THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 3

"Game?" Caitlin's lips curled into a faint, icy smile. "Mr. Chandler, if you're not going to use your ears, maybe you should donate them! I must've been blind to ever mistake you for gold when you're nothing but dirt. My eyes are just fine now, so sign the papers—right now!"

Julian narrowed his eyes.-

She's faking it. She had to be.

There was no way Caitlin could be this calm. She was just putting on a show, trying to get his attention with her usual little schemes.

Thinking about her pathetic tactics, Julian felt nothing but disgust. He snatched up a pen and scribbled his signature on the divorce agreement as fast as possible, his voice cold as ice. "Monday morning, eight o'clock. Courthouse steps. Don't be late."

It was Friday. The courthouse wouldn't be open over the weekend.

There were two copies of the agreement. Caitlin took one, slipped it neatly into her bag, and gave Julian a look as chilly as winter rain. In that moment, she might as well have been looking at a complete stranger.

"I'll be there. On time."

Everyone in the room had been bracing themselves for Caitlin to break down, to start begging or making a scene.

No one expected her to turn on her heel and walk out without a word, cool and collected.

Vida narrowed her eyes at Julian. "She's just playing hard to get, mark my words. Wait and see—she won't show up at the courthouse on Monday."

Jesse, who'd been silent till now, spoke up. "I don't think that's it."

To him, Caitlin didn't look like a woman playing games. She looked like someone who'd just woken up from a long, bad dream.

Vida scoffed. "Uncle Jesse, you're giving that country girl way too much credit." After more than six months living under the same roof, Vida thought she knew better than anyone just how obsessed Caitlin had been with her precious son.

Jesse turned to Julian, his voice measured but grave. "Julian, are you really sure about this? If she's gone, what happens to the company…"

Jesse had heard bits and pieces about Caitlin from Jarvis, his older brother.

He knew the girl had a sharp mind, even if she came from simple beginnings.

When his brother was bedridden, he'd grabbed Jesse's hand and made him promise—if Julian ever lost his mind and tried to divorce Caitlin, do everything in his power to stop it.

Now, watching Julian make this decision so abruptly, Jesse couldn't help but worry.

He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Julian, The Chandler Group's already survived one disaster. It can't take another hit. And right now, when we're finally turning things around—are you sure you can win The Celestial Awards without her?"

The Chandler Group specialized in developing online games.

Master Benedict.

Not yet thirty, but already the most powerful man in Eldermere's business elite.

He was every single woman's dream bachelor—and Veronica was no exception.

To have his praise was proof enough of Julian's talent.

Julian felt a surge of pride at her words.

Exactly.

He was the golden boy, singled out by Master Benedict himself. His future was nothing but bright.

Vida nodded along, agreeing with her niece. Caitlin hadn't even finished high school. What business sense could she possibly have?

The Chandler Group was finally running smoothly. Letting Caitlin stay on would only drag them down.

Vida turned to Jesse, her voice cloyingly sweet. "Uncle Jesse, this is a family matter. If you're so sure Caitlin's a business prodigy, why don't you take her back with you? Troy's still single, after all."