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."

transparent, Mia. You think I don't know

I say, sitting up straight. "Judy mentored me. She trusted me to run things while she was in Europe. I know Brennan Industries better than you do. You have your own business.

eyes narrow. "She was a manipulative monster, Mia. She left you enough rope to hang yourself. Anyone can see that. And you're walking a fine line if you

a child," my voice rising. "You're not my father, Gabriel. Stop acting like you

says coldly. "But Mamá, Ana, and Eva will be here by the end of the

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

venom. "I will have what I'm entitled to. You can't deny

his expression softening just a fraction. "Mía... I'm trying to

I ask bitterly. "From myself? From

between us shifts. Gabriel's body tightens, and for a moment, I think he might

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,"

You never have You've spent your whole life trying to controtme, but

time to argue," he says, turning toward the door. "Mamá

back into the chair. I don't need him. I don't need any of them.

I could do good with Brennan Industries. Make a legitimate change. But I should've known Don Alejandro

prove to my mother, Gabriel, Ana and Eva that I'm not just the youngest, the least of us. I have a voice, and my

my favorite, you know. The others... they're too proud. Too stubborn. But you, Mía... you are like me. You are so much more than

his words seared deep

him. I had to

be part of this anymore, I told Gus everything. They're going to take

smile never faltered,

in his

stop me? You think