THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 12

Beatrice and Old Mr. Sylvester had two children—a son and a daughter.

Gordon was called "the ninth" not because he was the ninth child of the elder Sylvesters, but because, among all the Sylvester cousins in the sprawling family, he ranked ninth in age.

When Beatrice gave birth to their daughter, complications left her with lasting health issues. Doctors told her she would never be able to have another child. But fate had other plans. At forty-five, she became pregnant again, against all odds.

A late-in-life baby brought the couple immeasurable joy. They cherished their son as if he were a rare gem. Gordon never let them down; though he was born with every privilege, he didn't become the spoiled playboy everyone expected. He was brilliant, driven, and possessed an extraordinary talent for business.

Beatrice's only worry? Her remarkable son had no interest in marriage.

It was true: she was the matriarch of the Sylvester family. But she was also just a mother. Like any other, she hoped her son would settle down, start a family, and give her the simple happiness of becoming a grandmother.

Now, she pressed, "Even if you refuse to get married, can't you at least try dating? Just give it a shot!"

"I'm not interested in dating," Gordon replied coolly. "And if I've sworn off marriage, why should I go stringing some poor girl along?"

Beatrice felt her chest tighten with frustration. "Then what are you interested in, exactly?"

Gordon's lips curled into a faint smile. "Making money."

She scowled. "Fine! Then why don't you just marry your money and see how that turns out?"

He nodded, utterly unbothered. "That's the plan."

Beatrice gritted her teeth, half tempted to grab her unflappable son and give him a good shake. But Gordon just sat there, as calm as ever, offering her an apple. "Here, have some fruit."

"Keep your apple!" she snapped, swatting it out of his hand.

She turned to Gordon, eyes narrowed in mock warning. "But remember, life has a way of teaching everyone a lesson. Sooner or later, you'll fall for someone you can't have. The proud get humbled, the stubborn get burned. Just wait—your road to love will be a bumpy one, mark my words."

Fall for someone he can't have? Chase after a woman? Gordon gave a wry smile. "Mom, why don't you look out the window?"

Beatrice blinked, confused, and turned her head.

Outside, the sun was shining and a gentle breeze stirred the trees. Nothing out of the ordinary.

"What about the window?"

Gordon's lips twitched. "It's broad daylight, Mom. Why are you dreaming already?"