Divorce Me Before Death Takes Me, CEO novel Chapter 420

Chapter 420

Audrey’s POV

I bit my lip and wiped away the tears streaming down my face as we left the morgue room. Relief that the body wasn’t Astrid’s had hit me like a tidal wave, but now fear was creeping back in.

“But where’s Astrid gone?” I asked, my voice cracking.

If she’s not the accident victim, where the hell is she? No calls, no texts, not even coming back for her favorite necklace… Something’s wrong.

Blake shifted his weight on his crutches. “Henry Hartford’s flying back already. Astrid’s his employee – he’ll turn over every stone looking for her. She’ll turn

up soon.”

He held my gaze. “I’ve got people watching my mother and sister too. If they know anything about Astrid, you’ll be the first to hear.”

I nodded, swiping at another tear. “Thanks.”

“Don’t thank me,” Blake said, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. He turned and made his way toward the exit, navigating carefully on his crutches.

My phone rang, cutting through the silence. I answered without checking, desperate for any news.

“Astrid? Where are you?” I blurted out.

“Still haven’t found your friend?” Adrian’s cold voice hit me like ice water.

I pressed my lips together, gripping my phone tighter.

“Don’t worry too much,” he said dismissively. “She’s a grown woman, not a lost puppy.”

I nodded to Blake and Felix before walking to a bench away from them. This conversation didn’t need an audience.

“I’ve got a European investor asking for Q-elegant specifically,” Adrian continued. “Pack up. We’re heading back to Sydney tomorrow.”

My jaw tightened. “Adrian, I already told you I’m staying in New York until William passes. I just reconnected with him – ”

“Audrey,” he cut me off. “Emma was kidnapped today. Who knows what’ll happen if we stay?”

“This isn’t Sydney. Hartford’s people can’t protect us the same way here.”

His voice rose. “Emma’s traumatized! And this deal was something Evelyn wanted when she was alive. It’s finally happening.”

He softened his tone. “Can’t you just come back with me? Is that so much to ask?*

I took a deep breath, glancing at Blake and Felix waiting by the car. “Adrian, business can wait. When I left Sydney, it was because William was dying. I want to be with him till the end, or at least attend his funeral. You understood that before, so –

“What about Emma and me?” he snapped, “You said you’d treat Emma like your own daughter. But what happened?”

“She was in danger today, and you cared more about Blake Parker than her.”

“Now I’m asking you to return to Sydney for Emma’s sake, and you’re making excuses about the Parkers being more important.”

His voice turned bitter. “What matters more to you – that old man, or Blake Parker himself? You’ve disappointed me too much! If I’d known you’d be this confused, I never would’ve saved you! For your sake, I sent the woman I loved most to hell, and you can’t even play her role properly. Instead, you’re tangled up with people who hurt you!”

Every word stabbed my heart. My face burned with either anger or shame – I couldn’t tell which. My head spun so badly that if I hadn’t been sitting, I might ve blacked out.

I gripped the phone until my knuckles went white. “Adrian, I’ve told you repeatedly that Blake and I are done. You’re the one who won’t believe me. I already explained why I checked on Blake – after making sure Emma was safe. And now Astrid’s missing while William’s still alive. I’m not leaving New York.”

I took a breath. “If you’re that worried about Emma, take her back to Sydney yourself.”

My voice steadied. “After I find who I’m looking for and do what I need to do… if you still regret saving me…”

1 sniffed. “I’ll kill myself. This life should have ended ten months ago anyway.”

Silence stretched between us.

“When did I say I wanted you dead?” Adrian finally replied, his voice strange. “You’re supposed to live on for Evelyn, taking care of Emma.”

“But you said you regretted it,” I replied flatly. “Whatever, Adrian. If New York’s too dangerous, take Emma and go tomorrow. When I’m done here, I’ll come back to Sydney, and you can do whatever you want with me.”

I hung up before he could answer.

Adrian’s POV

I stared at my phone as the busy signal echoed in my ear, my forehead creasing into deep lines.

Emma lay on her stomach in front of me, looking up with eyes too wise for a four-year-old.

“Daddy,” she sighed. “I keep telling you, that’s not how you get Mommy to come back.”

She shook her head. “You just said all those mean things…”

Her small shoulders slumped. “I don’t think Mommy’s coming back with us now…”

Audrey’s POV

I made my way back to Felix’s car. Blake was already settled in the back seat, and Felix had taken the front passenger seat. Great – I had to sit next to Blake.

As I buckled up, Felix twisted around. “Audrey. Adrian wants you back in Sydney?”

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