THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 142

After dinner, Alaina and Beatrice took Caitlin for a stroll through the back gardens to help digest their meal.

The Sylvester estate's rear gardens stretched for acres, filled with rare and unusual plants—some so exotic they wouldn't be found even in a botanic garden.

At this hour, the gardeners were busy trimming the hedges and watering the flowerbeds.

Wherever they went, Beatrice would introduce Caitlin to everyone. "This is Miss Kensington, a very special guest of Sylvester Gardens."

"Lovely to meet you, Miss Kensington," the staff would reply with a polite nod.

Skyler and Gordon brought up the rear. Keeping his voice low, Skyler nudged his uncle. "Come on, just admit it—honesty is the best policy. Are you into Boss Caitlin or not?"

"Oh, give it a rest, will you? I've told you, I don't believe in marriage."

Skyler pressed on. "Then explain why you peeled shrimp for her. And crab, too!"

"Because she saved my life. It's the least I can do for someone who's done that."

Serving his rescuer felt like a simple obligation to him.

But Skyler narrowed his eyes. Was it really as simple as Gordon claimed? He didn't buy it.

He switched tactics. "By the way, Boss Caitlin's birthday is on the 8th next month. Don't forget to get her a present, Uncle."

Back at the hospital, when Caitlin had given Gordon an acupuncture treatment, she'd had to show her ID. That's when Skyler had sneakily noted her birthday.

"I don't spend money on people I'm not related to," Gordon said flatly.

Skyler heaved a sigh. Typical Gordon—tight with money as always. Whenever cash was involved, he instantly morphed into a miser. "But she's Boss Caitlin! And she's your lifesaver, remember?"

"I already paid her for the treatment," Gordon replied calmly.

Skyler rolled his eyes so hard it was almost audible. "Uncle, thank God you never plan to get married. With that attitude, you'll never get a girlfriend in this lifetime."

As dusk settled, Caitlin suggested it was time for her to head home.

Beatrice was reluctant to see her go, but she couldn't exactly hold her hostage. "Gordon, you drive Catie back, alright?"

"Sure, Mom."

Beatrice, Alaina, and Skyler walked Caitlin to the door.

Alaina gave Gordon a gentle reminder. "Drive safe, Gordon. No rushing."

"Of course," Gordon replied with a small nod.

Beatrice stood by the passenger door. "Catie, come visit us again soon, all right?"

"Thank you, Mrs. Sylvester. I'd love to."

After Gordon and Caitlin left, Skyler turned to his grandmother and mother. "Grandma, Mom, I'd better get back too. There's still work to do at the office."

He froze, suddenly very aware of her features, so close and magnified. Flustered, he quickly sat back, his face burning.

Damn.

His heart was pounding out of control, a restless heat simmering under his skin.

He sucked in a deep breath, grabbed an ice-cold bottle of water from the car's mini-fridge, and drank it in one go. Only then did the heat begin to subside.

Next, Gordon set his phone to silent mode and opened his browser. He typed: What's a good birthday present for a girl?

The answers were all over the place.

Some suggested stuffed animals, others said lipstick, skincare, or a nice handbag—because, apparently, "a new bag solves everything!"

Gordon didn't rush. He read through each suggestion carefully, considering every option.

He had no idea how much time had passed.

Suddenly, Caitlin stirred awake. The first thing she saw was that the car was parked outside her building. Still groggy, she blinked at the clock on the dashboard—and instantly snapped to attention. "Have you been waiting long?"

They'd left the Sylvester estate at 6:10 after dinner. Normally, it would take just half an hour to get here. But now it was already eight o'clock!

Gordon's expression was calm and untroubled. "There was a bit of traffic, so I only just got here. Didn't even have time to turn off the engine."