THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 314

“Single and alone—what’s there to be happy about? If I were you, I wouldn’t even have the guts to come home for the holidays!” Beatrice muttered as she walked past Gordon, unable to resist taking a jab at him.

Gordon just shrugged. “Not funny.”

6:30 p.m.

The Gonzales family gathered promptly for Christmas Eve dinner.

Almost everyone was there, but Tammie was still missing.

Beatrice turned and said, “Freya, would you go call Tammie, please?”

“Of course, Grandma.”

Caitlin stepped outside and spotted Tammie standing by the flowerbeds, lost in thought as he gazed at the winter roses.

“Dinner’s ready, Tammie,” Caitlin called softly.

Tammie turned to look at her.

“Oh.”

He hesitated, then added, “Actually, there’s something I want to talk to you about.”

There were things he’d wrestled with for a long time, but tonight he’d finally decided to let them out. Only by saying them aloud could he breathe a little easier.

Caitlin walked a little closer. “What is it?”

Tammie took a slow breath. “I don’t like you. I can’t bring myself to accept you as my cousin right now. But even if I can’t, you’re still Grandma’s granddaughter, my uncle and aunt’s daughter. For the future, let’s just keep things civil and not pretend to be some close-knit siblings. No need for an act.”

Caitlin showed no particular surprise or anger. She simply looked at Tammie, her clear gaze cutting straight through him, as if she could peel away any mask and see the truth underneath.

Tammie was caught off guard. He’d never seen Caitlin look like that before. The Caitlin he knew was unfaithful, irresponsible—a disappointment to the family. But this… this felt different.

Caitlin spoke calmly, “I’m not made of gold—I can’t expect everyone to like me. But we’ve only just met, and barely spent any time together. Can I ask why? Why do you dislike me?”

“You’re divorced,” Tammie answered bluntly.

“Yes, I am,” Caitlin admitted, unapologetic. “But these days, people are free to choose. Isn’t it better to end a broken marriage than stay trapped in one? I don’t see how that brings shame on the family.”

Just as I thought, Tammie thought to himself. Everyone has their excuses. She was just like that woman—drove Dad to his grave and never learned a thing, always ready with an excuse.

He was done with this conversation. “Who I like or dislike is my business. I just don’t like you. No reason.”

He paused, then added, “But don’t worry. You’re part of the Gonzales family. Even if I don’t like you, I won’t go around badmouthing you behind your back.”

With that, he turned and walked back inside.

Caitlin’s expression didn’t change.

Before heading upstairs, Keira looked at Caitlin. “Freya, you and Ann and Tammie go have some fun. We’ll leave you young folks to it.”

“Okay, Grandma,” Caitlin replied with a nod.

As the elders left, Ann slipped her arm through Tammie’s and grinned, “Come on, Tammie, let’s go join Lola and the others for a game.”

Tammie nodded. “Sure.”

Ann deliberately didn’t invite Caitlin. She wanted her to feel left out. The sting of being sidelined—she hoped Caitlin felt it.

Ann’s lips curled in a satisfied smirk.

Bzzz, bzzz, bzzz—

Caitlin’s phone rang.

She answered, “Hello?”

“It’s me, Gordon.”

Caitlin smiled. “Happy holidays.”

“Happy holidays,” Gordon replied, his voice warm across the line. “Come outside.”