THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 306

Caitlin and Amanda sat down across from each other, a camera aimed at the chessboard while the moves were broadcast live on the banquet hall’s massive screen.

Every guest in the hall could follow the entire match as it unfolded.

In chess, white moves first.

The first move always holds an advantage.

Statistically, it leads to a higher chance of winning.

After drawing lots, Sally got the white pieces.

She glanced at Caitlin. “Miss Gonzales, though I have white, I’d like to offer you the first move.”

It wouldn’t matter if she gave Caitlin not just one move, but ten; Sally was certain she’d still win.

“No need. Let’s play by the rules,” Caitlin said evenly. “I’m not one to take unfair advantages, and I’d rather lose with honor than win without it.”

What a speech—lose with honor!

A mocking smile tugged at Sally’s lips. She’d never met anyone quite as shameless as Caitlin. With so much on the line, Caitlin still insisted on making herself sound noble.

“Does Caitlin actually think she’s going to win?”

“She’s delusional! This is hilarious.”

“I’ve never seen someone so full of herself.”

Whispers and laughter rippled through the room.

Sally snorted. “If that’s how you want it, I won’t hold back.”

With that, she placed her first piece.

As Sally made her move, the guests murmured, eyes glued to the screen.

“She started with the king’s pawn! Miss Lowell’s first move is bold—looks like she’s planning to crush Caitlin from the very start.”

“No surprise. She was a pro, after all. Even after two years away, she’s still in a different league.”

Opening with the king’s pawn is an open challenge—a way to taunt your opponent, to show you don’t take them seriously.

Clearly, Sally didn’t see Caitlin as a threat.

She had been a professional, after all. She had the skills to back up her bravado.

Yet, faced with Sally’s provocation, Caitlin looked unruffled. Her slender fingers picked up a black pawn and placed it on a seemingly odd square.

The knight’s square?

The crowd was stunned.

Everyone knew that, in chess, your opening moves should be calculated—claim the center, then develop your pieces. But Caitlin had placed her pawn neither in the center nor anywhere strategic.

Cheers and jeers erupted from the audience.

“She’s right, Miss Gonzales. Give up already!”

“Just resign!”

In the crowd, Celeste was nearly wringing her hands. “Come on, Catie! Don’t give up!”

The thirteen Richards brothers called out encouragement.

“You can do this, Freya!”

Keira, Hannah, and Fortune all watched with bated breath.

Frederick Richards poured drinks for the three elders nearby. “Don’t worry, Aunt, Mr. Kensington, Mom. Maybe Catie’s just biding her time—she might have something up her sleeve.”

Ann rolled her eyes at that.

Biding her time? Please.

Frederick was giving Caitlin way too much credit.

As far as Ann was concerned, Caitlin was hopeless. It was Sally who had this match in the bag.

Caitlin glanced at her family in the crowd and offered them a reassuring smile before turning her attention back to Sally. Calmly, she placed her next piece on the board and said, her voice clear as a bell, “Miss Lowell, look closely—are you sure you know who’s really losing?”