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?"

she cracks, you'll have everything. The kids, the power to make decisions without her interference. Think about

I say carefully, watching her

of your life,

on the glass tightens,

glancing at her watch. "I should get back to the suite. Early morning

she does. "Thank you

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

nod, forcing a smile.

against the polished floor as she disappears through the door. The moment she's gone, I pull out my phone, stopping the recording app I'd started as soon

file saves, and I let out a slow breath. It's something-a start-but not enough to take her down yet. She's careful, never incriminating

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

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

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

take another sip, the door swings open, and I glance up to see Lance walking in. His presence feels like a sudden storm cloud on an otherwise controlled evening. "Jayden," he says, approaching

I reply flatly, keeping my tone cold. "What are you

the chair Judy vacated and sits without waiting

"No, we don't."

us. I know I