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

hesitate to cut you from my life again if you do. Your choice. I've done it with Winona

of us

and I," I concede.

ever wanted your

being friends but we've realized we're not good for each other in a

gaze. "This isn't a decision I made lightly, but it's

like Winona... well, she was always holding you back." Internally, I

ideal fit for

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

smile doesn't waver,

and now Henry. "Judy, I

brows lift.

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

a calculating gaze. "Okay. Good enough for me. I

She will try and do anything she can to discredit Winona and get those kids. Like she has done all

is nothing stopping her

new level of decisiveness.

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

the rim of

had good teachers," I say, raising my glass slightly. "Even if the

"Fair enough. But don't let sentiment cloud your judgment, Jayden. You have an empire to lead. Practicality must always

I agree. "But not at the expense of what

that include Gus as your

those demons as well. I've no time to wallow

briefly to lighter topics-Nexus Global future, London's social scene, even a few anecdotes about my