Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband novel Chapter 98

98 I’m Done 

(Winona) 

When it’s Gordon’s turn, he stands confidently, presenting our case with precision. 

He begins, his voice clear and assertive. “Your Honor, the affidavits we’ve presented testify to Ashlyn’s past behavior raises serious concerns about Abby’s safety.” 

Gordon paces the floor, his footsteps echoing in the tense silence. He continues speaking, his tone unwavering. “Until Ashlyn’s accusations against my client are proven to be the truth, we cannot overlook the possibility that Ashlyn herself poses a significant risk to Abby Joseph.” 

Jayden’s lawyer jumps to his feet, his face flushed with indignation. “Objection, Your Honor! This is speculative and slanderous. There’s no concrete evidence to support these claims.” 

Gordon doesn’t back down, stepping closer to the bench. “Your Honor, if I may. Ashlyn’s character is as much in question as my client’s. We have reason to believe that she may have put her own unborn baby at risk on purpose.” 

He turns to Ashlyn and Jayden and stares at them as he speaks. 

“These are not baseless accusations. The affidavits provide substantial evidence of her unstable behavior concerning my client.” 

The judge raises a hand to silence them both, her expression stern. “Approach the bench,” she says firmly. 

Gordon and Jayden’s lawyer walk up to the bench, their voices lowering to a murmur as they lean in towards the judge. I can’t make out what they’re saying, but their animated gestures and intense expressions speak volumes. 

Gordon’s hands slice through the air emphatically, while Jayden’s lawyer shakes his head vigorously, his face a mask of frustration. 

I glance over at Ashlyn, and the look of pure hate on her face rocks me to the core. Her eyes are cold, filled with malice, and it takes everything in me to hold steady. 

My stomach churns, but I force myself to not react, refusing to let her see any sign of weakness. I need Abby away from her. 

Jayden, noticing the intensity of Ashlyn’s stare, nudges her. She breaks the stare, but the impact of her gaze lingers. I can see the tension in Jayden’s face as well, a mixture of anger and confusion. 

He grips the edge of the table, his jaw clenched. 

The judge finally nods, dismissing the lawyers back to their tables. Gordon returns to our side, giving me a reassuring nod, while Jayden’s lawyer looks equally determined. 

The room feels charged, the stakes higher than ever. Gordon gives me a look of steely resolve, and I know we’re still in the fight, no matter how tough it gets 

“Please continue, Mr. Brown,” the judge instructs, her voice carrying an air of finality. 

“Ms. Nolan has deep ties to her community and is committed to her daughter’s well–being.” Gordon says, his voice steady and persuasive. “We believe that with the proper supervision and safety measures in 

25 BONUS 

as I’m Done 

place, Abby can and will thrive in her mother’s care.” 

The judge listens carefully, her expression unreadable. I feel my heart pounding in my chest, each beat echoing my desperation. 

“In fact, Abby has never been out of Ms. Nolan’s or her father’s care until now. Phillip Joseph legally adopted Abby and has been the father figure in her life. They are engaged to be married,” Gordon continues, his tone unwavering. 

As the arguments conclude, she turns her attention to me. “Ms. Nolan, do you have anything you’d like to add?” 

I stand, my whole body is shaking. The courtroom feels like it’s closing in on me, but I force myself to speak clearly. “Your Honor, I love my daughter more than anything. I understand the gravity of the accusations against me” 

I pause for a deep breath and feel tears prickle my eyes again. “But Abby has never known a home without me, and I have taken drastic measures to shield her from the Brennan drama over the years. All I want is to provide a safe and loving home for Abby.” 

“But you concede that you have failed at this lately,” the judge interjects, her eyes piercing. 

“No. Not until Ashlyn turned up at Palisades Park that day. Until then, Abby’s health was stable.” 

I brace myself and continue. “I know that Jayden loves her and he is a great father, but he is new to her. Phillip is the man who’s helped to raise her from the day she was born,” I reply, my voice trembling but firm. 

“I see,” the judge says, her tone thoughtful. 

“I don’t want to stop her from seeing Jayden for their relationship to grow. I just want to get her back to where she can face her next surgery in the best physical and mental condition.” 

I continue, looking directly at the judge. “Jayden loves her, but he has no idea what a child’s needs are. He also has issues with his memory, and his temper can be volatile because of that.” 

“Please sit, Ms. Nolan. Approach the bench again,” she says to both lawyers. 

As Gordon and Jayden’s lawyer approach the bench again, their voices drop to hushed tones. The judge leans forward, her expression serious. Gordon’s hands move with precision, emphasizing his points, while Jayden’s lawyer gestures vehemently, his face red. 

I steal another glance at Ashlyn. Her eyes are still filled with that icy hatred, and it takes everything in me to keep my composure. I focus on my breathing, willing myself to stay calm. 

The judge finally nods, and the lawyers return to their respective tables. Gordon gives me a reassuring nod, his face determined. 

The room feels even more charged, if that’s possible. The air is thick

98 I’m Done 

(Winona) 

When it’s Gordon’s turn, he stands confidently, presenting our case with precision. 

He begins, his voice clear and assertive. “Your Honor, the affidavits we’ve presented testify to Ashlyn’s past behavior raises serious concerns about Abby’s safety.” 

Gordon paces the floor, his footsteps echoing in the tense silence. He continues speaking, his tone unwavering. “Until Ashlyn’s accusations against my client are proven to be the truth, we cannot overlook the possibility that Ashlyn herself poses a significant risk to Abby Joseph.” 

Jayden’s lawyer jumps to his feet, his face flushed with indignation. “Objection, Your Honor! This is speculative and slanderous. There’s no concrete evidence to support these claims.” 

Gordon doesn’t back down, stepping closer to the bench. “Your Honor, if I may. Ashlyn’s character is as much in question as my client’s. We have reason to believe that she may have put her own unborn baby at risk on purpose.” 

He turns to Ashlyn and Jayden and stares at them as he speaks. 

“These are not baseless accusations. The affidavits provide substantial evidence of her unstable behavior concerning my client.” 

The judge raises a hand to silence them both, her expression stern. “Approach the bench,” she says firmly. 

Gordon and Jayden’s lawyer walk up to the bench, their voices lowering to a murmur as they lean in towards the judge. I can’t make out what they’re saying, but their animated gestures and intense expressions speak volumes. 

Gordon’s hands slice through the air emphatically, while Jayden’s lawyer shakes his head vigorously, his face a mask of frustration. 

I glance over at Ashlyn, and the look of pure hate on her face rocks me to the core. Her eyes are cold, filled with malice, and it takes everything in me to hold steady. 

My stomach churns, but I force myself to not react, refusing to let her see any sign of weakness. I need Abby away from her. 

Jayden, noticing the intensity of Ashlyn’s stare, nudges her. She breaks the stare, but the impact of her gaze lingers. I can see the tension in Jayden’s face as well, a mixture of anger and confusion. 

He grips the edge of the table, his jaw clenched. 

The judge finally nods, dismissing the lawyers back to their tables. Gordon returns to our side, giving me a reassuring nod, while Jayden’s lawyer looks equally determined. 

The room feels charged, the stakes higher than ever. Gordon gives me a look of steely resolve, and I know we’re still in the fight, no matter how tough it gets 

“Please continue, Mr. Brown,” the judge instructs, her voice carrying an air of finality. 

“Ms. Nolan has deep ties to her community and is committed to her daughter’s well–being.” Gordon says, his voice steady and persuasive. “We believe that with the proper supervision and safety measures in 

25 BONUS 

as I’m Done 

place, Abby can and will thrive in her mother’s care.” 

The judge listens carefully, her expression unreadable. I feel my heart pounding in my chest, each beat echoing my desperation. 

“In fact, Abby has never been out of Ms. Nolan’s or her father’s care until now. Phillip Joseph legally adopted Abby and has been the father figure in her life. They are engaged to be married,” Gordon continues, his tone unwavering. 

As the arguments conclude, she turns her attention to me. “Ms. Nolan, do you have anything you’d like to add?” 

I stand, my whole body is shaking. The courtroom feels like it’s closing in on me, but I force myself to speak clearly. “Your Honor, I love my daughter more than anything. I understand the gravity of the accusations against me” 

I pause for a deep breath and feel tears prickle my eyes again. “But Abby has never known a home without me, and I have taken drastic measures to shield her from the Brennan drama over the years. All I want is to provide a safe and loving home for Abby.”