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

cut you from my life again if you do. Your choice. I've done

intentions of us

right about Winona and I," I concede.

only ever wanted your

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

meeting her gaze. "This isn't a decision I made lightly, but it's the right one. For everyone. And it's

You have so much potential, so much to offer the world. Being tied to someone like Winona... well, she was always holding you back." Internally, I bristle

she says, her voice sharpening. "Let's not pretend she's the ideal fit for raising

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

doesn't

she says twists in my mind. She's still gunning to get Abby and now Henry. "Judy, I appreciate your

brows lift.

are mine legally," I say evenly. "Nothing changes that. I'm their father, and we're a family. Splitting them

head, studying me with a calculating gaze. "Okay. Good enough for me. I can see you aren't changing on that.

anything she can to discredit Winona and get

is nothing stopping

like this new level of decisiveness. It

tone steady. "And my responsibility

of her wineglass. "I underestimated

raising my glass slightly. "Even if the lessons

don't let sentiment cloud your judgment, Jayden. You have an empire to lead. Practicality

"But not at the expense of what truly matters. Family. Real

Gus as your

as well. I've no time to wallow in

and the conversation shifts briefly to lighter topics-Nexus Global future, London's social scene, even a few