Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

444 Convincing Judy

(Jayden)

"Jayden," she greets warmly as I approach the table. "You look well."

"Thanks, Mother," I reply with a smile, leaning in to kiss her cheek. "You look as perfect as ever. Still setting the standard."

She beams at the compliment, her eyes studying me closely. "Flattery, Jayden? You must want something."

I laugh lightly as I take my seat. "Do I need a reason to compliment you? You're my mother. It's been too long."

Her expression softens slightly, but I can tell her mind is working overtime. Judy doesn't take things at face value. The waiter appears, pouring wine for us both.

"I took the liberty of ordering ahead. Like old times. This wine I discovered on my travels here. It's excellent."

I lift the glass, swirling it absently. "To new beginnings," I say, raising it toward her.

Judy's lips curl into a satisfied smile, and she clinks her glass against mine. "To new beginnings."

"You're settling into London nicely, I hope?" she asks, taking a delicate sip of wine.

"It's been productive," I reply. "All of this with Grayson is unfortunate. But that's almost over with now."

"You just never know who you can trust, do you? But you can always trust me to have your best interests at heart."

"I know that. But there is a fine line between that and interfering, Mother. My life is my life. You can only be a part of it if you don't try and run it."

"Understood. I've learned my lesson, Jayden. I won't be overbearing again."

right, like I'm

life again if you do. Your choice. I've done it with Winona and I'll do

no intentions of

and

only ever wanted your

but we've realized we're not good for each other in a relationship." I shrug.

I made lightly, but it's the right one. For everyone.

much potential, so much to offer the world. Being tied to someone like Winona... well, she was always holding you back." Internally, I bristle at her words, but I keep my tone

sharpening. "Let's not pretend she's the ideal fit for raising Abby and Henry. You should consider what's truly

smoothly. "The two youngest are yours, your legacy. Bobby and Sarah-well, they belong with

doesn't waver,

and now Henry. "Judy, I appreciate your perspective, but

brows lift.

kids are mine legally," I say evenly. "Nothing changes that. I'm their father, and

"Okay. Good enough for me. I can see you aren't

to discredit Winona and get those kids. Like she has done all along. The sooner

is nothing stopping her going directly

new level of decisiveness. It

responsibility," I reply, my tone steady. "And my responsibility is

her fingers tracing the rim of her wineglass. "I underestimated you, Jayden. You've

raising my glass slightly. "Even if the lessons weren't

enough. But don't let sentiment cloud your judgment, Jayden. You

important," I agree. "But not at the expense

include Gus as

no time to wallow in

and the conversation shifts briefly to lighter topics-Nexus Global