Page 6 of Worship Him

But mixed feelings or not, I have a company to run and an empire to protect.

My phone buzzes again with an incoming email alert. It's from Sarah with the draft statement for tomorrow's press conference. I skim through it quickly, noting a few things that will need to be changed.

"Adam," Claire's voice comes through the intercom this time, "Thomas called too. He wants to discuss some updates before your meeting."

"Tell him I'll call him back later today."

As I glance at the framed photo on my desk—a candid shot of Destiny laughing at one of our company events—I feel a strange mix of regret and determination settle in my chest.

The feeling is gone as soon as it thinks it can nestle in my bones and spirit.

I'm Adam Ryder.

I'm not about to let anyone—or anything—take me down without one hell of a fight.

And that includes dealing with this divorce on my terms.

I print out Sarah’s draft statement and grab it, sitting down in my chair, red pen in hand. There's no room for error now; every word has to be perfect.

Just like everything else I've built from the ground up.

No distractions. No second-guessing.

Just action.

3

DESTINY

The baby's wail cuts through the early morning silence like a siren. I groggily shuffle to the crib, picking up Avery and cradling her against my chest. Her tiny fingers grasp at my shirt, seeking comfort.

"Shh, it's okay, baby girl," I murmur, gently rocking her back and forth. Her cries soften, and her eyelids droop as she nestles into me.

I hum softly, pacing the room until she finally drifts back to sleep.

Smiling, I lay her down in the crib and tiptoe out of the nursery, heading straight for the kitchen. The scent of freshly brewed coffee greets me as I pour myself a cup.

Just as I'm about to take my first sip, my phone buzzes on the counter.

"Barrett," I mutter, glancing at the caller ID. "Good morning."

"Morning, Destiny. Sorry to be blunt so early in the morning, but have you told him yet?"

I take a deep breath, leaning against the counter. "Not yet. I've been busy with work and Avery."

"You can't keep putting this off," he says firmly. "Adam's lawyer is getting impatient. He wants to know why we haven't set a date for the court hearing."

"What's his problem?" I snap. "It's not like we're dragging our feet for fun. Things are complicated."

His silence is heavy with meaning. "I know the property and business entanglements aren't making this easy. And getting court dates has undeniably been a nightmare, but we’re walking on thin ice now."

I know he's right. My and Adam’s lives have become so intertwined; untangling them has been like trying to separate threads of silk from a spider's web. "I know, it’s just all so complicated…" I repeat, softer this time.

"I get that," Barrett replies, his tone softening. "But we both know that's not the real reason we're dragging this out."

I pinch the bridge of my nose, feeling the weight of his words settle over me. "I know. I just... How do I even start that conversation? 'Hey Adam, nice weather we’re having. By the way, you have a daughter'? He'll be furious."

"He probably will be," Barrett agrees. "But hiding it any longer isn't fair to him or Avery."

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