THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 25

In Julian's eyes, Caitlin was nothing but a pile of crap.

What did she know about games? Or about triple-A titles?

The Chandler Group's success was entirely built on his own sweat and determination. Caitlin's greatest contribution had been signing a marriage certificate with him, and that was it.

And now she thought she could help Apex win the Celestial Awards? What a joke.

So it was no surprise Julian couldn't care less about Caitlin joining Apex Game Studios. He barely even registered it.

Julian narrowed his eyes. "Victor might have had a sliver of hope before, but now? Not even close. The guy went to a top university, and yet he let some country bumpkin play him for a fool. Pathetic."

Having someone like Victor as a rival was honestly insulting to Julian's intelligence.

Dalton nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly. Caitlin was just some high school dropout from the sticks, while Julian had even earned praise from Father Benedict himself. There was simply no comparison.

Dalton glanced at Julian. "I was a little worried Victor would resist the merger, but now that Caitlin's meddling, we've got nothing to worry about. Soon enough, Victor will be begging Chandler Group to buy Apex."

Julian seemed to have a sudden realization. "So Caitlin only joined Apex Game Studios because of me."

From where he stood, Caitlin had two reasons for joining Apex. First, to attract his attention. Second, to help him acquire Apex from the inside. She wasn't really joining Apex—she was spying for him.

For a moment, Julian had wondered why Caitlin would suddenly sign on with Apex Game Studios. Now it all made sense.

Dalton's eyes went wide. "I can't believe Caitlin would humble herself so much for you. Joining Apex just to please you? Doesn't she realize she'd be better off living her own life? Why latch onto you like this?"

Julian felt sick just thinking about her.

He'd already signed the divorce papers, but that shameless country girl was still fantasizing about him, obsessing over him. "I've never met a woman as shameless as Caitlin."

Dalton agreed—her behavior was completely out of line, with no understanding of boundaries. She didn't care that Julian was already in love with someone else. Pathetic, really.

The more Julian thought about it, the fouler his mood became. "Enough. Let's not talk about that hillbilly anymore. How's the R&D department coming along?"

At the mention of business, Dalton straightened immediately. "Don't worry, Julian. Everything's on track. I'm certain Father Benedict will want to work with us."

Julian nodded, a smug look flashing in his eyes.

But now, here she was, frying up dishes in the kitchen. How much had she gone through, trying to fit in with the Chandler family?

The thought tugged at his heart. He quickly shrugged off his vest. "Catie, let me cook. You take a break."

She just waved him off. "It's fine, Grandpa. Lunch is nearly done—just the soup left. Go wash your hands and get ready to eat!"

Fortune couldn't win the argument, so he went to wash up. When he returned, Caitlin was setting the table.

Three dishes and a soup: steamed fish, braised pork, and a bowl of vegetable and tofu soup.

Fortune grinned at the spread. "Wonderful! The food my granddaughter makes is always the best."

Caitlin scooped some rice into his bowl. "Grandpa, you haven't even tasted it yet! How do you know it's good?"

He took the bowl with a chuckle. "I can smell it."

Just to prove he wasn't exaggerating, Fortune—who normally only had one bowl of rice—ended up eating two that day.