Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband novel Chapter 508

(Mia)

The chandelier glitters overhead, casting rainbows across the marble floor as I pace the room, my heels clicking loudly in the oppressive silence.

Judy might be gone, but the specter of her looms large over this place. Gold fixtures, crystal vases, and overpriced art that screams wealth and power.

I stare out the window of Judy’s luxury apartment as I clutch my phone. The screen glows with a message from Gus’s people, promising me that everything will be fine.

That they’ll protect me. That I’m safe.

Safe.

I’ve just met with the person they are supposedly keeping me safe from at Cass’s old apartment. I had a key cut, just in case I needed it.

No one is safe from Don Alejandro, my grandfather. That’s what they don’t realize. There is no escape from him. They’ll never get anyone close enough to him to kill him.

Gabriel’s voice echoes down the hall, he’s staying here with me.

I sink into one of the velvet armchairs. Gabriel was supposed to sell me more shares. He promised he’d think about it. But now, he’s locked everything down, called Mamá, Ana, and Eva back to the States, and is planning to put the company’s future in some airtight contract.

Control. That’s all he cares about. He doesn’t trust me. Even when I’ve proven myself and given them what they needed to arrest my grandfather.

“Mia.” Gabriel’s voice pulls me from my thoughts. I look up to see him standing in the doorway.

“What?” I snap.

He crosses his arms, his gaze piercing. “Do you always have to throw a tantrum every time I say your name?” He comes into the room.

“Don’t flatter yourself,” I shoot back. “I have better things to do than let you bother me.”

“You’re transparent, Mia. You think I don’t know about you and Grandfather?”

“It’s nothing to do with Grandfather. I’ve earned Brennan Industries,” I say, sitting up straight. “Judy mentored me. She trusted me to run things while she was in Europe. I know Brennan Industries better than you do. You have your own business. Why do you have to have control of everything?”

“You think Judy mentoring you is a badge of honor?” His eyes narrow. “She was a manipulative monster, Mia. She left you enough rope to hang yourself. Anyone can see that. And you’re walking a fine line if you think following her playbook or Grandfather’s is going to get you anywhere.”

“Don’t talk to me like I’m a child,” my voice rising. “You’re not my father, Gabriel. Stop acting like you are.”

“No, I’m not your father,” he says coldly. “But Mamá, Ana, and Eva will be here by the end of the week. We’re going to sort out the company’s future—together. You don’t have to like it, but you will respect it.”

I clench my fists, my nails digging into my palms. He’s always been like this. Overbearing, controlling, acting like he knows what’s best for me. It makes me want to scream.

“You don’t get to have it all your way,” I say steadily, the words dripping with venom. “I will have what I’m entitled to. You can’t deny it to me, no one can”

He steps closer, his expression softening just a fraction. “Mía… I’m trying to protect you.”

“From what?” I ask bitterly. “From myself? From Abuelo?”