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 "

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

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

Mía. He's conned you. You don't know what you're doing. You're young,

I lie, my voice steady even as guilt claws at my insides. "I'm done with him, Mamá.

doesn't believe me. I

now. Please, Mía.

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

she can respond, Gabriel speaks, his voice cold and cutting. "That's rich coming from

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

choice, Mía. You could have told us. You could have stopped him

Eva exchange glances,

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

want to believe you. But Gabriel showed us the proof. It's... hard

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

selling their shares to. A person who sides with criminal activities for their own gain.

had no right to go behind my back with your precious evidence,"

"You've already proven you can't be trusted.

his accusations pressing down on me. But I'm not going to let him win this time. Not when he's so obviously trying to paint himself as the

Brennan Industries all to himself. He

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