Divorce Me Before Death Takes Me, CEO novel Chapter 426

Chapter 426

Thalia’s POV

I rushed away from Rachel, my heart pounding. The missing suit worried me more than I wanted to admit. This wasn’t just about bad luck – something was

off.

Vincent sat in a corner scrolling through his phone. I grabbed his arm, my fingers digging into his sleeve.

‘What are you doing here?” I asked, my voice sharper than intended.

He frowned, then quickly softened his expression into that charming smile I loved.

“Just texting a friend,” he said, tucking his phone away. His eyes traveled down my tailored women’s tuxedo. “You’re wearing that to walk with Rachel today?”

I spun around, showing off my expensive outfit. ‘Like it?”

Vincent smiled, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Looks great. Very you.”

I threw my arms around him and whispered in his ear, “Did you handle that thing I asked about yesterday?”

He raised an eyebrow, playfully pinching my nose. “Which one? You give me so many tasks, I can’t keep track without a reminder.

I pressed closer. “Astrid Wilson. I asked you to get rid of her. Did you?”

Vincent rubbed my back, his voice low and soothing. ‘Don’t worry. It’s all taken care of…”

I squeezed his waist tight, relief washing over me. “You’re the best! I already told Mom we’re getting married after Grandfather’s funeral. Once you’re my husband, she’ll put you in Parker Group. Sound good?”

He brushed his lips against my cheek. “Perfect. Can’t wait to make you mine…”

Audrey’s POV

I stepped out of the bathroom, drying my hands on a paper towel. What I saw made me stop short – Vincent kissing Thalia’s cheek with his eyes squeezed shut, looking like he was enduring a root canal.

A cold laugh escaped me. The man obviously couldn’t stand her but would tolerate anything for what she offered. Typical Parker relationship – just another soul sold for money and power.

My laugh, quiet as it was, echoed in the empty hallway. Thalia’s head snapped up.

“Who’s there?!” she demanded, pulling away from Vincent.

I tossed the paper towel in a bin and walked toward them, not bothering to hide.

“Just me,” I said. ‘Don’t mind me – I was just using the restroom, not spying on your PDA session.”

I gestured past them. “Please, carry on,”

As I passed Thalia, I paused. “By the way, if you don’t want an audience, maybe spring for a hotel room. This is a public place.”

I’d barely taken two steps when Thalia called out.

“Wait!”

1/3

Chapter 426

She grabbed my wrist, spinning me around. Her eyes widened in disbelief.

“What are you doing here?’ she demanded.

I pulled out my invitation with my free hand. “You forgot Blake invited me? Since the wedding’s still on, I assumed guests were still welcome.”

I waved it in front of her. Thalia stared, speechless.

“But…”

Watching confusion and anger battle across her face, I laughed.

“Wondering why your thug’s report was wrong?” I smiled coldly. “He told you what I wanted after I handled him. I had him say I left with my husband and daughter this morning.”

I slipped the invitation into my purse. “My family left, but I stayed. I just didn’t want you scrambling to kick me off the guest list. Thoughtful, right?”

I placed the invitation in her hand. “If you’re still confused, keep staring. Though I doubt it’ll help.”

After leaving Thalia in the hallway, I walked back into the main venue. Blake sat in a corner, partially hidden by decorations. He wore a black coat with the collar up and a wide-brimmed hat pulled low.

I glanced toward the entrance. Vincent was watching us while Thalia tugged at his arm.

“Stay put,” I said quietly. “I’ll check if Henry’s here.”

Blake nodded. “Vincent’s spotted me. I’ll move somewhere else.”

I confirmed Vincent was watching us before turning to Jett standing nearby. “Keep him safe.”

Jett nodded, and I headed for the entrance.

Outside, I spotted Henry’s car with two people standing beside it. Something about one figure made my pulse quicken. Without thinking, I ran toward them. As I got closer, recognition hit me.

“Astrid!” I threw my arms around her. “Where have you been? We looked everywhere! I thought you were in that accident! I was about to call the police!”

When I pulled back, my blood ran cold. Astrid’s eyes held no recognition – not anger or coldness, but complete unfamiliarity. She looked at me like I was a stranger.

She frowned and pushed me away, stepping back. “You are…?”

The man beside her jumped in, ‘She’s your good friend, Evelyn Knox. You two are close.”

Astrid’s smile felt forced. “Oh, Evelyn. I’m fine. Don’t worry.”

I turned to Henry, stunned. “What’s wrong with her?”

Henry’s face was blank. “Seems once she found her fiancé, she dropped the act. Too much trouble pretending to be friends with us.”

He climbed into his car and raised the window. Through the glass, I saw him close his eyes in exhaustion.

‘Drive,” he ordered.

I stood frozen as the car pulled away.

“Mrs. Knox.” A polished voice broke through my thoughts. ‘I’m Ryan Quinn, Astrid’s fiancé.”

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Chapter 426

I studied his expensive suit and practiced smile. “Fiancé? Funny, she’s never mentioned being engaged.”

Ryan’s smile didn’t waver. “We met five years ago in Europe. We’ve been together since. You’ve only known Astrid for about six months, so naturally you wouldn’t know about me. She’s private about her personal life.”

I knew this couldn’t be true. Astrid had complained about the lack of dating prospects in Europe. She’d never mentioned a fiancé. And Ryan was nothing like

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