Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

230 What's His Agenda? (Judy)

Sitting behind my desk, I take a long, measured look at Gabriel. He's calm, collected, dressed sharp in a tailored suit that makes him look every bit the professional he wants me to belleve he is.

But I've been around too long, seen too much, to take anyone at face value anymore. Especially not Greg's long-lost son.

"Let's get straight to the point," I say, folding my hands on the desk. "You've got shares now, but what exactly are you planning to do with them? Surely you have some kind of ambition."

Gabriel meets my gaze, his expression steady. "I want to help, but I can't legally manage any businesses here without a green card. I can own shares, have a joint venture or even fund a start-up but not work in the U.S. until the green card is through." "Have you got a green card application in?"

"I do."

I narrow my eyes. "So, what's your plan? Just sit on those shares while the rest of us do the heavy lifting?"

Gabriel smiles. "Not at all. I've already been in touch with an immigration law firm I'm exploring options for the future. But for now, I'm here as a shareholder, not a manager. But I can learn as well."

A sliver of irritation slips through my defenses. "Jayden was instrumental to this firm and, if you want to be employed here, you need to be as well."

He doesn't flinch. "I understand that this is a delicate situation. Greg's legacy is complicated, to say the least, but I intend to honor it. I want to learn the business, contribute where I can-when I can."

I scoff. "Greg's legacy."

Gabriel watches me closely.

"It's my legacy. I'm the one who built this business up. All Greg did was get busy with some floozy in Cuba."

I watch him tense. I'm testing the waters of course.

"Don't speak about my mother that way. You've no right. She had no idea you existed either."

"So she says. How do I know that's the truth?"

"Because my mother doesn't lie."

"Yes, and everyone in jail is innocent."

I lean back in my chair, studying him. "Learning the business takes time, Gabriel. It's not something you can just walk into. I've been running Brennan Industries for over three decades. If you think you can waltz in here and make decisions, think again." He nods, accepting my words without so much as a twitch. 1 understand, Judy. I'm not here to undermine your leadership. My role is to figure out how I can fit in."

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230 What's

at's His Agenda'

I tap my fingers on the desk, feeling a strange mix of curiosity and suspicion. He's saying all the right things, but that only makes me more cautious. "What about your sisters? Do they have the same intentions?"

Gabriel hesitates for a moment, then speaks. "They're not as invested in the business. They've made it clear they'd like to sell their shares and focus on other opportunities."

Opportunity. That word again.

If they want to sell, I'd be willing to buy them out," I say, watching him carefully for a reaction. "I'm sure you realize I do own the controlling amount of shares as I still hold some."

He smiles politely but doesn't commit. "I'll let them know your offer, but we need to discuss it as a family first. We haven't fully decided what our next steps will be."

I narrow my eyes, still suspicious, but I can feel a flicker of something else-a grudging respect. He's handling this well, better than I expected. But I'm not ready to hand over the keys just yet.

I'm not letting him look at the financials until I'm sure.

Gabriel raises an eyebrow, "I want your trust, Judy. I'm not here to make things difficult."

I stand, signaling the end of the meeting. "Trust is earned, not given," I say, my voice firm. "For now, I'll keep an eye on things. We'll see how you handle yourself."

Gabriel stands as well, nodding respectfully. "Thank you for the opportunity. I'll be in touch."

As he leaves, I watch him go, still unsure what to make of him.

I grab my phone and dial Lance's number.

He picks up on the second ring, his usual laid-back tone coming through. "Hey, Judy. What's up?"

"I just had a meeting with Gabriel," I say, getting straight to the point. "He seems eager to get involved, but I'm not giving him access to the financials. Not yet." Lance chuckles. "Good call. What do you want me to do?"

"If he insists on seeing anything, make up some fake reports-something that looks real but doesn't give him any actual information. Just enough to keep him busy."

There's a pause on the other end. "You sure about that? He seemed pretty straight with me."

"I'm not taking any chances," I snap, my voice sharper than I intended. "I need to know more about him before I let him anywhere near the real numbers. Jayden sold a lot of assets and really filled the coffers. I'm not risking Gabriel seeing that amount of money." "Got it," Lance says, his tone more serious now. "I'll handle it."

I pause

for a moment, then ask, "What's

THE handle it."

take on Gabriel?"

Lance is quiet for a second, thinking it over. "He seems okay. Polite, professional. Popular with the ladies. But I don't know him well enough yet to say if he's trustworthy. He's definitely ambitious, though."

Ambitious. That always makes me wary.

230 What's His Agrada?

"I'll keep an eye on him," I say. "For now, just follow my lead."

"Will do. Anything else?"

"No, that's it. Just keep Gabriel busy with the fake reports."

"Consider it done," Lance says before hanging up.

Gabriel's got potential. But I'm not letting my guard down. Not with him. Not with anyone.

My phone buzzes again, this time with a text from Gus. He's asking if we're still on for dinner tonight. I stare at the message for a moment before typing my response.

Change of plans. When are you leaving for Europe?

Gus doesn't reply but I know he's probably fuming. He thought we were going to pick things back up, live in some sort of happily-ever-after scenario. But that was never the plan. Not for me. I need my space. I always have.

I'm in control again. Back in the business. Back where I belong with Gabriel under my watchful eye.

m going to make damn sure no one gets in my way.