THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 177

"Keeley, money isn't the issue—the point is, a plane is much faster than the train. I got you on the 11 a.m. flight, you'll be in Portchester by one-thirty." Caitlin glanced at her watch, then urged, "Come on, let's head in and grab your boarding pass. Then I'll walk you to the gate."

"Alright." Keeley nodded.

It was Monday, so the airport was quieter than usual.

After picking up the boarding pass, Caitlin led Keeley toward baggage drop.

Keeley smiled. "Catie, I really don't have much with me—no need to check a bag, I'll just carry everything on."

Most of the bulkier items had already been shipped ahead.

"I ordered some local specialties from Silverhaven for you to take home," Caitlin explained. She'd meant to go to the store herself, but Keeley was leaving so soon she had to settle for an online order.

Keeley looked at her fondly. "You sweet girl—bought my ticket, and now you've spent money on souvenirs too. How am I ever supposed to thank you?"

"It's nothing, Keeley. You and my granddad are best friends, so really, you're family. You haven't been back to your hometown in years—people will want to visit. It's only right you bring a little something to share with everyone."

Keeley hadn't returned since marrying his divorced wife, who already had three kids.

This was his first trip home since leaving all those years ago.

Fortune chimed in, nodding. "Catie's right, Keeley. There'll be lots of folks coming to see you—make sure you share those souvenirs around. And hey, we're all family here, don't stand on ceremony!"

Keeley's eyes grew damp. He squeezed Fortune's hand, at a loss for words.

Once everything was settled, Caitlin walked him to the gate and patiently explained the security checks and waiting area. "Keeley, you've got access to the business lounge. If you can't find it, just show your boarding pass to one of the staff, they'll help you out. And everything in the lounge is free, so help yourself."

She continued, "On the plane, if you want something to eat or drink, just ask a flight attendant—it's all included in your ticket. First class is expensive; don't let the airline save a penny."

"And if you get chilly—airplanes can crank up the AC—ask for a blanket, that's free too."

"When you land, if you can't find the baggage claim, just ask someone at the airport. They'll point you in the right direction."

Caitlin covered every detail, never losing patience. Keeley had never flown before, and she wanted to make sure nothing was missed—especially the fact that everything was complimentary. She remembered how the older generation always thought on-board snacks and drinks were overpriced; they'd rather go hungry on a train than buy something en route.

She was a patient girl, and she had such a warm voice.

Keeley listened intently, his nose tingling. When he finally spoke again, tears slipped down his cheeks. "Alright, Catie. I'll remember everything you said."

Even a real granddaughter couldn't be more thoughtful.

With everything settled and time running short, Caitlin waved goodbye. "Safe travels, Keeley."

Keeley was already in tears. "Goodbye, Catie. Goodbye, Kensington. Once I'm settled back home, I'll come visit you both, I promise!"

Fortune was crying too. "Safe journey, Keeley. Call me when you land, alright?"

A real opponent at last.

This was getting more and more interesting.

Meanwhile, in Rosenthal—

Gordon's mood was foul all afternoon. His expression was so icy, the senior staff trailing him during the site inspection barely dared breathe for fear of crossing him at the wrong moment.

Only his secretary noticed a small detail: Master Ninth wasn't looking at his phone.

And whenever he did, his mood got even worse.

What on earth was going on?

Could it be—was Master Ninth in love?

Was he waiting for his girlfriend to message back, only to be disappointed?

No, that couldn't be it.

The secretary dismissed the silly idea as quickly as it came.