Falling For My Accidental CEO Husband
Chapter 209: A Race

Chapter 209: A Race

"Serena, he’s already doubting me. I can feel it in every conversation, in every glance. He’s become suspicious of everyone around him because of this entire situation, and I don’t think he’s going to talk anymore. In fact, I’m almost certain he won’t. The police are making it increasingly difficult to get close to him as well. They’ve tightened their protocols, and since he’s refusing to meet anyone now, there’s hardly any chance of uncovering more. I’ve exhausted every lead, every avenue. The information I’ve already provided you is all I have—there’s nothing else I can do.

Now, I’ve kept my end of the bargain, and it’s time for you to honor yours. My divorce has been finalized, and I’m ready to leave this place for good. All I ask is for you to give me the money as promised. That’s all. Let me walk away from this mess, from this life. As for Uncle Corrick, he’s already been brought down. Whatever strength or influence he once had is gone, crumbled to pieces. At this point, dealing with him will be nothing more than child’s play for someone like you.

You don’t need me anymore, Serena. You’ve got everything you need to finish this. Just let me go."

something you can rush."

Serena arched an elegant eyebrow, her tone carrying a faint edge. "Of course, I’m sure. Do you think I’d make promises I couldn’t keep? If I wasn’t confident in my ability to handle this, I wouldn’t have said anything at all."

Matthew hesitated, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied her. For a moment, he looked as if he might argue, but then he seemed to think better of it. Instead, he gave her a slow, considering nod and turned to leave. However, his departure was abruptly halted when his path was blocked by a determined figure.

Ava stood firmly in front of him, her arms crossed and her brows knit in suspicion. "Why were you in Serena’s office?" she demanded, her voice edged with curiosity and an undertone of worry.

Matthew exhaled a long, weary sigh, rubbing the bridge of his nose as if summoning the last reserves of his patience. "I had some business to take care of, Ava. That’s all."

His vague response only deepened her suspicion. "What kind of business?" she pressed, her tone sharp and unyielding.

"Business that does not concern you," he snapped, his voice firm but tired. "Now, are you planning to stand there and interrogate me all day?"

Ava huffed in frustration but stepped aside, allowing him room to pass. She didn’t, however, let him walk away without further challenge. Falling into step beside him, she glanced up at him with a mix of frustration and concern. "Why are you even talking to her, Dad? You know how she is—manipulative and conniving. She’s always scheming something. You’re only inviting trouble."

Matthew shook his head and kept his gaze fixed forward, his pace steady and unrelenting. "I’m not interested in your opinions about her," he said curtly. "What you have against Serena is your business. You’re an adult now, Ava. Handle your problems with her on your own, and for the love of God, stop trying to meddle in my life."

Ava faltered, his words stinging more than she expected. She came to a halt, standing frozen in the middle of the hallway as he continued to stride ahead. But the silence between them wasn’t something she could bear. Gathering her resolve, she hurried to catch up, her steps quick and purposeful. "Daddy! Can’t you forgive Mama? She’s sorry—truly sorry. I know it. And I know you’ve already filed for divorce."

Matthew stopped abruptly, the sound of his footsteps echoing in the hall as he turned sharply to face her. His expression was a storm of anger and frustration, his voice low and biting as he hissed, "Ava! Have I ever interfered in your life when it came to Sidney? Did I stop you when you told me you wanted to marry him, even though I knew—knew—it would bring you nothing but heartache and problems? Did I once try to stand in your way?"

Ava flinched, her eyes wide at the intensity of his words. "No, but—" she began, her voice faltering.

"No," he cut her off, his tone laced with bitter resolve. "I stayed out of it because you made your choice, and I respected that. Now I’m asking you to give me the same courtesy. My relationship with your mother is not something you can fix with hopeful words and good intentions. Do you think this is some petty argument we can resolve over tea and apologies? It’s not. This is years of damage, mistrust, and betrayal, Ava. It’s not your place to solve it."

Ava’s breath hitched, the weight of his words settling heavily in her chest. She took a step back, tears in her eyes," I just... one things corrects itself and the other thing goes awry... I don’t want that daddy. Ever since Serena has come back to our lives... everything has been ruined"

Matthew sighed and shook his head,"Ava. Let go of your grudge against Serena. She is not responsible for your mother’s cheating and disrespecting of our marriage vows. As for the family, you will always be my family and I will always be your family. Same goes for your mother. She may not be my wife anymore but I do not begrudge her a relationship with you. But, now thta me and Lydia are divorced, she will never be my wife again."

With that, Matthew walked away, making sure that Ava would not see him now. Even though he had assured his daughter that he would always be there for her, he knew he would not be able to keep that promise to her. Because come hill or high water, he was leaving the country tomorrow to go somewhere far away.

Of course he would let her come to him if she ever needed him but that was it. He was never returning to this Godforsaken place again.