THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 100

They had to be prepared for both outcomes.

As soon as Victor hinted he might seek a new spokesperson, Cynthia and VP Marshall wasted no time in finding him.

"Mr. Winslow," VP Marshall began, "Cynthia says she has someone in mind who could be the perfect face for our company."

Victor looked up. "Who?"

"Felipa Somerset," Marshall replied.

Victor's brow creased in puzzlement. Clearly, the name didn't ring a bell. "Felipa?"

Cynthia jumped in to explain. "Felipa's a big name in the entertainment world. She starred in the recent hit period drama *Blaze and Bloodlines*. Not only does she have a huge following, but she's also really active on Twitter—she often shares updates about playing video games. Making her our spokesperson fits right in with her public image."

She handed Victor her phone. "Here, this is Felipa."

Victor took the phone, studying the screen, his expression thoughtful.

Their main audience was young people, true enough. But Victor's vision for *Imperial Ascent* was to connect it with traditional heritage. Bringing in a celebrity might send the wrong message.

Worse, in recent years, plenty of stars had crashed and burned. If Felipa signed on and then got caught in a scandal, it could seriously damage Apex's reputation.

If they went with Irene instead, there'd be no such risk.

The dilemma left Victor uneasy.

Noticing his hesitation, Cynthia pressed on. "Felipa is picky about the endorsements she accepts, but she's a huge fan of Apex's new survival game. She has a real soft spot for it and is genuinely excited about the chance to represent us. Plus, Felipa and I have been friends for over a decade. She reached out to me herself, hoping Apex would consider her."

Back in the day, Felipa probably wouldn't have given Apex Game Studios a second thought. But times had changed.

Ever since Sylvester Group handed their collaboration opportunity to Apex, the studio's been riding a huge wave of online buzz. After Apex released that adrenaline-pumping game trailer not long ago, anticipation for their next release had only grown. Now, everyone was waiting for Apex's new game, and some even believed Apex might outshine The Chandler Group and take the Celestial Awards.

Felipa was already on the rise. If she landed the Apex deal now, her popularity would skyrocket.

Cynthia's argument made sense.

Victor mulled it over for a long moment before looking up at her. "Since there's no hope with Dr. Chatham, maybe we should go with Felipa…"

"We can't replace our spokesperson."

A calm female voice interrupted before Victor could finish.

A slender figure stepped into the room, framed by the light from the hall.

Everyone looked up.

But Victor hesitated. "That all sounds good, but The Chandler Group already met with Dr. Chatham…"

"So, have they signed a contract with her?" Caitlin asked.

"No, not yet," Victor admitted.

Caitlin nodded. "Then we still have a chance. Get ready—I'll go with you tomorrow to see Dr. Chatham again. This time, we'll show her how serious we are. Maybe that's what'll finally convince her to meet."

Show sincerity? Move Dr. Chatham?

Cynthia frowned, casting a skeptical glance at Caitlin.

Dr. Chatham had been avoiding even her, a former star pupil whom she'd once praised.

What made Caitlin think she'd have any better luck?

This girl looked young—far too young to be making such bold claims.

Did she think she was some kind of miracle worker?

Forget meeting Dr. Chatham. With her status, she'd be lucky to even get past Dr. Chatham's assistant!