THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 504

There’s no way Katrina could mess up so badly and just carry on as if nothing happened, still parading around as Miss Prescott.

Impossible.

Xavier was someone who always repaid a kindness, but he never let a grudge slide either.

After making all the necessary arrangements with his assistant, Xavier turned to Caitlin. “Freya, thank you. If you hadn’t found out the truth in time, who knows how much longer I would’ve been fooled by Katrina.”

Thinking back on every moment he’d spent with Katrina now made his skin crawl. It felt suffocating.

What Xavier found hardest to swallow was that he’d almost walked down the aisle with someone like her.

The thought was terrifying—worse than any horror movie.

“Xavier, how many times are you going to thank me? We’re siblings, remember?” Caitlin rolled her eyes, then continued, “But there’s something I need to say.”

“Go ahead, Freya.”

Caitlin turned to look at him, her tone gentle but firm. “It’s right to repay someone who’s helped you, but there’s a right way to do it. You can’t throw away your self-respect and dignity just to return a favor.”

“Did it ever cross your mind—what if Katrina really was the one who saved you? What if she really was your rescuer—would you let yourself be her doormat for life?”

“Real gratitude isn’t about blind obedience. It’s about reaching out a hand when someone stumbles. That’s what true kindness is about—helping when it matters, not just giving up your entire self.”

The moment Caitlin had seen that photo of Xavier kneeling—caught on Katrina’s phone—her heart clenched. She never imagined her bright, confident brother would let himself go so far for someone who’d once helped him.

Xavier was taken aback for a moment.

Caitlin was right.

Her words deserved some serious thought.

Only now did Xavier truly understand what it meant to return kindness with kindness—not subservience.

He glanced up at Caitlin, finally smiling. “Freya, you have my word. I won’t let this happen again.”

“Good.” Caitlin nodded slightly.

--

Katrina and Jeanette had just gotten back to their hotel room when the doorbell rang.

A triumphant smirk curled on Katrina’s lips. “That must be Xavier, here to beg for forgiveness. Jeanette, go answer the door.”

Ten minutes. He’d arrived even faster than she’d expected.

Jeanette was a little flustered herself, surprised by how quickly Xavier had shown up. “Alright, I’ll get it.”

But just as she was about to open the door, Katrina stopped her. “Wait.”

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