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 "

you. I took my children away from him.

the authorities," I say, my tone calm but firm.

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

from him since his arrest," I lie, my voice steady even as guilt claws at

believe me. I see it in

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

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

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

at first," I snap, turning

"You had a choice, Mía. You could have told us. You could have stopped him before

exchange glances,

I wanted any of this? Why does no

you. But Gabriel

on Gabriel. "Of course, you showed then 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

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

going on! You had no right to go behind my back with your precious

already proven you can't be trusted. I won't let

this time. Not when

wants Brennan Industries all to himself. He wants the

of a Brennan he is. How