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

1/3

+25 BONUS

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."

for his honesty and lack of pressure over it. "Thank you for letting me know where we stand. It's not something I need following me

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 heads up

being jealous or insecure. I'm not hashing

Lance says, nodding. "I just wanted to

"It's done,

to hear it. Anyway, now you're married, kids and heading off on adventures. You must really feel

past lift a little more.

for a while, we eat in silence, just enjoying the moment. But as we finish, Lance

you both, Winona. You and Jayden living in Belgium, traveling in Europe-it feels like the end

his eyes, surprised at the

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

I think she's done with my shit at the moment. Can't blame her," He

will stay friends.

but it's different. I can't imagine my life without her in it, but I can't cross that relationship bridge either. We've all

my rocks

listen, while you're 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 to

you.

to ask. You and Jayden are my

get up to leave. Lance pulls me into a tight hug, holding on longer

life, Winona. Do what makes you happy. Keep my best friend happy.

hugging him back 1 will. And don't worry, Lisa will drag you to Europe for

341 The Farm

+25 BONUS

341 The Farm

(Jayden)

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

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

confirms. "The bread is from our grain, milled right here. The honey, the jams,

soup into bowls. "I'm a local Doula and I

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

he is. This vegetable soup is from the garden," she says, handing me

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

smiles warmly. "We do.

Ilona make all our 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"

the detail in the branding. This

toward the teenage girl 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,"

at your age. You've all really got

Gábor

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

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

best cheese I've ever

creamy, and full of flavor. "This is some of the

tasted,"

+25 BONUS

awe. "You do all

the farm. We produce all our own power and recycle all the water

"Truly unbelievable."