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

Grandfather. I've earned Brennan Industries," 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. Why do you have to have control

She left you enough rope to hang yourself. Anyone can

me like I'm a child," my voice rising. "You're not

says coldly. "But Mamá, Ana, and Eva will be here by the end of the week. We're going

nails digging into my palms. He's always been like this. Overbearing, controlling,

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

closer, his expression softening just a fraction. "Mía... I'm

what?" I ask bitterly. "From myself?

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

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,"

my chest heaving with anger. "You don't know anything about me Gabriel. You never have You've spent your

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

door slams behind him, and I sit back into the chair. I don't need him. I don't need any of them. I've always had to fight

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

I'm not just the youngest, the

stubborn. But you, Mía... you are like me. You are so much more than

swallow hard, my chest tightening at the memory, his words seared deep in

but I told him. I had to tell him. I

this anymore, I told Gus

never faltered,

in his eyes now. "You

stop me?