THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 145

Stephanie was the only child in her family—a sharp, quick-witted woman who'd been navigating the business world for years. She was the very definition of a powerhouse. Ann's little tricks and ambitions? Transparent as glass beneath her gaze.

But there was more to it.

On the surface, this was just about what Ann called her—a trivial matter, really. But in truth, it was a subtle test, a calculated probe at the family's boundaries.

Ann was trying to gauge just how much Freya mattered to the Richards family.

There was no way Stephanie would let her get away with it.

Like the rest of the Richardses, Stephanie was fiercely protective of her own. She couldn't stand anyone—other than Freya—acting overly familiar, especially calling her Aunt Stephanie.

As for being called "Grandma"? Absolutely out of the question.

There was only one granddaughter-in-law in the family—Freya. No one else was allowed to cross that line.

Compared to Freya, what were the Templetons anyway?

If it weren't for Freya, Stephanie wouldn't even have bothered meeting Ann.

In her eyes, Ann didn't come close to measuring up—not even to a single strand of Freya's hair.

When Stephanie corrected her, Ann's smile faltered, a flash of embarrassment crossing her face.

She'd thought she'd already earned Stephanie's approval.

She hadn't expected Stephanie to be so blunt, so unyielding.

Even more surprising was that Hannah, who seemed so gentle and kind, didn't step in to smooth things over for her.

A surge of discomfort welled up in Ann's chest.

She knew she was beautiful—she could rival any actress in looks or poise. She'd bent over backwards to win their favor, and yet, the Richardses remained completely unmoved.

But now wasn't the time to get frustrated.

This was just her first meeting with the Richards family. It made sense that Stephanie and Hannah didn't warm to her right away.

Freya was gone—nothing more than a name in the past. Ann had no real competition. She would take her time, and with her talents, she was certain the Richardses would come around eventually.

One day, she'd replace Freya completely—becoming the apple of their eye, the one they cherished most.

At that thought, Ann's expression softened. She flashed a diplomatic smile. "Freya and I have always been close. I just assumed I could follow her lead when it came to family titles. I didn't realize I was making a mistake in front of Lady Hannah and Stephanie. Thankfully, you're both so understanding and won't hold it against me."

Ann was no fool. She knew just what to say to win people over—and how to gracefully defuse her own awkwardness.

Some things took patience. You couldn't rush them.

"It's just a slip of the tongue. Happens to everyone. Hannah and I don't give it a second thought, as long as you remember for next time," Stephanie said with a polite smile. "No need to blame yourself, Ann."

Next time?

She'd be lying if she said she wasn't jealous.

She couldn't understand it—why did everyone revolve around Freya? Even though they'd barely spent time with her, it was always Freya at the center.

Keira was like that. The Richards family was the same.

She was more accomplished than Freya, more deserving of their admiration—so why did they only ever have eyes for her?

Thank God Freya was dead.

Otherwise, Freya's brilliance would have overshadowed her completely.

They chatted as they made their way toward the parking lot.

Hannah, who'd been mostly silent, suddenly turned to Amanda. "Amanda, how's your mother doing? Has she been to the hospital?"

"She has," Amanda replied with a weary nod. "The doctor said it's all from heartbreak—only a real reunion with Carey and Freya could cure her. Without that, she might never recover."

Her words ended in a heavy sigh.

Hannah echoed the sigh, her expression full of sorrow.

Life had been cruel to her. A son-in-law in a coma, a daughter and granddaughter missing—years spent living under the weight of grief and uncertainty.