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."

like

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

of us parting

were right about Winona and

only ever wanted

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

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

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 at her words, but I keep my tone calm. "She's a good mother,

fit for raising Abby and Henry. You should consider what's truly best for them." I pretend to listen

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

doesn't waver,

twists in my mind. She's still gunning to get Abby and now Henry.

lift.

"Nothing changes that. I'm their father, and we're a family. Splitting

enough for me. I can see you aren't changing on that. I'll let it

and get

don't trust her and there is nothing stopping her going

new level of decisiveness. It

responsibility," I reply, my tone steady. "And my responsibility is to those kids. That's

of her wineglass. "I underestimated you, Jayden.

raising my glass slightly. "Even

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

the expense of what truly matters. Family.

include Gus as your

no time to wallow in the

lighter topics-Nexus Global future, London's social scene, even a