Divorce Me Before Death Takes Me, CEO novel Chapter 414

Chapter 414

Audrey’s POV

I nodded and followed the guys into Blake’s room. He was propped up in bed, eyes fixed on his tablet as Rachel’s interview played.

Blake watched with a blank expression, jaw tight. Three years ago, this betrayal would’ve crushed him. Now I saw something colder – calculation instead of

pain.

Maybe it’s hard to accept someone you trusted never actually cared about you, even for Blake Parker.

‘Blake. Felix grabbed the tablet, glanced at the screen, and snorted. “This clip again? Seriously?”

He shook his head. “Your fake fiancée’s little performance has everybody thinking you’re dead. The internet’s going crazy with it.”

Felix ran his fingers through his hair. “William heard the rumors too. My grandfather spent an hour talking him down until he showed him photos of you here. With his health so bad, who knows if he’d have made it through the night otherwise!*

Blake took his tablet back. “I’ve replayed it a few times.”

James stepped closer. “Mr. Parker, don’t let this upset you. I doubt Miss Hayes ever really cared

‘I’m not upset, Blake cut him off.

The corner of his mouth lifted slightly. “Just enjoying the show.”

Ethan frowned at his phone. “But she’s crying in the video…”

“That’s the whole point,” Felix laughed. “She’s putting on a performance. Think about it – she’s supposedly marrying Blake tomorrow, but she’s standing there with tears, denying’ he’s dead.”

He tapped the screen. “What she’s really doing is confirming the rumors without actually saying the words. The tears, the shaky voice – it’s all saying ‘yes, he’s probably dead’ while pretending to hope he’s not.”

“Oh shit, Ethan’s eyes widened. “You’re right.”

I turned to Blake. “What’s your plan for dealing with Rachel?”

Blake’s eyes hardened. “Die. Just like she wants.”

He leaned back. “I want to see her reaction when she thinks I’m actually gone.”

He glanced at Felix. “Michael found out she tried canceling tomorrow’s wedding thirty minutes ago. I told him to refuse say everything’s paid for and can’t be changed.”

“I need you at the hotel tomorrow morning to greet the guests. Keep everyone calm, make sure nobody suspects anything.”

Felix nodded. ‘Of course. We’ve been friends forever. I’ll handle your family like they’re my own.”

Blake turned to Ethan and James. “Hope you guys can make it too. I could use the extra help making this work.”

“Though I get it if you’d rather not,” he added.

The two exchanged glances before James spoke. “We’re in.”

Blake shifted toward me. ‘Last thing I need you and Jett for a special job.”

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I nodded. After what Rachel did to Emma, she deserved whatever Blake was planning.

Thirty minutes later, I stood to leave and felt something in my pocket.

“Here’s your phone back,’ I said, pulling it out.

Blake took it without looking up, already focused on planning his next move.

My own phone rang. Rachel Hayes. I frowned and put it on speaker, motioning everyone to stay quiet.

“Where are you? Her voice was ice cold.

“Yes?’ I kept my tone neutral, sitting back down.

“Where the hell are you?” Rachel sounded agitated. ‘Do you still have Blake’s phone?”

“I gave it back to him already.”

A pause. “Gave it back? Why are you still pretending?”

My eyebrows shot up as she continued, “The cops called me to ID his body! Why keep up this act?”

“You’re saying Blake’s dead?” I asked flatly.

“What else?” she snapped.

She suddenly switched topics. “Did you find your kid?”

I lowered my voice. “Why are you asking? She’s fine, she’s home…”

“Home in the morgue, you mean,” Rachel laughed. “Stop pretending, Mrs. Knox. The police want me to identify Blake’s body. Your daughter died with him.”

Her voice turned mocking. “Gotta say, you’re pretty calm for someone whose kid just died. Impressive.”

“What should I do instead?” I shot back. “Run to the nearest camera crew and sob about how close we were while making sure they get my good side?”

Silence stretched for several seconds.

“What exactly are you implying?” Rachel’s voice had lost its edge.

‘Don’t think being Audrey’s twin gives you the right to talk to me like that!” she hissed. “Those reporters ambushed me. I had no choice!”

“Right,” I said, leaning back. “Because St. Regis only has one door? The one where all those reporters just happened to be waiting?”

I let that sink in. “Strange, since I know that place has at least three side entrances. Yet you got out of your car at the main entrance where every camera was pointed.”

“Did they force you to do that too, Rachel? Your lies might work on you, but they’re not fooling anyone else.”

“Your daughter just died and you’re critiquing my press coverage?” Rachel’s voice turned ugly. “You clearly don’t give a shit about her!”

She kept going. “I thought you’d be like Audrey – all heart and feelings. But you’re nothing like her!”

I caught the deliberate comparison – the first time Rachel had directly referenced “who I used to be.” She was using my supposed lack of grief to paint Evelyn as heartless compared to Audrey.

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