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

if you do. Your choice. I've

intentions of us

about Winona and I," I

only ever

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

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

see sense, Jayden. 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 at her words, but I keep my tone calm. "She's a good mother, Judy. That's all that matters to

Lance and Phillip," she says, her voice sharpening. "Let's not pretend she's the ideal fit for raising Abby and Henry. You should consider

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

smile doesn't waver,

still gunning to get Abby and

brows lift.

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

calculating gaze. "Okay. Good enough for me. I can see you aren't changing on that. I'll

Winona and get those kids. Like she has done all

her and there is nothing stopping her going

like this new level of decisiveness. It

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

a moment, she says nothing, her fingers tracing the rim of her wineglass. "I underestimated

teachers," I say, raising my glass slightly. "Even if the lessons weren't

sentiment cloud your judgment, Jayden. You have an empire to lead. Practicality

is important," I agree. "But not at the expense of what

Gus

no time

lighter topics-Nexus Global future, London's social