THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 118

Mrs. Hayes smiled warmly. "I agree—Miss Kensington truly is a blessing for March."

Next door, the engagement ceremony for Julian and Sophie was underway.

After the opening remarks, the announcer's voice echoed across the stage.

"And now, please welcome our accomplished groom-to-be, CEO of The Chandler Group, Mr. Chandler!"

Thunderous applause erupted from the crowd.

Julian straightened his posture and strode confidently onto the stage.

The emcee handed him the microphone. "Mr. Chandler, today marks a milestone in your life. Would you like to share a few words with everyone?"

Julian accepted the mic and spoke into it, his voice calm yet sincere. "Hello, everyone. I'm Julian. First of all, Sophie and I want to thank you all for taking the time out of your busy lives to join us for our engagement. Having you here to witness our happiness is truly an honor for both of us."

He finished with a slight bow.

More applause swept through the hall.

As the clapping faded, the host continued, "And now, let's welcome our beautiful and gracious bride-to-be, Miss Sophie."

Veronica was still lost in her daydreams of marrying into wealth. If she could just meet Alaina, that would put her one step closer to Master Ninth...

Vida, too, kept glancing at the entrance. She'd even told the security staff to let Caitlin in immediately if she showed up.

But as Julian finished placing the ring on Sophie's finger and the ceremony wrapped up without a hitch, Caitlin never made her dramatic entrance—not the way the Chandlers had all imagined.

Julian stared in disbelief, unable to process that he'd actually just gotten engaged to Sophie.

Noticing his uneasy expression, Sophie leaned in with concern. "Julian, are you alright? Are you feeling sick?"