Divorce Me Before Death Takes Me, CEO novel Chapter 242

Audrey’s POV

The moment we wheeled Rachel into the ballroom, we hit a wall of noise. The place was super packed, guests crammed shoulder to shoulder beneath sparkling chandeliers.

Astrid scanned the crowded room with wide eyes. “I had someone check the guest list when Blake and Laurel sent invitations. This place shouldn’t be so packed.”

I smiled slightly. “It’s because Parker Group and Rose Group are signing their partnership agreement today, with William overseeing it personally.”

“William may be retired, but he was once a legend in New York business. Everyone trying to make it here wants to connect with him,” I continued. “This is his first public appearance in over a decade to sign a business deal. People hoping to learn his secrets or build connections wouldn’t miss it.”

I glanced at Astrid. “With this many people, we’ll blend in better, don’t you think?”

Astrid froze for a moment, then her eyes lit up with understanding. “So William created this crowd on purpose!”

“I wondered why the partnership needed William when Blake could have signed it himself.” She shook her head in admiration. “Smart move. More people means we won’t stand out.”

She sighed. “William’s a good man. Too bad his descendants are such disappointments – his grandson’s a jerk and his granddaughter’s a total

airhead.”

“Astrid Wilson!”

A furious voice cut through the ambient chatter. I turned to see Thalia storming toward us, her gown swishing with each step. Behind her,

Laurel and Olivia followed at a short distance.

“Say that again about who’s an airhead, Thalia demanded, her face flushing.

Astrid turned to her with a cold smile. “Are you deaf?”

–

She cleared her throat and raised her voice. “I said the Parker family’s daughter – you are a brainless airhead.”

Thalia’s eyes bulged. “You crash our family’s engagement party, insult me to my face – do you have a death wish?”

She spun around, scanning the crowd before shouting, “Security! Remove this woman!”

The security guards posted at the entrance continued checking invitations, unaware of her completely.

Thalia’s face reddened as she yelled louder. “Security! Get over here now!*

Still nothing. Her outburst only drew curious stares from nearby guests.

Astrid smirked. “Save your voice, Miss Parker. They can’t hear you over this crowd.”

“Besides, didn’t you mention breaking into entertainment? Planning to sing?” She tapped her forehead. “Th Even with perfect vocal cords, you’d still sound terrible.”

I forgot – you’re tone–deaf.

She gestured gracefully. Go ahead, keep shouting. Let’s see what gives out first – your voice or security’s attention span.”

Thalia’s hands balled into fists at her sides. “Astrid Wilson!”

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Chapter 242

Laurel glided forward, taking Thalia’s arm. “Don’t get worked up over this,‘ she said, her voice sweet but carrying just far enough for us to hear. “You’re not some backwoods girl without manners. No need to sink to their level,”

I gripped Rachel’s wheelchair handles and started turning around. ‘Let’s go, Astrid.

Before we could move, Thalia darted in front of us, blocking our path.

“Running away, ex–sister–in–law?” she taunted. “What’s wrong? Seeing how gorgeous Laurel looks tonight making you feel second–rate?

I frowned at her. “Move aside, Thalia. I’m not looking for a fight.”

“Why should I?” she challenged, planting herself more firmly.

Her eyes dropped to Rachel in the wheelchair, and her expression turned cruel. “Bringing a disabled person to a wedding? How thoughtful.

She leaned down, studying Rachel before laughing. “Oh my God, she’s a vegetable?”

Thalia straightened up. “What’s your angle here, Audrey? Bringing a vegetable to my brother’s engagement? Trying to remind Blake that he was once a vegetable too, and you took care of him?”

Her voice dropped. “Don’t you know being cared for by you is my brother’s most disgusting memory?”

I stared at her blankly, betraying nothing of what I felt inside. After a moment, I allowed a cold smile to touch my lips.

“You say Blake finds being cared for by me his most disgusting memory,” I said evenly. “Did you know that for me, the time I spent caring for Blake is also a memory I least want to recall?”

Blake’s POV

Hearing Audrey’s words, I froze mid–step.

The time I spent caring for Blake is also a memory I least want to recall.

Images flooded my mind – Audrey sitting beside my hospital bed for hours, reading to me, helping nurses turn me, massaging my limbs to prevent atrophy. Days and nights she spent alone caring for me. Though more than two years had passed, those memories remained vivid as yesterday.

I avoided thinking about that time. I didn’t want anyone mentioning it. Many assumed it was because I couldn’t bear the humiliation of having been helpless of having Audrey clean me, feed me, carry me.

But only I knew the truth. I feared revisiting those memories would make me vulnerable to her. I feared becoming captivated by her dedication

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