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 "

to never have ties with him. I begged you. I took my children away

I say, my tone calm but firm. "My testimony built their case against him. He's finally been arrested because

"You told me you'd never let him brainwash you. But look where we are, Mía. He's conned you. You don't know what you're doing. You're young, naïve. How

steady even as guilt claws

doesn't believe me. I see it in her

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

"I know I was wrong. I'm

cutting. "That's rich coming from

he was doing at first," I snap, turning

choice?" Gabriel steps closer, his fists clenched. "You had a choice, Mía. You could

exchange glances,

them, my voice shaking. "You think I wanted any of this?

to believe you. But Gabriel showed us the

to turn them against me, right? It doesn't matter that what did brought a monster to justice

know what kind of person they'd be selling their shares to. A person who sides with criminal activities for

right to go behind my back with your precious evidence,"

proven

this time. Not when he's so

saint. He just wants Brennan Industries

of a Brennan he is. How much like his idol, Jayden,