THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 102

If she weren't an educated woman herself, Cynthia might have suspected that Caitlin had put some kind of spell on her uncle.

Otherwise, why on earth would both Wade and Victor put such blind faith in that little blond upstart?

Wade turned to Cynthia and spoke up. "And another thing—Miss Kensington is not some little airhead. She's our newest shareholder at Apex. The whole partnership between Apex and Sylvester Group? That was only possible because of Miss Kensington's Proposal A. Cynthia, if you speak disrespectfully to her again, don't blame me for being harsh."

His tone was stern by the end.

He simply wouldn't allow anyone to insult Caitlin.

Proposal A.

Cynthia blinked, stunned. "Uncle, you're not joking, are you? Proposal A? From her?"

How old was Caitlin, anyway?

How could someone her age come up with something so impressive?

Honestly, even Cynthia—with all her education—couldn't have pulled off a plan like that.

"Don't judge a book by its cover," Wade said. "Miss Kensington might be young, but her business talent is something most of us couldn't match even after thirty years of hard work."

Seeing her uncle's unwavering trust in Caitlin, Cynthia felt something she couldn't quite put her finger on.

"Uncle, even if, just for argument's sake, Caitlin really did create Proposal A—so what? There are plenty of young women out there, just as talented, and far more humble! Did you see the way she acted earlier? Like Apex would fall apart without her. Dr. Chatham is the real expert here. She's always surrounded by talented people and brilliant proposals. Getting her to partner with us is no easy feat. Uncle, I really think you shouldn't get your hopes up too high."

The higher the expectation, the greater the disappointment.

"Don't end up losing both the prize and the consolation," Cynthia finished sharply.

But instead of getting angry, Wade just laughed. "Cynthia, you got more right than you know—without Miss Kensington, Apex really would fall apart."

Back before Caitlin joined, Apex was a house of cards.

If not for her, they'd have never secured the Sylvester Group deal.

Caitlin was practically a legend at Apex—she was the one who held the company together.

Cynthia took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm. "So, Uncle, does this mean you won't help Felipa now?"

"I'm sorry, there's nothing I can do." Wade shook his head.

"Fine. Just don't say I didn't warn you, Uncle." Cynthia spun on her heel and left.

She'd just wait for Wade and Victor to come begging for her help.

**

Skyler stared at him. "…Unbelievable."

After a long pause, Skyler muttered, "Uncle, I honestly wonder if anyone will ever cure you of your stinginess."

"Don't hold your breath. No one alive could do that," Gordon replied dryly, his voice carrying an unshakable finality.

Skyler narrowed his eyes, grinning. Oh, he was looking forward to the day someone proved Gordon wrong. That would be a sight to see.

Soon enough, Gordon started the car and synced his phone's Bluetooth, filling the car with music.

Within moments, the sound of a Broadway musical swept through the cabin.

Skyler leaned back, humming absentmindedly—until something caught his ear. He shot upright, as if he'd just stumbled on some fascinating secret. "Uncle! You're listening to a musical?"

And not just any musical—Les Misérables.

Well, hell had officially frozen over.

"I thought you always said musicals gave you a headache?"

So, what, now they didn't?

"That was then. I've grown to love them," Gordon replied, lips barely moving. "You were right—musicals are rich in culture. People our age should really learn to appreciate them."