Just talked to my dad about it. He said, why did you feel the need to justify or defend your decision?

And I did with my CEO - I felt very defensive about it when getting on the phone with him, and when being attacked by him with his accusations.

I've heard that the CEO can react this way, go silent on someone who is leaving, and then will say positive things about the person two years later.

I really need his positive reference in the future. How do I make sure I have a positive reference from him?