Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

508 Shadowed Allegiances

(Mia)

The chandelier glitters overhead, casting rainbows across the marble floor as I pace the room, my heels clicking loudly in the oppressive silence.

Judy might be gone, but the specter of her looms large over this place. Gold fixtures, crystal vases, and overpriced art that screams wealth and power.

I stare out the window of Judy's luxury apartment as I clutch my phone. The screen glows with a message from Gus's people, promising me that everything will be fine. That they'll protect me. That I'm safe.

Safe.

I've just met with the person they are supposedly keeping me safe from at Cass's old apartment. I had a key cut, just in case I needed it.

No one is safe from Don Alejandro, my grandfather. That's what they don't realize. There is no escape from him. They'll never get anyone close enough to him to kill him. Gabriel's voice echoes down the hall, he's staying here with me.

I sink into one of the velvet armchairs. Gabriel was supposed to sell me more shares. He promised he'd think about it. But now, he's locked everything down, called Mamá, Ana, and Eva back to the States, and is planning to put the company's future in some airtight contract.

Control. That's all he cares about. He doesn't trust me. Even when I've proven myself and given them what they needed to arrest my grandfather.

"Mia." Gabriel's voice pulls me from my thoughts. I look up to see him standing in the doorway.

"What?" I snap.

He crosses his arms, his gaze piercing. "Do you always have to throw a tantrum every time I say your name?" He comes into the room. "Don't flatter yourself," I shoot back. "I have better things to do than let you bother me."

You think I don't know

trusted me to run things while she was in Europe. I know Brennan Industries better than you do. You have your own business.

rope to hang yourself. Anyone can see

child," my voice rising. "You're not my father, Gabriel.

of the week. We're going to sort out the company's future-together. You don't

fists, my nails digging into my palms. He's always been like this. Overbearing, controlling, acting like he knows what's best

don't get to have it all your way," I say steadily, the words dripping with venom. "I will have what I'm entitled

just a fraction.

what?" I ask bitterly. "From myself?

us shifts. Gabriel's body tightens, and for a moment, I

he says finally, his voice low and strained. "You think he cares about you? He's using you, Mía. It's his way." "Maybe he's the only one who ever saw my potential," I fire back, standing up to face him. "Maybe he's the only one who believed in me." "That's not belief," Gabriel snaps. "It's manipulation.

anything about me Gabriel. You never have You've spent your whole life trying to controtme, but you've never once tried to understand me. None of you

turning toward the door.

the chair. I don't need him. I don't need any of them. I've always had

Make a legitimate change. But I should've known Don Alejandro

I'm not just the youngest, the least of us. I have a voice, and my grandfather

others... they're too proud. Too stubborn. But you, Mía... you

seared deep in my brain for as

I had to tell him. I replay the

be part of this anymore, I told Gus

never

shone in his eyes

stop me? You