Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband novel Chapter 174

174 Desperate Measures 

(Judy) 

I stand on the balcony of my castle in France, the sun doing little to warm the chill that’s settled deep in my bones. The view from the highest hilltop here is breathtaking, but all I can think about is Jayden. 

He’s slipping away from me. I can feel it in every clipped word, every unanswered call. He’s more distant, more unreachable, and it’s driving me mad. 

I need Ashlyn to step up, to start pushing Winona again, to destabilize her. But Ashlyn has been quiet, too quiet. She’s stalling, and I don’t have time for this. Whatever clever little plan Ashlyn thinks she has, won’t 

work. 

If she thinks she’s going all vigilante on me, that she’s safe because I’m in another country, she’s wrong. 

I text her number. 

Call me. I need to speak with you. Urgent 

It’s difficult for her to be able to call, I know that. But she’ll find a way. 

The tension coils in my chest as I wait for her to text back. To my surprise, my phone rings and it’s her. 

“That was fast. I like it.” 

“Judy,” she says, her voice lacking the usual fire I’ve come to expect from her. “I have five minutes.” 

“What the hell is going on, Ashlyn?” I snap. “You’re supposed to be messaging Winona, making her unstable. I gave you her number. Why haven’t you started?” 

“I will,” she says, but there’s something off in her tone. “I haven’t had much chance to use the phone. They’ve got me doing activities and jobs. I’m not in isolation anymore.” 

I narrow my eyes, suspicion gnawing at me. “Are you getting cold feet? Don’t tell me you’re having second thoughts.” 

“I’m not.” 

“You better not be listening to what those therapists have to say. They just want to tick you off their list to make them feel like they are actually good at what they do,” 

There’s a pause on the other end, and I can hear her take a deep breath. “No, Judy. I’ll start soon. I just need to be careful. They’re watching me closely.” 

“Then find a way,” I hiss. “Jayden is slipping away, and if you don’t act soon, we’ll lose him. Don’t forget. 

what’s at stake here.” 

“I won’t,” she says, but the uncertainty in her voice is undeniable. 

I know her too well. 

I grip the phone tighter, a wave of frustration washing over me. There’s something she’s not telling me, something she’s hiding. I decide to play it cool. That always works better with Ashlyn. 

Her crazy, weak mind can’t take too much pressure. So I’ll tread carefully, for now. 

+25 BONUS 

174 Desperate Measures 

“Good,” I say, forcing my voice to remain calm. “Because we can’t afford any more mistakes.” 

“I understand,” she replies, “I have to go. Kitchen duties. The line goes dead before I can say anything 

else. 

I stare at the phone, my mind racing. Ashlyn’s losing her edge, and that’s dangerous for both of us. If she can’t follow through, I’ll have to find another way to get to Winona. 

To keep my son from falling completely into her clutches. 

He’s almost died twice now because of Winona. If she just left him alone, I wouldn’t have had to push getting rid of her so far. 

Because one thing is certain–Jayden is mine. My son. My flesh and blood. And I’ll do whatever it takes to keep it that way. Abby will be mine too. I’ll make sure of it. 

“Penny for your thoughts.” Gus envelopes me in his arms from behind. 

“I’m just thinking how lucky I am to be here with you and have this amazing place to live.” 

“Sure you were. Now tell me the truth.” He lets me go and stands beside me. “It is a wonderful view though.” 

“I just spoke to Jayden. Everything is going fine there. Abby is well. I do miss her terribly.” 

“I’m surprised he talked to you.” 

“He and I will always have a connection.” I’m not letting Gus get under my skin. 

“Anyway. I’m here to see if you want to go to dinner?” 

“Not really. Why don’t you stay here for dinner?” 

“You can’t sulk inside this castle for the rest of your life. You wanted to come here, remember? Why don’t you enjoy it?” 

“I like it here in my castle. It feels like a fairytale dream I can’t wait for Abby to visit.” 

“Winona won’t let her come without her. I don’t blame her, and even that will be a while.” 

“You never know. Time heals all wounds.” 

He chuckles. “I guess you can live in hope.”