Divorce Me Before Death Takes Me, CEO novel Chapter 347

Chapter 347

Audrey’s POV

“I don’t need your help!” Thalia snapped, cutting Rachel off. Her body shook but her eyes burned with defiance. “Even if she beats me to death, I don’t need you begging for mercy!”

She marched toward me. “You want to hit me? Go ahead! I don’t – ”

I didn’t wait. My hand connected with her cheek in a sharp slap that echoed through the store. Her head snapped sideways, and she

stumbled to the floor.

“Thalia!” Rachel rushed forward and dropped to her knees, gathering her into a protective embrace. “Are you okay?”

Thalia finally crumbled, tears streaming down her face as she curled into Rachel’s arms. “It hurts so much… Rachel, please… make her stop,”

“Aren’t you friends with them? Don’t let her hit me again…”

“It’s okay. I’m here now,” Rachel soothed. “I’ll protect you.”

Beside me, Astrid barely contained a laugh. The sight of Thalia was almost comical. But her amusement faded quickly as she watched Rachel comfort our former tormentor. Her expression hardened into disapproval.

I tasted something bitter. Rachel Hayes had once been our closest friend. Now she was cradling Thalia Parker like some precious thing.

Rachel looked up, her eyes cold. “Mrs. Knox, Thalia is young. She may have said some rude things, but she hasn’t actually hurt you.”

“You’ve already hit her,” Rachel continued. “Maybe you should apologize?”

“She’s a Parker. If her family finds out what happened on their own turf, they won’t let it go.”

“If I was willing to hit her, I’m not afraid of the Parkers,” I cut in. “If Blake wants revenge, my husband’s family is ready.”

Rachel’s expression darkened.

*Rachel, when I tell my brother about this, back me up,” Thalia hissed, shooting me a vindictive glare from her safe position.

Rachel stared at me, all warmth gone. “Mrs. Knox, remember your business partnership. Don’t make things too tense.”

–

My heart squeezed. These two people – one I once cherished, one I despised were united against me.

“I won’t apologize,” I finally said with a cold laugh. “The one who should say sorry has never been me.”

I walked to Astrid and grabbed her arm. “I don’t regret hitting her.”

“If Blake Parker wants to retaliate, I’m ready.”

We left them on the boutique floor. Neither called after us, and I didn’t look back.

“You were amazing back there!” Astrid exclaimed as we rode down the escalator. “First time I’ve ever seen you take on Thalia like

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Chapter 347

that!”

She grinned, eyes bright with excitement. “Seriously, that was badass!”

I didn’t answer, just kept moving. Something heavy had settled in my chest that her praise couldn’t lift.

When we reached the lobby, I finally stopped. Turning to face her, I tried to steady my breathing.

“Evelyn, you really –

I cut her off, pulling her into a tight hug as tears suddenly spilled over. My nose stung with the effort of holding them back.

“Evelyn?” Astrid froze before slowly returning the embrace.

“You weren’t like this before,” I said through tears. “When I was bullied, you were always in front, fighting for me.”

“I’m glad I can protect you now like you used to protect me. But it breaks my heart seeing you become so cautious, so worried about

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