Divorce Me Before Death Takes Me, CEO novel Chapter 411

Chapter 411

Audrey’s POV

I watched Rachel’s interview, frowning at what I saw. Her act was flawless teary eyes, shaky voice, all of it. Too perfect.

Then I scrolled through the comments, and sure enough, the comments had exploded with theories about Blake. Some claimed he was already dead. Others swore he was fighting for his life in the ICU.

If I hadn’t seen Blake myself, I might’ve bought it too. The way Rachel kept saying “if he’s fine” while subtly suggesting he wasn’t it was masterful manipulation.

I handed the phone back to Astrid, my chest tight.

How is this the same Rachel who taught me to drive? Who spent nights helping me practice for social events? The woman who became like a sister to me?

Is she actually hoping Blake is dead?

I couldn’t wrap my head around it. Rachel had pined after Blake for years. She’d stepped into my shoes after my “death,” playing girlfriend to a man who didn’t recognize her. She’d endured Rebecca’s cruelty, Thalia’s tantrums, William’s confusion – all to stay close to Blake.

How does someone go from that kind of devotion to arranging murder?

Ethan dropped into a chair, running his hands through his hair. “Still can’t believe Rachel would try to kill Blake. I mean, she was weird about him, but murder?”

He leaned forward. Must be because of that livestream this morning – the way Blake looked at you. People online went crazy. Then when Rachel stopped your car and you called Blake directly? The way he shut her down without hesitation?” He shook his head. ‘She must’ve snapped.”

“That’s part of it,” James said, “but there’s something bigger most people don’t know.” He paused. “Blake and Rachel completed their marriage paperwork days ago.”

My breath caught. “They’re already legally married?”

“The ceremony was just for show. Under New York law, they’re husband and wife.”

Felix whistled. “So if Blake died today…”

‘Rachel inherits a fortune,” James finished. “Blake’s personal wealth is enormous, separate from Parker Group. His portfolio has outperformed the family business three-to-one.”

He looked grim. “Think about it – why stay with a man who doesn’t love you when you could become his wealthy widow instead? She’d get his billions and likely keep her position at Parker Group.”

‘She’s been Deputy CEO for months now,” he continued. “William’s dying. After Blake, only Rebecca, Thalia, Elizabeth, and Olivia remain – none of whom have ever shown interest in actually running things.”

“Throw enough money their way and they’d let her take over,” Felix added bitterly. “One signature from Blake, and just like that, she’s set to become one of the most powerful women in New York.”

“This was her plan all along,” Felix said, pacing. “Just waiting for the perfect moment.”

I sat back, stunned. The Rachel I knew had been ambitious, sure, but never murderous. The woman who arranged Emma’s kidnapping and Blake’s stabbing was a stranger wearing my friend’s face.

Adrian’s POV

Chapter 411

“I think Rachel was improvising, not following some master plan.”

Everyone turned as I walked in with Emma half-asleep against my shoulder. I passed her to Audrey’s waiting arms.

*Rachel couldn’t have predicted Blake would risk his life for our daughter,” I said. “Her original plan was probably just to kidnap Emma – hurting our child while damaging Audrey’s standing with Blake. When Blake showed up unexpectedly, her people had to adapt.”

I turned to the doctors. ‘Is Blake awake yet?”

“Not yet,” the younger one replied. “He’s out of danger but needs rest. Lost too much blood and struggled while unconscious. His body’s recovering.”

The doctor hesitated, then added, “But I noticed something interesting about his legs – they’re not beyond treatment as previously thought.”

Audrey spun around, eyes suddenly bright. “Are you saying he could walk again?”

“Yes,” he nodded. “His condition is complex, and treatment would be challenging. I’d need to consult with Harrison Clarke first.”

“Of course, his determination is crucial,” he added. “If he truly wants to walk and puts in the work, it’s just a matter of time.”

“That’s fantastic!” Astrid exclaimed, grabbing Audrey’s hands.

I watched Audrey’s face transform at the news

–

the light in her eyes, the color in her cheeks. A reaction I’d never seen before.

“Blake’s recovery seems quite important to you all,” I said coldly.

Astrid looked confused. “Not to us

–

to Audrey! She – ”

Astrid. Audrey cut her off sharply. “Drop it.”

The room seemed to freeze as Audrey turned to me. “I’ve explained this before. I’m glad Blake might walk again because his disability was my fault. He got hurt saving me on Long Island.”

Her voice was ice. “It’s guilt, nothing more.”

I laughed. “Right. Everyone knows his legs were damaged saving Rachel from a car accident.”

That look in her eyes when she heard Blake might walk again – I’ve never seen it before.

She promised me before we came to New York.

Why can’t she just stay away from him?

Does he really matter more to her than the people who saved her life?

The tension in the room was suffocating. No one spoke.

Audrey’s POV

I would’ve explained everything to Adrian before. Carefully broken down why I cared about Blake’s recovery, assured him it was just guilt.

But after how he treated Astrid when Emma disappeared? After hearing him lash out at my best friend? I just don’t have the energy anymore.

Yes, he spoke from fear. I get that panic makes people cruel. But those unfiltered words showed his true thoughts.

He’s my sister’s husband. He saved my life. I can’t hold grudges over small things.

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