Divorce To Date My Brother’s Bestfriend

Chapter 05

BLAIR'S POV

“Thank you for coming on such short notice, Mr. Lawrence,” I say, then glance to my left. “And you as well, Mr. Benedict.”

They both nod, and Mr. Lawrence comments, “It’s been a long time since we’ve heard from you.”

Of course. I practically disappeared after handing everything over to Oliver and choosing motherhood.

“That is my lawyer,” I continue, gesturing to Arthur sitting a few seats away. He lifts a hand in greeting, and they exchange pleasantries. “He’s here because I have some important adjustments to make in the company.”

Lawrence leans in slightly. “What… are these adjustments?”

As head of the legal department, he’s thorough and one of the few my father truly trusted.

I clear my throat. “I’m sure everyone knows my father started the Turner Business Group many years ago and founded five companies under the group.” I glance at them. “After his death, I inherited control and leadership of two of them, including this one.”

They both nod, Mr. Benedict adjusting his glasses.

“You also know that after my marriage, I stepped away from my duties as CEO and appointed my husband in my place so I could raise my daughter,” I continue, and they nod again. “Well… I’ve decided to step back and take control.”

They exchange glances, a flicker of shock passing between them. Yes, I know it will surprise them that I’m returning to Turner Baby Co. and Turner Holdings as CEO after five years away.

“That is…” Mr. Lawrence clears his throat. “I’m glad you’re returning.”

I force a smile. “Please work with my lawyer to draft a divorce agreement within two hours.”

“What?” he blurts, his eyes widening. “Divorce?”

I chuckle under my breath. “I know it’s surprising, but it’s happening. I think two hours is enough to draft the clauses I want, including property division. Like the prenup we signed, I keep all my properties from before the marriage, and we split everything acquired after 50/50. As for custody of my daughter, he’ll get to see her two days a week, on any days he chooses though I doubt he’ll want to. And the company? He can keep his shares, since I’m still the majority shareholder.” I glance at Arthur as he listens carefully. “That’s all.”

When I finish, Mr. Lawrence and Mr. Benedict are staring at me. Is it shock that my marriage failed or are they bothered that the company stocks will be affected? I already know that once these changes go through, the media will have a field day, and the whole city will know I’m divorced.

My phone buzzes and it’s Oliver again. He’s been calling and texting for the past hour, begging to settle things amicably. I set the phone flat on the table and stand, shaking hands with the men as they leave. Once the door clicks shut behind them, I sink back into my seat with a long sigh.

I can’t believe I’m actually getting a divorce, after six years of marriage to a man I met when I was eighteen. I still remember how our love used to burn, how we traveled the world and spent endless hours wrapped in each other’s arms. I remember insisting to Jack that I would marry Oliver or no one else because he had been so against it, even more than my father. Still, I loved him enough to ignore everyone else.

Even after our marriage, things didn’t change. He was still the man I loved, the man I adored… until a week after Hailey’s third birthday. That was the day my world shattered, the day that cracked my heart wide open. Photos of his affair appeared on my doorstep, though I never learned who sent them, and seeing him with Skylar, my friend, in bed, almost destroyed me. I wanted to divorce him immediately, to take back control of everything… except my baby. Hailey loved him so fiercely, and I knew she would hurt far more than I ever would if we separated.

How could I have known I was only hurting her more? If I had left him back then, maybe she would have forgotten him by now. Instead, I hid my anger, pretended I didn’t know, and grew distant, until our marriage felt like we were just roommates. I told myself that as long as Hailey saw him every day, I could live with it. What a joke.

I exhale, rising to look out through the floor-to-ceiling window at the city below. People will say all kinds of things once the news gets out, and all my fears from the past years will probably come true. But I’m tired of hiding behind them. I love my daughter, and I will protect her from everything. I will bear everything that comes at us.

******************************

I’m standing in the corner of the boardroom when Oliver walks in. All the board members are already present for the emergency meeting, and as usual, he strides to the head of the table and takes his seat. I scoff.

Slowly, I approach and stand beside him. His head lifts, our eyes meet and for a brief second, I see the flicker of fear before he masks it. I don’t say a word, but just hold his gaze long enough to make him realize he needs to move. With a grunt, he rises and slips into an empty chair, sneaking glances around the room.

I settle into the head chair, facing everyone with a stern look and silence falls instantly, all eyes are on me.

“Thank you all for coming to this emergency meeting,” I begin. “I’ve called you here because I have some announcements to make.”

Oliver’s jaw ticks where he’s sitting, barely hiding his tension.

“As the majority shareholder, I want to remind everyone that five years ago, I stepped back from my role as CEO and appointed Oliver Dubois in my place so I could focus on my family,” I say, letting my gaze sweep across the room. “That changes today. Oliver Dubois will no longer serve as CEO, effective immediately.”

Whispers ripple through the boardroom immediately, reaching my ears. Oliver straightens, his jaw clenched, and fists balled on the table as he glares at me.

“Going forward, I am resuming my role as CEO.” I declare.