THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 72

"Auntie, you're amazing! You know so much!" Laurel looked at Iliana with wide-eyed admiration.

Seeing Laurel's obvious awe, Bonnie felt her vanity swell with satisfaction.

Iliana continued, "Bonnie's father and I are in the gemstone business, too. We've worked with Mrs. Hayes before, so I know a bit about the Hayes family."

The truth was quite different.

Iliana had never actually worked with Mrs. Hayes. All she'd ever done was buy a few jade ornaments at one of the Hayes family's shops. She only recognized Mrs. Hayes because, by chance, she'd seen her from afar when Mrs. Hayes was inspecting the store that day.

Laurel's eyes sparkled. "Auntie, you really are something! If you've worked with Mrs. Hayes, your family must be really well off!"

Iliana flicked her hair, grinning smugly. "Oh, we do all right. Just a little better than most people."

Laurel gazed after Mrs. Hayes's departing figure, letting out a wistful sigh. "I wonder what Miss Hayes looks like. If only I could be friends with her!"

Iliana shot Laurel a sidelong glance, scoffing inwardly. This silly girl really was a dreamer—born to want the moon and destined for nothing.

Someone like her, hoping to be friends with Miss Hayes? What a joke.

Still, Laurel's words gave Iliana an idea. She leaned closer to Bonnie and whispered, "Bonnie, if you could become close with Miss Hayes, our family would really be set for life."

The Hayes family was true high society—wealthier even than the Chandlers.

If Bonnie somehow became friends with Miss Hayes, it would be the biggest achievement the family had ever seen.

Bonnie nodded, her eyes flickering with determination. "Don't worry, Mom. I won't let you down."

As long as Miss Hayes was attending Central Academy, Bonnie would find a way to get close to her—whatever it took.

–

Because she was hopeless with directions, it took Caitlin quite a while to find the exam room.

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