THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 26

After lunch, Caitlin followed her grandfather to Uncle Ernest Kensington's house.

They lived ten miles away—half an hour on the subway.

By the time they arrived, it was already past one in the afternoon.

Fortune stepped up to the door and knocked.

"Who's there? Stop pounding, use the doorbell—can't you see it?"

An elderly woman with a shock of white hair opened the door, looking thoroughly irritated.

At the sight of her, Fortune immediately put on a beaming smile. "Ah, my dear in-law!"

This was Ernest's mother-in-law, Cheryl Hadley.

Cheryl gave Fortune a withering look, barely bothering to hide her contempt. "So it's you making all that racket, ignoring the doorbell like it doesn't even exist."

Country folk—always so uncouth.

How embarrassing.

She probably didn't even know what a doorbell was.

Her gaze flicked past Fortune and landed on Caitlin. Instantly, Cheryl's expression transformed. "Well, if it isn't Catie! What a pleasant surprise! Come in, come in!"

She turned her head and called into the house, "Iliana, Ernest! Come out, we have special guests!"

Caitlin caught every shift in Cheryl's attitude, but kept her face neutral as she followed Fortune inside.

Fortune stooped to take off his shoes, but Iliana Hadley appeared from the living room, eyes widening in surprise when she saw Caitlin. Weren't these two supposed to be estranged for years? How had they reconciled so quickly?

But Iliana kept her questions to herself, and instead smiled brightly. "Dad, Catie, you're home—don't worry about your shoes, just come in!"

She walked over and took Caitlin's hand warmly. "It's been ages, Catie—you're looking lovelier every time I see you!"

"Hello, Aunt Iliana," Caitlin replied politely.

Iliana paused, slightly taken aback.

Something was different about Caitlin today. Clearly, life among the upper class suited her; not only was she more beautiful, her whole demeanor had become more refined.

Caitlin used to seem so timid, always shrinking into the background wherever she went.

Though not related by blood, they were family in name. But Bonnie was a true city girl, born into comfort, doted on by both parents and grandparents alike.

The Hadleys weren't especially wealthy by Silverhaven standards, but with only one daughter, Ernest and Iliana showered Bonnie with every advantage. From the time she was a toddler, she'd had lessons in piano, guitar, ballet—all the finer things.

And Caitlin?

Caitlin had no parents, and grew up in the countryside. While Bonnie was learning piano, Caitlin was playing in the dirt. While Bonnie was dancing ballet, Caitlin was still making mud pies. What else did Caitlin know besides that?

So Bonnie had always felt a strong sense of superiority around Caitlin, relishing every envious look Caitlin sent her way.

But then, just when Bonnie thought she'd always have the upper hand, Caitlin suddenly became the young wife of Silverhaven's illustrious Chandler family.

The jealousy nearly drove Bonnie mad.

To her, Caitlin was just a hopeless little country girl—someone not even fit to be a maid in the city. How on earth had she married into high society?

Even Bonnie herself had never had a shot at that.

So why Caitlin?

Now, seeing Caitlin again, Bonnie's emotions were tangled and hard to name. Still, she forced a smile. "Hey, Catie."