Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

(Jayden)

"Jayden," she greets warmly as I approach the table. "You look well."

"Thanks, Mother," I reply with a smile, leaning in to kiss her cheek. "You look as perfect as ever. Still setting the standard."

She beams at the compliment, her eyes studying me closely. "Flattery, Jayden? You must want something."

I laugh lightly as I take my seat. "Do I need a reason to compliment you? You're my mother. It's been too long."

Her expression softens slightly, but I can tell her mind is working overtime. Judy doesn't take things at face value. The waiter appears, pouring wine for us both.

"I took the liberty of ordering ahead. Like old times. This wine I discovered on my travels here. It's excellent."

I lift the glass, swirling it absently. "To new beginnings," I say, raising it toward her.

Judy's lips curl into a satisfied smile, and she clinks her glass against mine. "To new beginnings."

"You're settling into London nicely, I hope?" she asks, taking a delicate sip of wine.

"It's been productive," I reply. "All of this with Grayson is unfortunate. But that's almost over with now."

"You just never know who you can trust, do you? But you can always trust me to have your best interests at heart."

"I know that. But there is a fine line between that and interfering, Mother. My life is my life. You can only be a part of it if you don't try and run it."

"Understood. I've learned my lesson, Jayden. I won't be overbearing again."

Yeah right, like I'm believing that.

"I won't hesitate to cut you from my life again if you do. Your choice. I've done it with Winona and I'll do it with you."

"I've no intentions of us parting again."

"You were right about Winona and I," I concede. "It was inevitable."

"I've only ever wanted your happiness."

"We're good at parenting together, good at being friends but we've realized we're not good for each other in a relationship." I shrug. "I've made my peace with it." "Have you, really?" she asks, tilting her head.

"I have," I say firmly, meeting her gaze. "This isn't a decision I made lightly, but it's the right one. For everyone. And it's final."

Her smile widens. "I knew you'd see sense, Jayden. You have so much potential, so much to offer the world. Being tied to someone like Winona... well, she was always holding you back." Internally, I bristle at her words, but I keep my tone calm. "She's a good mother, Judy. That's all that matters to me right now. The kids will always have my support and undivided attention."

"I disagree, especially after what she's done with Lance and Phillip," she says, her voice sharpening. "Let's not pretend she's the ideal fit for raising Abby and Henry. You should consider what's truly best for them." I pretend to listen and take her advice. "What are you suggesting?"

"Custody, of course," she says smoothly. "The two youngest are yours, your legacy. Bobby and Sarah-well, they belong with Winona. You shouldn't burden yourself with children who aren't truly your responsibility."

My smile doesn't waver, though

every word she says twists in my mind. She's still gunning to get Abby and now Henry. "Judy, I appreciate your perspective, but I've made my decision." en

Her brows lift. "I see."

"All four kids are mine legally," I say evenly. "Nothing changes that. I'm their father, and we're a family. Splitting them up isn't an option."

She tilts her head, studying me with a calculating gaze. "Okay. Good enough for me. I can see you aren't changing on that. I'll let it go."

Like hell she will. She will try and do anything she can to discredit Winona and get those kids. Like she has done all along. The sooner they leave Europe the better.

I just don't trust her and there is nothing stopping her going directly to Winona.

"I like this new level of decisiveness. It suits you."

"Decisiveness comes with responsibility," I reply, my tone steady. "And my responsibility is to those kids. That's not negotiable."

For a moment, she says nothing, her fingers tracing the rim of her wineglass. "I underestimated you, Jayden. You've become quite the man."

"I had good teachers," I say, raising my glass slightly. "Even if the lessons weren't always easy."

She chuckles. "Fair enough. But don't let sentiment cloud your judgment, Jayden. You have an empire to lead. Practicality must always come first."

"Practicality is important," I agree. "But not at the expense of what truly matters. Family. Real family."

"Does that include Gus as your father?"

"It does. I've buried those demons as well. I've no time to wallow in the past with Nexus Global to run."

Our food arrives, and the conversation shifts briefly to lighter topics-Nexus Global future, London's social scene, even a few anecdotes about my childhood.

As the plates are cleared, she dabs her lips with a napkin and fixes me with a serious gaze. "Jayden, I hope you know I only want what's best for you. It's always been us."

"I know, Mother," I say. "But remember, no overstepping the mark."

"Very well."

"After dinner drink?"

"Of course. I'll have the usual."

I signal the attendant and order the very best port. "Let's do this again. Tomorrow night?"

Her smile is bright. "Of course."Belongs to NôvelDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

“Let's make it in my suite. I have

some business matters to run by you. Nexus London is closed but have some ideas to revamp it and re-employ those I have cleared from any wrongdoing."

"Happy to help. What time?"

"Let's make it 4pm for a 7pm dinner. If that's not too much?"

"Sounds perfect."

We both finish our port and stand to leave. I help her on with her jacket and we walk out together. All eyes are on us as we joke and laugh.

They know who we are, and they know our backstory. This reunion will be hot news. So will Winona's arrival back in the States.

Job done. Now just to keep Judy's eyes on me.