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?"

as it is. And once she cracks, you'll have everything. The kids, the

it," I say carefully, watching her

pleased. "Good. It's time you took control of your life, Jayden. No more letting weak people

My grip on the glass tightens, but I

her watch. "I should get back

standing as she does. "Thank you for the drink,

arm. "I'm proud of you, Jayden. Truly. You're finally becoming the man I always knew you could

a smile.

the door. The moment she's gone, I pull out my phone, stopping the recording app I'd started as

I let out a slow breath. It's something-a start-but not enough to take

signaling for another drink. My mind drifts to Winona and the kids. The ache in my

when

me, and I nod in thanks.

see Lance walking in. His presence feels like a sudden storm cloud on an otherwise controlled evening. "Jayden," he says, approaching

my tone cold. "What

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

"No, we don't."

I know things are broken between us. I know I crossed a