Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband novel Chapter 523

(Mia)

Gus walks through the living room slowly, his gaze flicking over the ornate furnishings, the heavy curtains, the marble-topped tables.

His fingers trail along the edge of a sideboard, and for a moment, he looks lost in thought.

“You okay?”

He glances at me. “It’s strange being here without her and having all her stuff still here. I’ll see that it’s all collected. There’s some valuable pieces here.”

“Judy’s gone,” I say bluntly, shrugging my shoulders. “You’ll have to get used to it. This place is part of Brennan Industries now, I believe.”

His mouth tightens, and he doesn’t respond. Instead, he turns his attention to the window, looking out at the street below. I don’t know what he’s thinking, and honestly, I don’t care.

Gus being here isn’t my concern—what he wants is. I know he says he’s here to pick up Mama, but that doesn’t fool me.

“You didn’t come here to reminisce,” I say. “What do you want?”

He turns back to me, his eyes narrowing slightly. “I want to know where your grandfather is.”

My stomach flips, but I keep my expression neutral. “He’s in custody. You know that.”

“Don’t lie to me, Mia,” he says, his voice low and dangerous. “You and I both know he’s not in custody. So where is he?”

I bristle, lifting my chin. “How should I know? I haven’t spoken to him since I gave my statement and they arrested him.”

Gus steps closer, his presence suddenly overwhelming. “You’re lying.”

“I’m not,” I snap, but my voice wavers, betraying me. I begin to feel deep inside that my grandfather is not the only one capable of killing. And being rich enough to get away with it.

It would seem, my uncle is also.

He studies me for a long moment, his gaze cutting through me like a scalpel. “If you’re trying to play both sides, Mia, you need to think very carefully about what you’re doing. Your grandfather isn’t the kind of man you double-cross and walk away from.”

I force myself to meet his gaze. “I’m not playing both sides. I’m just trying to survive.”

Gus’s expression softens slightly, but his voice remains firm. “If you want to survive, you’d better think about who you’re siding with. Because if you choose the wrong side, you won’t get another chance.”

Before I can respond, Mama enters the room, her smile bright but tentative. She’s dressed elegantly, as always, her dark hair swept into a neat bun.

“Ready?” she asks Gus as she glances between us.

Gus straightens, his demeanor shifting instantly. “Of course. I have a wonderful lunch place picked for us. I’ve missed you, Maria.”

Mama starts to turn, but then she pauses, patting her pockets. “I forgot my purse. I’ll be right back.” She disappears down the hall, leaving me alone with Gus.

I cross my arms, stepping closer to him. “You’d better watch yourself with her,” I say quietly, my voice laced with warning.

Gus raises an eyebrow. “And why’s that?”

“Who?” she demands.

“Mama, a friend. Cass, you remember Cass? She and Gabriel were lovers.”

Mama’s glare softens a little and Gus looks away before speaking.

“I didn’t realize you and Cass were still friends. Wasn’t there some trouble between you?”

I know he’s referring to the drug buying and selling, Cass using. He’s trying to get the upper hand.

“No, we’re just fine. A simple misunderstanding.”

Gus nods and away they go.

So far, so good. I have him fooled for now. I intend to keep it that way.

But I also know that Cass is working in his estate in Brussels, and she’s been here for a short time with Winona.

I don’t trust any of them. He already knows Cass and I aren’t friends now, I know he does. I don’t think he’ll risk saying anything in front of Mama.

Gus is playing the doting love interest but I know he’s hiding a lot from her too.

It’s only a matter of time before he catches himself in his own trap.