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."

a little, grateful for his honesty and lack of pressure over it. "Thank

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

head. "No. Jayden and I agreed-that week was for me. It wasn't about him being jealous

just wanted to

firmly. "It's done, and I've moved

it. Anyway, now you're married, kids and heading off on adventures. You must really feel good about that, you and

past lift a little more. "It wasn't an easy

in silence, just enjoying the moment. But as we finish,

know, I'm going to miss you both, Winona. You and Jayden living in Belgium, traveling in Europe-it feels like the

surprised at the

back. And you and I-we'll always be

she's done with my shit at the moment. Can't

will stay friends.

different. I can't imagine my 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, it's weird to think of you and Jayden

and Lisa have been my rocks through all

Judy, but if

"Thank you. I was going to ask,

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

me into a tight hug, holding

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

1 will. And don't worry, Lisa will drag you

341 The Farm

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341 The Farm

(Jayden)

Viktor says as we settle at

all from the farm?" I ask, glancing over at the colorful dishes, the jams, honey, cheeses, and cured meats. Even the bread and

right here. The honey, the jams, the cheeses -everything comes from what we produce on the

local Doula and I make a range of natural remedies and skin care products.

He was born very prematurely. But he's

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

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

do.

jams, pickles, 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 a jar of strawberry jam with a beautifully designed label. "We grow

the detail in the branding.

at the far end of the table. "She's our tech expert. Does all the design work and handles the social media and marketing Katalin smiles shyly but proudly. "I like making sure everything looks as good as it tastes," she says, holding up her tablet where she's working on

impressed. "That's impressive at your age. You've all really got this down to

Gábor and

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

platter of cheeses in front of me. "I manage the dairy side. Cows, goats and sheep give us

best cheese I've ever

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

tasted,"

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in awe. "You do all

"We've maximized every inch of the farm. We produce all our own power and recycle

"Truly unbelievable."