Divorce Me Before Death Takes Me, CEO novel Chapter 422

Chapter 422

Audrey’s POV

Rachel Hayes stood at the podium in a black suit, tears streaming down her face despite her flawless makeup. Camera flashes lit up the press room as she faced the reporters.

“Ladies and gentlemen,’ she began, voice cracking, “I have to confirm that the man killed in the Parker Group garage today was indeed my fiancé, Blake Parker.”

She dabbed her eyes with a black handkerchief while the room fell silent.

‘I kept this information private to protect his family, especially his grandfather, Rachel explained. “For that confusion, I apologize on behalf of myself and Blake.”

When asked about the perpetrators, Rachel’s expression hardened momentarily. “The person who harmed Blake is already dead. This tragic chapter is closed.”

She squared her shoulders, looking both devastated and determined. ‘I’ll now take over Parker Group to finish Blake’s work and care for his family as he would have wanted.”

She pulled out a document from a folder. ‘Blake and I had already legally married. While our ceremony was scheduled for tomorrow, we filed the paperwork early.”

The marriage certificate caught the light, drawing gasps from the press. Rachel’s voice broke. ‘I never thought I’d become a widow before becoming a bride.”

I watched this performance on the TV screen, feeling strangely hollow. Beside me on the couch at Thompson mansion sat Blake – very much alive despite Rachel’s tearful proclamation.

“My wedding to Blake will still happen tomorrow, Rachel announced, wiping away fresh tears. “First, to comfort Blake’s soul in heaven. And second, to promise his family that I’ll fulfill my vows as his wife, as a Parker daughter-in-law, and as the new head of Parker Group!”

The reporters erupted in applause, clearly moved by her performance.

“Jesus,” Felix muttered, leaning against a column with his arms crossed. ‘Who said she could act? She can barely hold back her smile. Is Blake’s death really that exciting for her?”

“Of course,” Blake replied coolly from the sofa, a blanket over his legs. ‘Now she’s free from having a husband, free from competition, and his lips curled into a cold smile, ‘she’s inherited billions without lifting a finger.”

He glanced at Felix. “If you were her, you’d be grinning even wider.”

Felix turned back to the screen. “Any word on Astrid?”

“Nothing, I replied, my stomach knotting.

Henry Hartford’s team had turned New York upside down looking for her. From what he’d shared, I could see he was genuinely committed to finding her. He’d mobilized his entire staff, searching everywhere from penthouses to slums.

Yet Astrid had vanished without a trace. At the funeral home, confirming the accident victim wasn’t her had brought relief – as long as she wasn’t dead, there was hope. But now, after such an exhaustive search yielding nothing, despair was creeping back.

Where could she be? New York’s only so big. She didn’t leave by airport or train, so she must still be here. But why can’t anyone find her?

Thalia’s voice from the TV interrupted my thoughts. “My brother’s death has devastated us all. Mom’s been crying all afternoon…”

On screen, Thalia stepped up to the microphone, her face pale and eyes red. “Blake was the best brother anyone could have,’ she said, voice trembling. “He always took care of me. Even when I messed up badly, he never really punished me…”

Chapter 422

She dabbed her eyes. “He died protecting a little girl. That was Blake – always kind-hearted. When he saw Mrs. Knox’s daughter kidnapped, he naturally wanted to help…”

Thalia moved closer to Rachel, linking their arms. “Thank God we still have Rachel. Without her to manage Parker Group, what would become of our family? Blake would be so upset seeing us struggle…”

Rebecca joined them on stage. “Yes, we’re so grateful for Rachel,” she added emotionally.

The three women embraced, creating the perfect picture of a united family in grief. Reporters snapped photos continuously, clearly eating it up.

I studied Thalia’s expression for any hint connecting her to Astrid’s disappearance, but found nothing. Her act was flawless.

A man in white approached the stage and whispered something in Thalia’s ear. She nodded tearfully before letting him lead her off stage.

“Who’s that?” Felix asked.

EAR

“Mother’s handpicked son-in-law,” Blake replied dryly. “Top of his class at NYU Finance. She vetted him for months before introducing him to Thalia.”

Blake’s expression remained neutral, but his voice carried an edge. “If things go as planned, he’ll become Thalia’s husband and fight me for Parker assets.”

He laughed without humor. “Strange that my mother never trusted her own son, preferring to find a son-in-law to help her daughter claim the family fortune.”

I’ve taken care of them both for years, Blake added quietly. “Yet our relationship has always been strained.”

The loneliness in Blake’s voice made my heart twist. I could relate, having never felt parental love myself. I’d never realized Blake and I shared this wound. He seemed to have everything – hard to imagine someone like him being neglected by Rebecca.

James, who had been quiet until now, suddenly spoke. “Mr. Parker, forgive my bluntness, but are you sure you’re your mother’s biological son?”

The room went silent. I stared at James, surprised by his directness.

“What are you talking about?” I asked.

James remained composed. “Parents typically favor their more successful child.”

He gestured toward the TV. “Your sister consistently embarrasses the Parker name, yet your mother favors her. No rational parent would position such a daughter to inherit a business she can’t handle.”

He leaned forward. “Even the best son-in-law has no blood connection to the Parkers, making him less desirable than actual family.”

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