Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

(Winona)

"...and that's why we're proposing a total overhaul," Darien is saying. His voice is confident, but his idea is garbage.

I hate it. None of this new branding speaks to innovation or trust-it looks like stuff college interns throw together after one too many energy drinks.

I open my mouth to tell him to sit down, but before I can, the meeting room door swings open.

And every muscle in my body locks up.

Phillip.noveldrama

For a second, I think I'm hallucinating-like my subconscious decided to really mess with me today.

But no, he's real. Tall, perfectly put together, that same effortless confidence that made him such a force in my business. And in my life.

The man I was engaged to. The man I built a business with. The man I spent one reckless night with before everything went to hell.

But even more than that, Phillip was my trusted friend. My best friend when I had to flee from Judy and Ashlyn before I had Abby. He knows he almost as intimately as Jayden does. He also betrayed me in the worst way by being a plant by Judy from the start. Do I believe he really loved me? Yes. Do I believe he regretted everything he ever had to do with Judy Brennan? Yes. But that doesn't change the fact that he never confided in me when he should have.

He never let me know from the time he developed real feelings for me, that Judy was someone who was pulling his strings. Of course, back then he never knew the extent of Judy and her sick manipulations of my life. The lengths she would go to, to keep me away from her son.

But even with all that happening, even with the worst things happening, Jayden and I still found a way to love each other. It's fate. Meant to be. Now, Judy is gone for good and the freedom I feel inside over that is amazing.

But here's Phillip back in my life. And no matter how much things have changed for Jayden and I, this is going to be a problem for Jayden. A huge one.

I've changed a lot. By the looks of it, so has Phillip. There's something about his presence that is no longer unsure. He always worried he wasn't good enough for this billionaire business scene. Clearly, he doesn't think that way anymore.

His gaze locks onto mine, and there's no shock in his expression. He knew. He knew he'd be walking into this room, into me being here not knowing he would be here. And he still came.

I swallow hard, willing my voice to stay even. "Phillip."

A murmur spreads through the room as the execs glance between us. They've all followed the media scrutiny on our lives, no doubt. I don't care what they think. That can stay on the past where it belongs.

Phillip gives a polite nod, his voice smooth, unreadable. "Mrs. Brennan."

There's an edge underneath, something only I can pick up.

This is just so wrong on so many levels, and yet so right from a business standpoint.

Lance was always two steps ahead, pulling strings no one saw until they tightened into place. He knew exactly what he was doing, hiring Phillip. He knew how well we work together fundamentally. But did Lance really think it would just work so easily after everything? That I could just slot Phillip back into my world like nothing happened?

"I have the rebranding campaign ready to go." He says as if it's all done and dusted.

I force myself to breathe. "Alright," I say, keeping my voice neutral. "Let's hear it. Then I'll decide."

Phillip places his laptop on the table, connects it to the projector and screen and starts his presentation.

He moves to the front of the room, sleeves rolled just slightly, radiating effortless authority, commanding attention. He's magnetic, pulling every eye in the room toward him, including mine.

"This isn't just a finance app," he starts, clicking to the first slide. The screen shifts to a sleek, dynamic interface mockup.

"This is the key to 'Financial Freedom for Real People'."

The heading is in bold letters. Phillip

continues, "the 85% of the

population that isn't drowning in investment portfolios or managing millions-but still deserve to grow their wealth."

He paces slightly, controlled, like a performer who knows exactly when to pause for effect. "Meet VAULT."

The name appears on the screen, crisp and bold in deep midnight blue lettering, Modern, sleek font, paired with a simple but strong icon a lock unlocking into an upward-pointing graph.

And damn it, it's good.

Not just good-brilliant.

I have no choice even though I know this decision is going test the strength of Jayden and I as a couple.

Am I ready for that? Fuck no!

I can barely sleep without hearing my baby's cries. I can't walk in public without babies being everywhere.

I don't got this, at all.

But I'm not letting any of that stop me. This is my baby now. This app.

I'll do my best for it. I have no clue how to navigate the man in front of me now and my husband. But I'll find away.

That will start with me telling Jayden about Phillip as soon as I can.

He's flying now and out of phone signal range. But we have our family video call scheduled, I'll tell him then.

He'll probably say it's all good.

But I know that will be a lie.