THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 169

Caitlin hadn't felt the thrill of a true challenge in ages.

But tonight, for the first time in a long while, she did.

A faint, satisfied smile played at the corners of her lips.

Glancing up from her phone, Celeste caught her grinning and couldn't help but tease, "Catie, are you in love or something?"

Caitlin shook her head as she locked her phone. "No, what makes you say that?"

"You were practically beaming at your screen." Celeste waggled her eyebrows. "People only get that look when they're crushing on someone."

Caitlin laughed. "Oh, that? I just met a really awesome player in-game. We get along surprisingly well."

Celeste's curiosity was instantly piqued. "Ooh, is it a guy or a girl?"

Online romance! The thought made her cheeks flush with excitement.

"No clue," Caitlin replied, shaking her head. "They keep their gender private in the game."

"They don't even reveal their gender?" Celeste immediately lost interest. "If it's a guy, he must be a total dweeb. If he were handsome, he'd be flaunting it."

She shot Caitlin a look. "Catie, you better be careful. There are way too many scammers online these days."

"I know," Caitlin nodded.

Celeste slid the restaurant menu over to Caitlin. "I've already ordered. Take a look and see if you're okay with it."

Caitlin glanced at the menu. "Looks good to me."

She poured water into their cups, rinsing hers first, then doing the same for Celeste.

Celeste rested her chin on her palm, watching Caitlin with starry-eyed admiration. Honestly, she thought, beautiful people just made even the most mundane things look elegant—even rinsing cups.

Caitlin handed her the clean cup, arching an eyebrow. "March, why are you staring at me like that?"

"Because you're gorgeous, that's why! Catie, if I were a guy, I'd totally ask you out."

Caitlin chuckled. "I actually know someone even prettier than me."

"Seriously?"

"Seriously." Caitlin grinned. "I even have a picture of her. Want to see?"

"Yes, yes, yes!" Celeste nodded eagerly. Few things delighted her more than looking at pretty girls.

Caitlin fished around in her purse and handed something over. "Here."

Celeste took it—only to realize it wasn't a photo at all, but a compact mirror. Her own face stared back at her. She burst out laughing. "Catie, you really know how to make someone's day!"

Caitlin looked at her, completely sincere. "You are beautiful, March."

Celeste's smile only grew brighter.

First she'd bought out the building management to stand up for Fortune, and now she'd bought a mansion! Keeley couldn't help but be impressed. What nineteen-year-old girl could manage something like this?

"I did," Caitlin nodded. "Just today."

Fortune looked at her, still stunned. "You're not joking, are you, Catie?"

She smiled, checking the time on her phone. "No joke. Grandpa, Keeley, it's only a little past eight. Why don't you come see the new house with me?"

Keeley grinned. "Absolutely! I've never even set foot in a mansion before. Time to bask in Catie's glory!"

"Let's head out, then," Caitlin said.

"Wait a second, let me change," Fortune called as he hurried off. He wanted to wear the new clothes his granddaughter had bought him—perfect for visiting their new home.

"I'll wait for you," Caitlin said.

A few minutes later, he was ready. Half an hour later, a cab dropped them off at Willow Manor.

Only when Fortune stood in the grand, elegantly decorated foyer did he finally believe it was real.

He wasn't dreaming.

Good heavens. His granddaughter had actually bought him a mansion.

He'd never expected, at his age, to live to see the day he'd step foot in such a place—let alone call it home.