Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

My CEO 340

340 Lunch With Lance (Winona)

I'm at my favorite café, waiting for Lance. After everything with Phillip, I'm hoping this is argument free. The sun is shining, and I'm in control again-at least for now.

I text Lance to see if he had some time. I may as well get this over with as well. I told him I'm going to Europe at the end of this week.

The door swings open, and there he is, his easy grin and relaxed posture unchanged.

"Hey, stranger," he says, sliding into the chair across from me. "You look like someone who's just made a big decision."

"I have." I smile, signaling the waiter. "I just told Phillip I'm out. Offer him the business."

Lance raises his eyebrows. "Oh, I was talking about Europe. So, the whole business? Just like that?"

"Just like that." I shrug. "I'm done, Lance. I've been done for a while, but it's official now. It's time to move

on."

He smiles, crossing his arms. "Damn. You've always had your hand in something. You going to be a kept woman? You know that's my dream job..." I laugh. "Jealous?"

"Hell yeah."

T

"Not a kept woman exactly. I have my own bank account you know," I reply. "But not actively working. I 'want to focus on my family. That's what matters now.

The waiter comes over, and we order lunch. Lance watches me, a spark of curiosity in his eyes. "Cutting ties with Phillip completely though, huh?"

"Yep, it's time. Phillip's working with Judy now at Brennan Industries a lot and that gets in my head. I can't work with someone I don't trust."

Lance nods. "I get it."

"Now, I'm focusing on what matters."

"Good for you," he says, his voice softer. "I'm glad you're finding your way."

We sit in silence for a few moments, but it's comfortable, familiar. Lance is like that-steady, always there. He's crazy and unpredictable but that's the steady part of him. He doesn't change. Finally, he clears his throat, his voice dropping.

"You know... about hall pass week," he starts, his tone careful, "I just want to say, I meant what I said. I'm sticking to my word. That night was what it was, and it stays in the past. You can trust me on that."

I nod slowly, taking in his words. "I appreciate that. I needed to figure things out, and you were there. But it was a one-time thing."

He chuckles softly. "I know. But, for what it's worth, I'm glad I could be part of that for you. And I'll never

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340 Lunch With Lance

say a word to anyone. You've got my silence. It's already forgotten. I hope I made you feel safe at the

moment."

I relax a little, grateful for his honesty and lack of pressure over it. "Thank you for letting me know where we stand. It's not something

you telling Jayden? I just wanna know, in case... you know, he ever needs to process it. I'm not

wasn't about him being jealous or insecure. I'm not hashing out the details. It's in the past where

"I just wanted to make sure

are," I say firmly. "It's done,

married, kids and heading off on adventures. You must really

weight of the past lift a little

silence, just enjoying the moment. But as we

I'm going to miss you both, Winona. You and Jayden living in Belgium, traveling in Europe-it feels like the end of an era. I'm scared we're really growing up."

meet his eyes, surprised at the

We'll be back. And you and I-we'll always be friends. You take care of Lisa

done with my shit at the moment.

both will stay friends. You always

life without her in it, but I can't cross that relationship bridge either. We've all been through so much together. It's just... I don't know,

the table, squeezing his hand. "You and Lisa have been my rocks through all of it, Lance. Jayden's too. And I'm not

gone, I'm keeping my eyes and ears open. I work with Judy, but if she pulls any shit while you're away, you'll be the first

you. I was going to

"You don't have to ask. You and Jayden are my family. I'll

into a tight hug, holding on longer than

love your life, Winona. Do what makes you happy. Keep my best friend happy. And I'll be here when you

don't worry, Lisa will drag you to

341 The Farm

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341 The Farm

(Jayden)

little bit of everything here," Viktor says as we settle

over at the colorful dishes, the jams, honey, cheeses, and cured meats. Even the bread and butter has the same

bread is from our grain, milled right here. The honey,

her hip while ladling soup into bowls. "I'm a local Doula and I make a range

have a five-month-old boy. Henry. He was born very prematurely.

glad he is. This vegetable soup is from the garden," she says, handing me a bowl. "No preservatives, no

rich and earthy, with a depth of flavor I've never tasted before. "This is incredible," I admit, savoring the taste. "You

do.

cheeses, and honey. They've turned the farm's fresh produce, bees and sheep and goat milk into a profitable business stream. They are twins. 24" Ágnes holds up

in the branding. This label looks professional. Did you have someone design

"She's our tech expert. Does all the design work and handles the social media and marketing Katalin smiles shyly but proudly.

at your age. You've all really got this down

brothers, Gábor and

on the table. "I run the livestock side-pigs attle, and poultry. All organic, hormone-free. We cure our own meat,

chimes in, placing a platter of cheeses in front of me. "I manage the dairy side. Cows, goats and sheep give us milk for cheese and yogurt. Eggs, cream and butter." He

best cheese I've ever

cheese-sharp, creamy, and full of flavor. "This is some

tasted,"

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"You do all of this from just twenty

farm. We produce all our own power

"Truly unbelievable."