as a whip. They aren't intimidated by anyone it seems.

"I've heard about the hot-headed Latino blood. I wish I'd had a transfusion of that all those years I couldn't stand up to Judy."

"I think you did what you had to do for Abby."

Before I can respond, there's a knock at the door. Gus walks in, his usual authority filling the room.

"Winona," he greets me with a smile, then nods at Phillip. "Phillip."

I sit up straighter in my chair. "Gus, what brings you here?"

I haven't seen or heard from him since he stopped Jayden going near Judy.

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"I'm going to grab some lunch, Give you two some privacy," Phillip says.

I nod at Phillip.

Gus pulls up a chair. "I wanted to see if you and Jayden would like to have dinner with me and Maria. She has some questions about Greg." "You know how he feels about Greg. And honestly, I think you are the one who should tell Maria about your brother, not Jayden."

"Maria's been asking a lot of questions. She's been struggling to reconcile the man she knew with the stranger that's been revealed."

I raise an eyebrow. "How does she remember him?"

"She said Greg was loving, kind, attentive, and present with her and the kids. He traveled for work a bit but that was his job. When he never came back, she wasn't sure where to start looking for him because after she tried searching for him, it had become obvious he wasn't who he married her as."

"I do feel for Maria. Well, if she is being real. Imagine finding the loving husband you thought you knew had a whole other life and identity?"

Gus leans back in his chair, crossing his arms. "She still gets very upset about it. I do feel she is being genuine. I can see what Greg fell in love with. She sees the good in everything. You know, she even told Judy she was sorry for her loss when Judy introduced herself as Greg's wife at the gala."

"Oh my god. Judy has some hide considering she hated the man."

"Maria took it in her stride. She is quite amazing actually."

I raise my eyebrows. I really can't help but like Gus. "Maybe there's another wedding in the future," I tease, There's a moment of silence before Gus speaks again. "Speaking of the wedding, who's giving you away? Do you have someone? I'd be happy to show up for you, and Jayden."

I smile, shaking my head. "I don't need anyone to give me away, Gus. I'm comfortable walking on my own to Jayden. Thank you, I'm very touched by your offer."

7 mean, I don't have an invite anyway, but I wanted you to know, I'd be there for you."

"Thanks. How does Judy feel about you seeing Maria?"

"Let's just say, if looks could kill, I'd be dead ten times over."

I grin.

"I have to say I'm a little satisfied knowing she's pissed."

"Hah! Me too. I've loved Judy for a lot of years despite her flaws. But lately, the shine is wearing off. It's hard work. I'd like to think love can become easier in my golden years."

"You talk like you're ninety."

1 feel it some days."

"But not when Maria is around?"

"It's almost impossible to not think good things when Maria is around. She has a profound calming

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246 Getting Intel

energy. I thought she'd be good for you. She has that same maternal focus that you have. She loves her children but not in a toxic way."

"What about her father?"

Gus shifts in his seat, his expression turning serious again. "She doesn't acknowledge him as her father. I'm satisfied there's no link between her and the corruption her father is allegedly involved in."

I nod, relieved. "If you're sure about her, then I'll trust your judgment. What about the sisters? Phillip seems to feel they are okay and we're both on the fence about Gabriel."

"Ana and Eva are very much like their mother, but they are well

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247 Cancun Worries

(Winona)

"Cass is heading to Cancun soon with Gabriel and Mia for a short break before the wedding." I can't hide the hint of disapproval.

Gus raises an eyebrow. "You're not okay with her seeing Gabriel?"

I sigh, leaning back in my chair. "No. Not really. But what can I do? She's an adult, Gus. I can't control her decisions. And besides, I've got too much on my plate with the wedding and our family." "Yes, you can't take on life for Cass too."

"It's just. I'm worried. Gabriel. He's older, and I can't shake the feeling that he's using Cass."

"I get it."

"But what is he using her for? I mean, he clearly doesn't need her for a green card or residency with the business shares. It's not like Cass has assets or a fortune in the bank." I shrug.

"Maybe you just answered your own question. Maybe he likes Cass for who she is. From what I saw, a very remarkable young woman who has no qualms taking care of herself or telling anyone how it really is. "You have no clue how good she is at taking care of herself, physically and verbally. But it's emotionally I worry about."

"We all get over our first heartbreak."

"I'm not sure you and I are advocates for that reasoning"

He smiles. "Probably not. We're still hung up on our first heartbreaks. I think Cass will come to you if she gets out of her depth."

"I really do want to believe that. My gut feelings are probably just over the top lately."

"How was Jayden after the whole thing with Judy?"

"Let's just say he was livid, but not because he loves and misses his mother." I don't want to say much more. It's not my place.

"I guess she will always hope otherwise."

I let out a humorless laugh. "The whole thing with Gabriel-does he even realize Judy is using him like

that?"

"From what I've seen, Gabriel isn't completely trusting of Judy," Gus replies, his voice measured. "He's making his own decisions, staying independent. I don't think he's the type to be easily manipulated." "Well, that's a relief," I mutter. "But I'm more worried about Judy getting her hooks into Cass. I know she'll try driving a wedge between us, and I can't help but feel like this is all part of some larger plan."

Gus leans forward, his gaze sharp. "Cass is strong, Winona. She's not as easily swayed as you think. But I'll keep an eye on things. You just focus on the wedding. In fact, I might even take a trip to Cancun soon." He gives me a wink. "What a coincidence."

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I give him a small smile. "Thanks, Gus. I appreciate it."

111 see if Maria wants to join me. Maybe that will be enough distraction from your wedding day for Judy. I'll send her a few pics of the wonderful scenery there.

"That is very evil. But I like it." I laugh. "Gus, why do you care about me so much?"

"That's easy. You are the love of my son's life, and you are the mother to the heirs to Nexus Global. I will always see you have what you need. That is a promise

1 will sleep better at night knowing that." I wish I could sleep better but it's for a whole other reason.

But Jayden hasn't had any more dreams lately. That I know of. I just need to let it go if I'm not going to mention it to him and get it off my mind.

"Is everything okay?" Gus interrupts my thoughts.

"Sorry, just daydreaming."

"How is Henry?"

"We had a little scare when they tried to get him to bottle feed. We're trying again next week. Jayden will hold him for skin contact this try."

"I'm sure he'll get it this time. He's a real fighter."

"He really is. It's hard to believe that babies so tiny can fight for life like that."

"Instinct is an amazing thing. When can we visit? I mean, if that's okay?"

"I'm sure it will be, Gus. But he needs to be out of the incubator and breathing alone. His immune system) needs to be built up more. One small infection could end it all."

"I understand. Let me know if you need anything."

I look at my phone. "I really have to get moving. I have the last fitting in an hour, sorry."

Gus stands up. "I won't hold you up any longer. Thanks for the chat."

"Thank you for the chat. I do feel better. You know, I think Maria is good for you. Go for it."

"We are friends. I'm not sure she is thinking anything more. But if it's just friendship, I'll take it. I almost believe the world can be a wonderful place with her around."

"The world can be, Gus." I think of how wonderful my little family makes me feel lately. "Maybe you just need to believe."

"If only it were that easy. But when you know what I know, then things seem a bit less shiny."

Something about the look on his face, in his eyes, worries me. "Gus, are you okay?"

He gives a small chuckle.

"What?" I ask.

"You might be the only person ever to ask me that."

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247 Cancun Worries

(Winona)

"Cass is heading to Cancun soon with Gabriel and Mia for a short break before the wedding." I can't hide the hint of disapproval.

Gus raises an eyebrow. "You're not okay with her seeing Gabriel?"

I sigh, leaning back in my chair. "No. Not really. But what can I do? She's an adult, Gus. I can't control her decisions. And besides, I've got too much on my plate with the wedding and our family." "Yes, you can't take on life for Cass too."

"It's just. I'm worried. Gabriel. He's older, and I can't shake the feeling that he's using Cass."

"I get it."

"But what is he using her for? I mean, he clearly doesn't need her for a green card or residency with the business shares. It's not like Cass has assets or a fortune in the bank." I shrug.

"Maybe you just answered your own question. Maybe he likes Cass for who she is. From what I saw, a very remarkable young woman who has no qualms taking care of herself or telling anyone how it really is. "You have no clue how good she is at taking care of herself, physically and verbally. But it's emotionally I worry about."

"We all get over our first heartbreak."

"I'm not sure you and I are advocates for that reasoning"

He smiles. "Probably not. We're still hung up on our first heartbreaks. I think Cass will come to you if she gets out of her depth."

"I really do want to believe that. My gut feelings are probably just over the top lately."

"How was Jayden after the whole thing with Judy?"

"Let's just say he was livid, but not because he loves and misses his mother." I don't want to say much more. It's not my place.

"I guess she will always hope otherwise."

I let out a humorless laugh. "The whole thing with Gabriel-does he even realize Judy is using him like

that?"

"From what I've seen, Gabriel isn't completely trusting of Judy," Gus replies, his voice measured. "He's making his own decisions, staying independent. I don't think he's the type to be easily manipulated." "Well, that's a relief," I mutter. "But I'm more worried about Judy getting her hooks into Cass. I know she'll try driving a wedge between us, and I can't help but feel like this is all part of some larger plan."

Gus leans forward, his gaze sharp. "Cass is strong, Winona. She's not as easily swayed as you think. But I'll keep an eye on things. You just focus on the wedding. In fact, I might even take a trip to Cancun soon." He gives me a wink. "What a coincidence."

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I give him a small smile. "Thanks, Gus. I appreciate it."

111 see if Maria wants to join me. Maybe that will be enough distraction from your wedding day for Judy. I'll send her a few pics of the wonderful scenery there.

"That is very evil. But I like it." I laugh. "Gus, why do you care about me so much?"

"That's easy. You are the love of my son's life, and you are the mother to the heirs to Nexus Global. I will always see you have what you need. That is a promise

1 will sleep better at night knowing that." I wish I could sleep better but it's for a whole other reason.

But Jayden hasn't had any more dreams lately. That I know of. I just need to let it go if I'm not going to mention it to him and get it off my mind.

okay?" Gus

"Sorry, just daydreaming."

"How is Henry?"

when they tried to get him to bottle feed.

sure he'll get it this

babies so tiny can fight

thing. When can we visit? I mean,

the incubator and breathing alone. His immune system) needs to be

know

have to get moving. I have the last fitting

up. "I won't hold you up any longer. Thanks for

chat. I do feel better. You know, I

sure she is thinking anything more. But if it's just friendship, I'll take it. I almost believe the world can be a wonderful

my little family makes me feel lately. "Maybe you just need to

you know what I know, then things seem a bit less

his face, in his

a small

"What?" I ask.

be the only person ever

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247 Cancun Worries

(Winona)

Mia for a short break before the

eyebrow. "You're not okay with her

chair. "No. Not really. But what can I do? She's an adult, Gus. I can't control her decisions. And besides, I've got too much on my plate with the wedding and our family."

Gabriel. He's older, and I can't shake the feeling that he's using

"I get it."

card or residency with the business shares. It's not like Cass

saw, a

have no clue how good she is at taking care of herself, physically and verbally.

get over

I

I think Cass will

believe that. My gut feelings are probably just over the top

Jayden after the whole thing with

and misses his mother." I don't want to say much more. It's not

I

will always

laugh. "The whole thing with

that?"

decisions, staying independent. I don't think he's the type to be easily manipulated." "Well, that's a relief," I mutter. "But I'm more worried about Judy getting her hooks into Cass. I know she'll try driving a wedge between us, and I can't help but feel like this is all

easily swayed as you think. But I'll keep

me a

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give him a small smile. "Thanks, Gus. I appreciate

see if Maria wants to join me. Maybe that will be enough distraction from your wedding day for Judy. I'll send her a

evil. But I like it." I laugh. "Gus,

to the heirs to Nexus Global. I will always see

wish I could sleep better

to let it go if I'm not going to mention it to him and get

okay?" Gus

"Sorry, just daydreaming."

"How is Henry?"

get him to bottle feed. We're trying again

sure he'll get it this time. He's a real

believe that babies so tiny can fight

amazing thing. When can we visit?

incubator and breathing alone. His

Let me know if you

look at my phone. "I really have to get moving. I have the last

hold you

feel better. You know, I think Maria is good for

not sure she is thinking anything more. But if it's just friendship, I'll

I think of how wonderful my little family makes me feel

were that easy. But when you know what I know,

look on his face, in his eyes,

gives a

"What?" I ask.

only person ever to ask

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247 Cancun Worries

(Winona)

to Cancun soon with Gabriel and Mia for a short break before the wedding." I can't hide the hint

raises an eyebrow. "You're not okay with her seeing

"No. Not really. But what can I do? She's an adult, Gus. I can't control her decisions. And besides, I've got too much on my plate

take on life for

I can't

"I get

it."

is he using her for? I mean, he clearly doesn't need her for a green card or residency with the business shares.

From what I saw, a very remarkable young woman who has no qualms taking care of herself or telling anyone how

clue how good she is at taking care of herself, physically and verbally. But it's emotionally I

get over

not sure you and I

first heartbreaks. I

want to believe that. My gut feelings are probably just over

Jayden after the whole thing with

he loves and misses his mother." I don't want to say much

"I

she will

humorless laugh. "The whole thing with Gabriel-does he even realize Judy is using him

that?"

voice measured. "He's making his own decisions, staying independent. I don't think he's the

relief," I mutter. "But I'm more worried about Judy getting her hooks into Cass. I know she'll try driving a wedge between us, and I can't help but

gaze sharp. "Cass is strong, Winona. She's not as easily swayed as you think. But I'll keep an eye on things. You just focus on

gives me a wink. "What

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small smile. "Thanks, Gus. I

that will be enough distraction from your wedding day

But I like it." I laugh. "Gus, why do you care

are the love of my son's life, and you are the mother to the heirs to Nexus Global.

sleep better at night knowing that." I wish I could sleep better

I know of. I just need to let it go if

okay?" Gus

"Sorry, just daydreaming."

"How

is Henry?"

him to bottle feed. We're trying again next week. Jayden will hold

get it this time. He's a real

believe that babies so

can we visit? I

needs to be out of the incubator and breathing alone. His immune system) needs to be built up more. One

understand. Let me know

look at my phone. "I really have to get moving. I have

you up any longer.

chat. I do feel better. You know, I

more. But if it's just friendship, I'll take it. I

can be, Gus." I think of how wonderful my little family makes me feel lately. "Maybe you just need

were that easy. But when you know what I know, then things seem a bit less

on his face, in his eyes, worries me. "Gus,

a

"What?" I ask.

might be the only person ever to

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""Well, are you?"

"I'm

Eyes forward," I

more to Gus than meets the eye. I can feel it. One thing is for

him for me

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247 Cancun Worries

(Winona)

and Mia for a short break before the

not

I do? She's an adult, Gus. I can't control

you can't take on

worried. Gabriel. He's older, and I can't shake the feeling that he's

"I get it."

he clearly doesn't need her for a green card or residency with the business shares. It's not like Cass has assets or a fortune in the

answered your own question. Maybe he likes Cass for who she is. From what I saw, a very remarkable young woman who has no qualms taking care of herself or telling anyone

good she is at taking care of herself, physically and verbally.

get over our first

I are advocates

on our first heartbreaks. I think Cass will come to you if she gets out

really do want to believe that. My gut feelings are

the whole thing

not because he loves and misses

"I

guess

will always hope

whole thing with Gabriel-does he even realize

that?"

replies, his voice measured. "He's making his own decisions, staying independent. I don't

she'll try driving a wedge between us, and I can't help

keep an eye on things. You just focus on the wedding. In fact, I might even take a

gives me a wink. "What a

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small smile. "Thanks,

enough distraction from your wedding day for Judy. I'll send her a few pics

it." I laugh. "Gus, why do you care about me

the love of my son's life, and you are the mother to the heirs to Nexus Global. I will always see

will sleep better at night knowing that." I wish I could sleep

just need to let it go if

Gus interrupts my

"Sorry, just daydreaming."

"How is

Henry?"

when they tried to get him to bottle feed. We're trying again next week. Jayden will hold him for skin contact

get it this

believe that babies so tiny can fight for

When can we visit? I

of the incubator and breathing alone. His immune system) needs to be built up more. One small infection

understand. Let me know if

phone. "I really have to get moving. I have

won't hold you up any longer. Thanks for the

for the chat. I do feel better. You know, I think Maria is good

sure she is thinking anything more. But if it's just friendship, I'll take it.

I think of how wonderful my little family makes me feel lately. "Maybe you

know what I know, then

face, in his eyes,

a

""What?" I ask.

be the only person ever

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"Well, are you?"

He nods.

"I'm okay. Eyes forward."

forward," I

There's

so

to Gus than meets the eye. I can feel it. One thing is

for me than against

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247 Cancun Worries

(Winona)

Cancun soon with Gabriel and Mia for a short break

eyebrow. "You're not okay with her

an adult, Gus. I can't control her decisions. And besides, I've got too much on my plate with the wedding and

"Yes,

you can't take on

life

for

Cass too."

worried. Gabriel. He's older, and I can't shake the feeling

"I get

it."

is he using her for? I mean, he clearly doesn't need her for a green card or residency with the business shares. It's not like Cass has assets or a fortune in the bank." I

she is. From what I saw, a very remarkable young woman who has no qualms taking care of herself or telling anyone how

is at taking care of herself, physically and

all get over our first

sure you and I are advocates

"Probably not. We're still hung up on our first heartbreaks. I think

believe that. My gut

after the whole

just say he was livid, but not because he loves and misses his mother." I don't want

"I

will

let out a humorless laugh. "The whole thing with Gabriel-does

that?"

Judy," Gus replies, his voice measured. "He's making his own decisions, staying independent. I

a relief," I mutter. "But I'm more worried about Judy getting her hooks into Cass. I know she'll try driving a wedge between us, and I can't help but

"Cass is strong, Winona. She's not as easily swayed as you think. But I'll

to Cancun soon."

me a wink. "What

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smile. "Thanks, Gus.

will be enough distraction from your wedding day for Judy. I'll send

like it." I laugh. "Gus, why do

mother to the heirs to Nexus Global. I will always see you have what you