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 "

ties with him. I begged you. I took my children away from him. And now, he's under your skin... You aren't strong enough

the authorities," I say, my tone calm but firm. "My testimony built their case against him. He's

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

heard from him since his arrest," I lie, my voice steady

me. I see it

even now. Please, Mía. Please stop believing anything he says. He

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

his voice cold and cutting. "That's rich coming from the person who allowed Brennan Industries to be used for his smuggling

at first," I snap, turning to face

had a choice, Mía. You could have told us.

exchange glances,

"You think I wanted any of this? Why does

cautiously, "we want to believe you. But Gabriel showed us the proof. It's... hard to

Anything to turn them against me, right? It doesn't matter that what did brought a monster to justice after all these years of never having the evidence needed against

Gabriel says flatly. "And they deserve to know what kind of person they'd be selling their shares

going on! You had no right to go

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

not going to let him win this

He just wants Brennan Industries all to himself. He

prove how amazing he is. How much of a Brennan