Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband novel Chapter 143

143 Ducks In A Row 

(Judy) 

I’ve managed to smuggle an untraceable phone into Ashlyn’s facility, ensuring we can stay in touch. I mean, the poor girl, she needs someone who cares. Her mother has written her off completely now. 

It’s only right that I should visit. There’s no trouble bribing half the staff to turn a blind eye to Ashlyn using a phone in her bathroom. She contacts me when she can. Later this will come in handy. 

For now, I’m just pretending I care about Ashlyn. A few minutes later, my phone buzzes. 

A: I’ll do anything for Jayden 

J: I know you truly love him. 

A: I’m sorry I hurt him 

1. He’s okay now 

A: But he’s with her 

J: Time will fix it all. Trust me 

The irony isn’t lost on me. Ashlyn’s obsession with my son is both her greatest strength and her ultimate weakness. As long as she believes she’s doing this for him, she’ll follow my lead. 

I delete each text right away, ensuring there’s no trace of our communication. 

I pour myself a glass of wine and sink into my favorite armchair. The plan is working. Slowly but surely, I’m regaining control. Winona will slip up, and when she does, I’ll be there. 

To take Abby and Jayden back where they belong. With me. 

I think back to the day of the shooting. I told Ashlyn where Winona would be, knowing she had a gun. I didn’t anticipate Jayden’s heroic act, but in the end, it worked out. He survived, and now I have another chance to remove Winona from our lives for good. 

No more attempts at her life though. I’ve learned that lesson now. As I sit there, savoring my impending victory, my phone buzzes again. 

A: When will I see Jayden like you promised? 

I sigh, knowing that keeping Ashlyn at bay is part of the delicate balancing act. 

J: Soon, Ashlyn. We need to get our ducks in a row. 

Patience has never been Ashlyn’s strong suit, but I’ll keep her in line. After all, she’s just another pawn in my game. And I always win. The satisfaction of my plan coming together is intoxicating. 

Isip my wine, raising it in a silent toast to the future. A future where I have everything I 

ever wanted. 

Just then, there’s a knock at the door. It’s Gus. He’s taking me to dinner. I set my glass down and walk to the door. I’ve given the staff the night off in case I need privacy. 

I open the 

door to find him standing there with that usual suspicious look in his eyes, 

143 Ducks lu & Bow 

+25 BONUS 

“Judy,” he says, stepping Inside. “Are you ready?” 

“Of course.” I lead him into the living room. “I was born ready.” 

He doesn’t sit. Instead, he stands, arms crossed, his gaze piercing. “I know you’re up to something. I can feel it. And I’m going to find out what it is.” 

I laugh lightly, trying to diffuse his suspicion. “Gus, I’m not up to anything. I’m just trying to make things. right with Jayden and Winona.” 

He narrows his eyes. “You expect me to believe that?” 

I shrug, feigning nonchalance. “Believe what you want, Gus. I’m not hiding anything.” 

He steps closer, his voice lowering. “You forget, Judy, I know you. I’ve seen you at your worst. I know what you’re capable of.” 

My smile fades slightly. “And you know that I’d do anything for my son. Maybe if you talked to him, told him you found out I tried to call off the whole thing with the accident, he might forgive me sooner. Then I can move on without this stress. You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” 

Gus frowns, considering my words. “Maybe. But I’m not convinced you’ve changed.” 

I take a step back, softening my expression. “I just want to be a part of Jayden’s life. To see him happy, to spend time with Abby. And who knows, maybe I can finally travel to Europe like we always talked about.” 

“Like I talked about, you mean. You’ve never considered it.” 

“If Jayden forgives me, even a little, I will consider it.” 

His suspicion remains, but I see a flicker of hope in his eyes. He’s wanted to bring me to Europe for years. Maybe giving Gus what he wants is the way to get Jayden to be more reasonable about my mistake. 

I mean, if I leave the country, Jayden will see I’m serious about letting him live his own life. 

“We’ll see, Judy. But I’m watching you. Don’t think for a second that I won’t find out if you’re up to something.” 

I nod, trying to appear sincere. “I understand, Gus. I appreciate you looking out for Jayden. For all of us.” He sighs. “I hope you’re being honest. Because if you’re not, it’s going to come back to haunt you.‘ 

I sit down across from him, feeling a surge of confidence. “Do we have a dinner booking?” 

After a tense silence, he glances at his watch. “There’s a new restaurant in the city that’s supposed to be fantastic. We’re booked in fifteen minutes.” 

“That sounds lovely. Let me grab my coat.” 

As we finish our meal, I lean in, my voice soft and sincere. “Gus, I really do want to make things right. For all of us. I just need a little help.”