Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband novel Chapter 238

238 Crashing and Burning 

(Winona) 

+25 BONUS 

I watch from across the room as Cass and Gabriel saunter away, and my stomach knots up in frustration. I don’t even have to see them sit down to know where they’re headed. Judy’s table. Of course. 

It’s the one place they can be where I won’t go near. It feels calculated, like Judy’s pulling strings again, positioning herself as the puppet master. 

I let out my breath, my gaze narrowing as I try to piece together how it’s come to this. Cass was supposed to be on my side. She was supposed to be part of my family. 

Now, here she is, sitting with Judy, the woman who tried to destroy my life so many times. 

The woman who succeeded in doing that for so long. 

“Don’t let her get to you,” Lisa says softly, sipping her champagne. She’s trying to sound calm, but I can see the annoyance flicker in her eyes. “Judy thrives on this. You know that.” 

“I know,” I reply, my voice tight. “But it’s hard when she’s using Cass as a pawn in whatever game playing now.” 

she’s 

Lisa nods, clearly understanding but knowing there’s nothing to be done at this moment. “T’ll give you two some space,” she says after a moment, standing up and flashing a smile at Jayden as he makes his way back to the table. 

“Thanks, Lisa,” I appreciate her knowing when I need a moment with Jayden. Tonight has been a whirlwind, and I’m barely keeping it together. 

Jayden slides into his seat next to me, loosening his tie. He’s fresh off the stage, and the energy in the room is still buzzing from his speech. The standing ovation was well deserved, I’m very proud of him. 

“Well, that went better than expected,” he says, leaning back in his chair. “How are you holding up?” 

“Not great,” I admit, glancing in the direction of Judy’s table where Cass and Gabriel have settled in like it’s the most natural thing in the world. I drop my gaze. “I need to tell you something.” 

Jayden’s brow furrows as he leans in. “What’s wrong?” 

“I had a fight with Cass,” I say. “A bad one.” 

He tenses, his eyes narrowing. “What happened?” 

I sigh, rubbing my temples, trying to push away the frustration. “It started with Gabriel. I told her he’s too old for her and that he may not even be able to stay in the country. And then I said Mia is a bad influence, and she completely lost it.” 

Jayden frowns, running a hand through his hair. “Winona…” 

“I know what you’re going to say.” I cut him off, my voice sharp. “That I’m pushing her away. That I’m being overprotective. She’s not the same Cass anymore. I can’t just stand by and watch her throw everything away.” 

Jayden lets out a long breath, shaking his head. “You need to let her make her own choices, even if 

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+25 BONUS 

238 Crashing and Burning 

they’re mistakes. You’re only going to push her away if you keep trying to control her. She’s an adult by law now. She’ll figure it out.” 

“She’s already pulled out of the wedding,” I say bitterly, the words tasting like ash on my tongue. “She told me to find someone else for the bridal party.” 

Jayden’s face softens, and he reaches out to take my hand, his touch grounding me. “I’m sorry. I know that hurts, but this isn’t about the wedding, Winona. This is about family. Cass is still your sister. The kids love her, and you know it. You can’t let this rift get too deep.” 

I feel tears prick at the corners of my eyes, but I blink them away. “So what do I do? Just stand by and watch as Gabriel pulls her away from us?” 

Jayden shakes his head. “No. You let her live her life. If she crashes and burns, you’ll be there to help her pick up the pieces. But if you keep pushing, she’s going to run away forever and we don’t want that.” 

I take a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside me. He’s right. He’s always right. But it doesn’t make it any easier. “It just feels like I’m losing her, Jayden.” 

“You won’t,” he says firmly, squeezing my hand. “Cass loves you. She’s angry now, but she’ll come around. Just give her time.” 

1 nod, not trusting myself to speak. The last thing I want is to lose Cass, but I know Jayden’s right. Pushing her will only drive her further away. 

And with Judy lurking in the background, I can’t afford to make the wrong move. 

Jayden leans in closer, his voice soft but filled with determination. “You need to mend things with Cass. For the kids‘ sake, for your sake. She’s family, and it’s not worth losing those ties over this.” 

‘I close my eyes, letting his words sink in. He’s right. I can’t let my fears and frustrations drive a wedge between me and m 

sister. 

No matter what Gabriel’s agenda is–because I’m certain he has one–I have to be there for Cass. Even if it means letting her make her own mistakes. 

“You’re right,” I whisper, finally looking up at him. “But I’m so scared, Jayden. I don’t trust Gabriel, and I know he’s up to something. I can feel it.”