THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 27

Caitlin caught every flicker of emotion in Bonnie's eyes.

She gave the briefest nod in response.

Caitlin was simple, really.

Treat her kindly, and she'd return the favor.

That much was obvious.

Bonnie had made her hostility clear—so Caitlin had no intention of lowering her guard.

Iliana turned to Bonnie. "Bonnie, go bring out some of those treats we brought back from Amberhold last month. Let your grandpa and Catie have a taste."

"Sure, Mom," Bonnie replied, and headed toward her room.

Ernest handed Caitlin a cup of freshly brewed tea, making small talk before sliding in, ever so casually, "Catie, why didn't you bring your husband along today? Come to think of it, ever since you two got married, he's never visited us."

Iliana's face lit up with anticipation. "Exactly, Catie! Next time, bring him over. We'd love to have him as a guest."

Julian was the rising star of Silverhaven's finance world.

Their family, as it stood, would've never brushed shoulders with someone of his stature.

But that had changed.

Now that Julian was Caitlin's husband, their own standing had risen right along with hers.

Caitlin lowered her eyes.

So that's what this sudden warmth toward Fortune was about.

The reason was clear.

Fortune looked like she was about to say something, but Caitlin met her gaze and spoke up, calm and straightforward. "Uncle, Aunt Iliana, Julian and I are divorced."

Divorced.

The word seemed to freeze the air in the room.

A long, stunned silence followed before Iliana finally found her voice. "C-Catie, you're joking, right? Why would you suddenly get a divorce?"

Ernest stared at her. "Catie, you must be kidding."

"I'm not," Caitlin replied, her tone as flat as if she were discussing what to have for breakfast. "The papers are signed. It's done."

Iliana swallowed hard and turned to Fortune, searching her face.

Fortune nodded, confirming every word Caitlin had said.

Bonnie returned with a bag of snacks just in time to catch the news. Her expression, so often twisted with resentment, now bloomed into a rare smile.

Divorced.

Perfect.

She'd always known that a man like Julian—handsome, wealthy, born to privilege—would never settle for someone plain and awkward as Caitlin.

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