Divorce Me Before Death Takes Me, CEO novel Chapter 16

Chapter 16: How Can I Not Be Angry?

Blakes INV

Grandpa’s voice was so loud that the grand ballroom seemed frozen

time. The soft clink of silverware ceased, conversations dind mid–sentence, and even the walters paused in their tracks. In that charged silence, I could almost hear the rapid beating of Audrey’s heart from where she sat beside me,

Rebecca’s face paled as she realized her mistake. “No, you must have misheard me, 1…”

But it was too late, My grandpa, with his long–cultivated acute powers of observation, upon scrutinizing Audrey intently for an instant, instantly comprehended her haggard countenance and conspicuous emaciation. I had noticed these changes too, but had dismissed them as another of her attention seeking tactics.

“Audrey.” His voice softened in a way it never did for me anymore. Tell me the truth. What on earth is going on?

I watched as she lowered her head, unable to meet his gaze. “William we can discuss this another time… Her voice carried a plea that made something twist uncomfortably in my chest.

But Grandpa had already sensed blood in the water. He stood up abruptly, his chair scraping against the marble floor. ‘Is this because of Blake and Laurel? His voice was filled with anger. “Is that why Audrey lost the baby!?”

The entire ballroom fell silent. I could see Laurel shifting uncomfortably in her seat, while Thalia started to comfort her. The situation was spiraling out of control.

“Grandpa, please don’t get angry…” I tried to intervene, but my words only seemed to fuel his rage.

or a great–grandchild! Audrey finally gets

“How can n I not be angry!?” His face reddened dangerously. “I’ve b been waiting three years for pregnant, and now she’s lost the baby! What the hell did you do, as her husband!?

The accusation hit harder than I expected. I opened my mouth to defend myself, but Audrey’s voice cut through the tension.

“William,” she spoke with a steadiness that surprised me. “Please dont blame Blake. I had an accident,

nt, that’s why I I lost the baby.”

Something about her lie made my fists clench under the table. Why was she still protecting me? After everything that had happened, after the scene at The Underground, after my behavior at tayo Clinic – why?

“We can discuss the details tomorrow,” Audrey’s voice was soft but steady. “It’s your birthday, William. Everyone is watching.”

Grandpa’s jaw wa

was tightly clenched, and the veins on his forehead seemed on the verge of bursting

After a long moment, he looked at Audrey with such profound pain and tenderness that I felt like an intruder witnessing it. “Audrey. I am truly sorry,” he said quietly. “I never imagined they would treat you this way.”

“It’s alright,” Audrey’s smile was serene, though it didn’t reach her eyes. Today is about celebrating your birthday. Let’s not talk about this.”

Grandpa closed his eyes, his expression twisted with grief. He shook his head but remained silent.

Perhaps it was the emotional toll of the evening, but he barely touched his dinner before claiming fatigue, “Charles,” he called, his voice heavy with exhaustion. I think I retire for the evening.”

Charles appeared immediately at his side, helping him up with practiced care. As they left the room, whispers erupted around us

“Poor Audrey, still protecting the family’s image while Blake Parker parades around with Laurel Rose.

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Chapter 16: How Can I Not Be Angry?

“That’s what being a proper society wile means!”

“Please, she’s just a country ght who got lucky. What does she know out true refinement?

The words reached my ears, each one carrying a sting of truth I wasnt ready to acknowledge. I watched as Audrey kept her eyes fixed on her plate, pushing food around mechanically. How many times had she sat through dinners like this, pretending not to

hear?

iving up your seat to someone more…

“I beg your pardon?”

Seeing all eyes turn in their direction, Thalia rolled her eyes, lowering her voice with obvious irritation. “Stop making a scene! I’m right next to you. Do you need hearing treatment? Should I pay for le

What happened next shocked even me. With deliberate slowness, Audrey raised an eyebrow, extending her hand to Thalia. ‘A hundred thousand dollars, I believe that should cover the medical costs.

This wasn’t the woman who’d spent three years carefully tiptoeing around my moods. This wasn’t the Audrey Sinclair who’d married me while I was in a coma, who’d refused twenty million to leave.

my

Thalia finally found her voice, her words coming out in a hiss. “A hundred thousand dollars? Are you out of your mind?”

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