THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 224

Keira shook her head. “Hannah and Stephanie aren’t unreasonable people. They know what’s going on with our family—they won’t blame us for anything. Since Ann wants to visit Neon Spire, she should go and enjoy herself for once. Don’t worry about anything else.”

She turned to Ann, her expression softening. “Neon Spire is a shopper’s paradise, Ann. You’re at the age where you love fashion, love picking out clothes and accessories. When you get there, don’t worry about saving your grandmother money—if you see something you like, just buy it. And if you need more, just let me know.”

Keira had always treasured this granddaughter in a particular way.

After all, if Freya never returned, Ann was the sole heir to Gonzales Holdings.

“Thank you, Grandma.” Ann tried to muster a grateful smile.

Amanda could see there was no changing Keira’s mind. Her eyes flicked with calculation before she spoke up, “I understand what you’re saying, Mom. I won’t send Ann to impose on the Richardses, then. You and Irene take your time catching up—I’ll go help Ann get lunch started.”

“Go on, then,” Keira nodded. “Irene’s heading back to Silverhaven soon, so make sure the kitchen prepares something she’ll like.”

“Of course, Mom.”

Irene interjected quietly, “Really, you don’t have to go to any trouble for me.”

“It’s no trouble at all,” Keira replied, giving Irene’s hand a gentle squeeze.

Amanda led Ann out of the garden.

Ann’s shoulders slumped. “Mom, maybe I shouldn’t go to Neon Spire after all. I could just go home with you and Dad.”

“Why would you say that?” Amanda asked, glancing sideways at her.

Ann hesitated, then admitted, “If I’m not allowed to visit the Richards family, what’s the point of going to Neon Spire at all?”

The whole reason she wanted to go was to spend time with the Richardses, to make a good impression.

But now…

Amanda’s eyes narrowed. “Just because she says you can’t go, you’re going to give up?”

She took Ann’s hand, her voice low and meaningful. “Ann, opportunities aren’t handed out—they’re created.”

She meant Stuart Gonzales, naturally.

Even though Stuart was still bedridden and unresponsive, he needed regular nutrition.

“It’s ready,” the chef replied.

Amanda went to fetch the supplement herself.

About ten minutes later, she walked into Stuart’s private suite, carrying the nourishment in one hand while pushing open the door with the other.

“Stuart, it’s your sister.”

He lay there in bed, completely still.

The supplement had been specially prepared to go directly into his feeding tube. Amanda carefully filled the tube, her voice gentle as she spoke. “Stuart, you have to get better soon. Mom is still waiting for you to wake up and uncover what really happened in that car accident all those years ago.”

No one noticed, but as Amanda finished speaking, Stuart’s index finger—resting beside him on the bed—gave the faintest twitch.