Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

453 Playing the Game

(Jayden)

The dimly lit bar in the private London club is quiet, the hum of low conversation and the occasional clink of glassware blending into the background.

Judy sits across from me, her posture regal, her lips curling into a satisfied smile as she lifts her glass of aged scotch.

"To freedom," she says, raising her glass.

"To freedom," I echo, clinking my glass against hers. The burn of the whiskey is soothing. I lean back, feigning the relaxed confidence she expects from me. "You look better already," Judy says, her eyes studying me intently. "You're finally stepping into your potential, Jayden. It suits you."

"I'm finally seeing things clearly," I reply, letting a small smirk tug at my lips. "Winona and her chaos? Gone. It's liberating."

She laughs lightly, a sound that grates against my nerves. "I always knew you'd come around eventually. You deserve better than that mess of a woman." "Maybe you're right," I say, swirling the amber liquid in my glass. "The kids, though... I'll miss them."

"You don't have to," she says smoothly, leaning forward. "Jayden, they're better off with you. All of them. Bobby and Sarah may not be yours by blood, but they're part of the package. If you had full custody, you could give them everything Winona never could-stability, structure, and a future."

I raise an eyebrow, feigning curiosity. "And how would I even begin to make that happen?"

Her smile widens, the glint in her eyes unmistakable. "Winona is fragile, Jayden. Always has been. It wouldn't take much to push her over the edge. You've seen it yourself. The photos, the infidelity, her erratic behavior-any good lawyer could build a case." I take a slow sip, letting her words sink in. "You really think that would work?"

course," she says confidently. "She's barely holding it together as it is. And once she cracks, you'll have everything.

it," I say carefully, watching

control of your life, Jayden. No

the glass tightens, but I keep my expression

at her watch. "I should get back to the

as she does. "Thank

a hand on my arm. "I'm proud of you, Jayden. Truly. You're finally becoming the man I

a smile. "Goodnight,

as she disappears through the door. The moment she's gone, I pull out my phone, stopping

breath. It's something-a start-but not enough to take her down

lean against the bar, signaling for another drink. My mind drifts to Winona and the kids. The ache in my chest is sharper

send a text: Let me know when you've landed. I need to know

the drink in front of me, and I nod in thanks. I know sleep won't come until I know she and

and I glance up to see Lance walking in. His presence feels like a sudden storm cloud on

flatly, keeping my tone

the chair Judy vacated and sits without waiting for an invitation. "We

"No, we don't."

I know I crossed a line, but I need to say