Divorce Me Before Death Takes Me, CEO novel Chapter 138

Chapter 138

Audrey’s POV

“Blake Parker is busy planning his proposal to his girlfriend tomorrow,” I said, frost in my voice. “If you want to make him angry and ruin his mood, go ahead and call him right now about my divorce

settlement details!”

Richard went quiet. I could practically see him recalculating, unwilling to jeopardize his potential

meal ticket.

I hung up without another word and immediately switched my phone off, tossing it onto the coffee table. The world instantly fell quiet.

I closed my eyes and breathed in the silence. After a hot shower, I wrapped myself in a soft robe, feeling some of the day’s tension wash away. When I checked my phone again, the screen lit up with notifications over a dozen missed calls and texts, all from Victoria..

I scrolled through the messages, each more desperate than the last:

Audrey, I don’t think Laurel deserves Blake. Should you try to win him back?

Let’s work together to get him back, okay?

You were with Blake for three years. There must be feelings there. I think you two could reconcile.

A laugh escaped my lips before I could stop it. The audacity was almost impressive.

Victoria had barely hidden her attraction to Blake during our marriage. Each time I brought him to the Sinclair home – which I could count on one hand – she’d practically draped herself over him, finding excuses to touch his arm or laugh at his mildest comments.

Now she wanted us to “work together“? Her intentions couldn’t be more transparent if they were

written in neon.

I typed a cold reply: If you like Blake Parker, I support you pursuing him. Just leave me out of it.

Her response came instantly: Really? Can I really pursue Blake Parker?

I smirked, typing deliberately: Of course. If you like him, go for it.

I pictured her excitement, completely oblivious to the futility of her plan. Either she vastly overestimated her appeal or completely underestimated Laurel’s hold on Blake. Probab

oth.

Still, Victoria had guts. Walking straight into rejection, but at least she had the nerve to try.

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Chapter 138

I pulled up some jewelry design videos with Show purring in my lap. The combination of technical discussion and my cat’s warmth lulled me to sleep.

I woke the next morning with a stiff neck, my phone hot from playing videos all night. As I set it down to cool, I noticed a message from Ethan.

My heart quickened, expecting more dirt on Parker–Rose Studio. Instead, I found a simple smiley face followed by: Happy Birthday to you!

I blinked in surprise before replying: My official records have the wrong date. My birthday was two days ago. But thank you for the wishes.

Then I can only wish you a belated happy birthday, he responded. I have a gift prepared for you though. Even if it’s not your birthday today, I still want to give it to you.

What gift? I asked, curious despite myself.

You’ll find out later, he wrote with a laughing emoji.

Thank you in advance for the birthday gift, I replied and got ready for work.

At Original Studio, I dove straight into my design revisions. Time dissolved as I fine–tuned each element, adjusting gemstone placements and metal thicknesses. This was my element – creating beautiful things that would outlast me.

I only snapped out of my design trance when James rapped his knuckles on my desk. Glancing up, I realized the office had emptied out hours ago. My coworkers had all gone home while I’d vanished into my work again.

The clock read 6:30. I rolled my shoulders, wincing at the stiffness, then packed up my things. My phone rang the moment I stepped outside – Astrid.

“Audrey!” she exclaimed. “You won’t believe what I just received. Blake Parker’s assistant delivered an invitation to me! For tonight at Four Seasons Hotel!”

I stopped walking. “What?”

“I know, right? Blake Parker invited me to his proposal to Laurel Rose!”

My mind raced. Blake inviting me was strange enough, but Astrid too? They barely knew each other outside of me.

“What the hell is he thinking?” Astrid continued, her voice rising. “He’s proposing t

urel but

invites his ex–wife AND her best friend? Does he want the whole world watching? Doesn’t he know I have a temper? What if I cause a scene?”

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Chapter 138

“Let’s go see what it’s about,” I said finally.

“What?”

“Let’s go. I need company anyway, and since he invited you too, you might as well join me.”

“That’s exactly what I was thinking!” Astrid laughed. “I’ve already picked out my dress. I want to see what kind of proposal Blake Parker has planned a month in advance!”

I thought about the red dress Blake had bought me yesterday, a cold smile forming. “Astrid, come pick me up at my place later.”

The Four Seasons Hotel glowed against the darkening sky as our car pulled up. Astrid whistled low

beside me.

“They’ve gone all out, haven’t they?”

I nodded, taking in the elaborate decorations. White and gold flower arrangements adorned the entrance, but something seemed off. As we approached, I noticed cards tucked among the blooms, each bearing the same message: “Happy Birthday!”

Streamers and balloons in the same color scheme floated everywhere, all carrying the same birthday

wishes.

Astrid froze beside me. “Wait a minute. Shouldn’t it say ‘Congratulations on Your Engagement‘ or something? Why does everything say ‘Happy Birthday‘?”

I studied the decorations, equally confused. “It doesn’t look like a mistake.”

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