Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

476 Judy’s Will Reading

(Winona)

The law office is still and cold, a contrast to the storm of emotions brewing inside me. Jayden sits beside me, his jaw set, shoulders tight with the tension he's carried for days.

I can tell he's ready for this to be over but also bracing for whatever last hand Judy might play.

"You okay?" I whisper. He doesn't answer at first, his stare fixed on the polished table.

"No," he finally says. "But let's get it done."

Mr. Carter, the lawyer, clears his throat and adjusts his glasses. "Thank you all for being here. We are gathered for the reading of the final will and testament of Judith Ann Brennan." Jayden shifts in his chair, his knee bouncing with restless energy. I can feel the heat of his frustration, but I keep my hands to myself. No comfort from me is going to land right at this moment. "This will was last amended six months ago," Carter continues. "Mrs. Brennan made several significant changes, which we will now outline. Copies of the full document will be provided afterward." Jayden exhales sharply, his patience clearly wearing thin.

"To her son, Jayden Brennan," Carter begins, "Judith has left her controlling interest in Brennan Industries, with the express wish that the company remain within the family and that its staff and structure be preserved. Jayden, she entrusted you with ensuring that her legacy endures."

Jayden stiffens beside me, his jaw tightening further. "She knew I didn't want it. I signed it to her, why would I want it back?"

Carter continues without pause. "Mrs. Brennan also requested that I hand you this." He slides a small, velvet-lined box across the table. Jayden stares at it for a long moment before picking it up. He opens it, and I see his brows knit into a frown. "What is it?" I ask softly.

"A wedding set," Jayden shrugs as he answers, his voice low. He snaps the box shut and sets it on the table. "I've never seen this before. Why do I have it now?"

Carter adds, "Judith left a note for you to accompany this gift. 'Jayden, please return these to your father, Gus, with a message: I made the wrong choice. I should have said yes and gone to Europe. Perhaps, in another life, I might have found the courage to make the right decision.""

Jayden exhales sharply, leaning back in his chair. I know this will hit hard. The thought of ever having a normal childhood with two loving parents... How much different would his life have been?

personal fortune and investment portfolio to be divided equally, once all other instructions have been fulfilled, and

this... For my darling Abby. How I loved you. We never got to visit Grandma Judy's castle together like I promised, so now, it's all yours.

now. I thought she'd sold that castle. Actually I was never even sure it was real. This reminds me that I need to

moving. He's

grandchildren, their importance to Jayden merits her consideration." My breath catches. She didn't have to do that. Judy and I rarely agreed on anything, but

his

offers a

education, housing, and

wonderful

He nods.

of Jayden's life at the reading of this will, which I will now read." Does that mean if she still hadn't succeeded to part us by the time she died? She really was never going to give

pushing you, I could mold you into the person I thought you needed to be." Jayden has a sharp intake of breath, and I squeeze his hand despite my earlier hesitation.

I always have been. Please, build your kids a better life than I subjected you to. And forgive me, if you can."

to Winona," Carter continues, turning

shaking now because

hated me six months ago, she hated me always. How

you as a woman.at was about you with my son. Money

a billionaire life is paramount. I

me now and gives

that doesn't mean you were suited to Jayden. I will always maintain that life might have been easier for you both without each other. If you stay with my son, do it because you truly believe it's worth

my emotions too

death she has the ability to

the will. If there are questions, they