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 "

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

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

pain. "You told me you'd never let him brainwash you. But look where we are, Mía. He's conned you.

or heard from him since his arrest," I lie, my voice steady even as guilt

I see it in

whispers. "You're still lying for him. I can see it, even now. Please, Mía. Please stop

I was wrong. I'm sorry. Forgive

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

I snap, turning to face him. "And when I found out, I

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

and Eva exchange glances,

this?" I ask them, my voice shaking. "You think I wanted any of this? Why does no one ever

But Gabriel showed us

your precious 'proof.' 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

kind of person they'd be selling their

didn't know what was going on! You had no right to go behind

already proven you can't be trusted. I won't let you destroy this legacy,

to let him win this time. Not when he's so

Industries all to himself. He

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