Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

515 Making My Mark

(Mia)

The townhouse is spotless. Every vase, every gold fixture, every inch of marble gleams under the crystal chandelier's glow. I've made sure of it, not for me, but for them.

My family is coming, and I know the judgment in their eyes will be as sharp as their words. They will think I don't belong here. Such luxury and display of wealth is unbecoming. I should be more humble. Show more gratitude and grace.

I don't care. I do belong here. All I want is for mother to love and respect me as a woman. Not to always see me as her baby girl who needs constant mothering.

I straighten the throw pillows for the third time, my nerves simmering beneath my skin. When the doorbell rings, I force my shoulders back and my face into a practiced smile.

"Come in," I say as I open the door.

Mama steps in first, her dark eyes scanning the room like she's searching for something to scold me about. Behind her, Ana and Eva follow, their expressions less obvious but no less guarded.

Gabriel brings up the rear, his presence as arrogant as ever. He looks me over, his jaw tight, before stepping past me without a word.

I close the door and turn, forcing the tension from my voice. "Mamá, you look beautiful. I've missed you."

She doesn't respond, instead crossing her arms. "I have much to say. You have brought shame on me. On our whole family. You have dealt with the devil."

I stiffen. "If you're talking about Abuelo "

have ties with him. I begged you.

tone calm but firm. "My testimony built their case against him. He's finally been

you. But look where we are, Mía. He's conned you. You don't know what you're doing. You're young, naïve.

my voice steady even as guilt claws

me. I

she whispers. "You're still lying for him. I can see it, even now. Please, Mía. Please stop believing anything he says. He will turn on

lying," I insist, my heart pounding. "I know I was wrong. I'm sorry. Forgive me.

can respond, Gabriel speaks, his voice cold and cutting. "That's rich coming from the person who allowed Brennan Industries to

doing at first," I snap, turning to face him. "And

Gabriel steps closer, his fists clenched. "You had a choice, Mía. You could have told us. You

exchange glances, their unease

think I

But Gabriel showed us the

your precious 'proof.' Anything to turn them against me, right? It doesn't matter that

to know the truth,” Gabriel says flatly. "And they deserve to know what kind of person they'd be selling their shares to. A person who sides with criminal

right

right," he counters, his voice rising. "You've already proven you can't be trusted. I won't

going to let him win this time. Not when he's so obviously trying to paint himself as

just wants Brennan Industries all

to prove how amazing he is. How much of a Brennan he is. How much like his idol,