Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

(Mia)

"You know what, Gabriel?" I say, my voice sharp. "Maybe you're not as noble as you want everyone to believe. You think I don't see what you're doing? You're not trying to protect this family. You're trying to control it." He narrows his eyes. "What are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb," I snap. "You just want Brennan Industries for yourself. That's what this is really about, isn't it? Turning Ana and Eva against me so they'll sell to you."

"That's ridiculous," Gabriel retorts, his tone cold. "I'm protecting the company from you. You've already proven you can't be trusted. Someone has to safeguard what Papá built."

"What Papa started," I say, crossing my arms. "That company was built by Judy Brennan. Our father was an awful businessman. But he loved us, all of us. Don't forget, Gabriel, we all share the same blood. The same father. We all deserve to benefit from the legacy, not just you."

Ana shifts uncomfortably, her eyes darting between us. "Mía, it's not about taking sides—"

"Isn't it?" I cut her off, my gaze fixed on Gabriel. "He's made it about sides. He treats me like I don't belong. Like I'm the black sheep of this family. But guess what, Gabriel? You don't get to decide who deserves a seat at the table. I've worked hard to be at the table." "I'm protecting our sisters," he says through gritted teeth, gesturing to Ana and Eva. "From you. From your mistakes. You think I want this job? This responsibility? I don't. But someone has to make sure the Brennan name doesn't get dragged through the mud because of your poor decisions."

"Our father never even gave us his name, he lied," I say, my voice trembling but firm. "DNA gave us the Brennan name. All four of us. You don't get to act like you're the only one entitled or capable."

Eva speaks up, her tone hesitant but firm. "Gabriel, Mía has a point. We all deserve a say in what happens with Brennan Industries. It's not just yours to protect. I'm not selling my shares to either of you." Gabriel sighs and his shoulders drop, but he doesn't respond verbally. He knows I've won this battle.noveldrama

Ana nods, her voice softer. "Mía, we just need to know that we can trust you moving forward. That's all we're asking. And that you'll be safe. We worry about you."

I glance at them, then back at Gabriel. "You can trust me. I'm done with Abuelo," I say, my voice steady. "But I can't trust my own brother if all he's going to do is undermine me every chance he gets." Gabriel lets out a bitter laugh. "You've already undermined yourself, Mía. I don't need to help."

"Then let's make this clear," I say, stepping closer to him. "I'm not going anywhere. I've made mistakes, yes, but I'm still part of this family. You're not going to push me out. Stop trying to be the golden child-" Mama's voice cuts like a razor blade. "Enough!"

We both turn to her, her face etched with exhaustion. I realize she looks older. Tired. This has all taken its toll on her. I'm sorry for my part in that. I love my mama.

"This is not what I wanted when we came here," she says firmly. "You are all my children. I love you all the same."

I put my head down as a sign of submission.

"My biggest hope is for you to work

together, not tear each other apart. Gabriel, Mía is right-this legacy belongs to all of you. But Mía, Gabriel has a right to question your decisions given what's happened. That doesn't mean he has the right todictate your place in this family."

"I feel like I have no place in this family because I'm the youngest. I have no voice. I'm never seen." "Nonsense. You are imagining it."

Sure, I'm always imagining everything. Even now she can't hear what I'm saying.

"Maybe if you acted like an adult and not a spoiled child, we could take you seriously..." Gabriel says.

"Stop it!" Maria's voice cuts through the argument like a knife. She looks at me, her eyes filled with tears. "Mía, you are my daughter. Yes, you are my baby. I know you've made mistakes, but I'm asking you, as an adult, to not keep making them."

Her words hit me harder than Gabriel's accusations ever could.

I force myself to take a breath, to

I

calm the storm raging inside me "Mama Thear you," I say softly do.

I promise, I'm done with him. just

need time to prove it to you.

en

Maria steps forward and takes my hand, her grip trembling. "I don't need promises, mi hija. I need you to be safe. That's all I care about."

"I will be," I say, holding her gaze. "I'll make you proud. You'll see."

Maria's tears spill over, but she nods. "I hope so, Mía. I truly hope so."

"Anyway, enough of that talk. Gabriel, show them to their rooms. You're all staying here, of course," I say. "Let's have a lovely evening and leave business talk behind."

As Gabriel leads them to the upstairs guest wing, my phone vibrates in my pocket.

"Mi reina," Don Alejandro's message reads. "Never forget who you are."

It's always a different number but I know it's him. He always seems to know when to message me.

I close my eyes, his words spinning in my mind.

Don't forget who you are.

I wish I could.

I delete his message immediately.