THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 321

As soon as Ann finished speaking, a smug grin spread across her face.

She knew Alison, Master Fenmore’s protégé.

But did Caitlin?

If Caitlin wanted to meet Alison, she’d have to go through Ann—that much was clear. Meeting Alison was the kind of stroke of luck people prayed for. Ann could just imagine how excited Caitlin must be.

But Caitlin only glanced sidelong at Ann, her voice calm. “Thank you, but I’m really not interested in Alison.”

Ann froze.

Not interested in Alison?

Who would believe that?

This was Alison—the same Alison that every socialite in the capital tried to curry favor with. Caitlin had to be pretending. She was jealous, obviously—jealous that Ann knew Alison while she didn’t, so she was just putting on this act of indifference.

How pathetic.

Even Tammie glanced at Caitlin, her eyes filled with confusion.

Who in their right mind wouldn’t want to meet Master Fenmore—or Alison, for that matter?

But Tammie didn’t dwell on it.

Ann forced a pleasant smile. “Alright, Freya, if you’re not interested, I won’t push it.”

But she couldn’t help herself. “Still, Freya, if you ever change your mind and want to meet Alison, just let me know. Alison and I are very close friends.”

She made sure to emphasize those last words.

Caitlin just nodded. “Sure.”

Ann picked up another box from Dahlia and brought it over to Caitlin. “Freya, this is your gift—it’s also a painting from Master Fenmore. I hope you like it.”

Caitlin accepted the box. “Thank you.”

Ann flashed a bright smile. “We’re all sisters here—no need to be so formal.”

Caitlin passed the box to the butler beside her. “Zack, could you please store this for me?”

“Of course, Miss Freya.”

With the little puppy still in her arms, Caitlin said, “Come on, Monday. Let’s head back to our room.”

Ann’s smile faded, her brow creasing.

What’s with this country girl act?

Anyone else getting a painting from Fenmore would be over the moon. But Caitlin—nothing. No reaction at all. As if Fenmore’s painting meant less to her than that scruffy little dog.

Was Caitlin really looking down on Fenmore’s work?

What a brat. Clearly, she didn’t respect Ann as her sister.

After everyone had left the hall, Ann sidled up to Tammie, her voice small and hurt. “Tammie, do you think Freya doesn’t like me?”

Sunlight poured in through the windows. Caitlin, Fortune, Keira, and Hannah took Monday out for a walk in the park.

As soon as they entered, Keira ran into an old friend. The two of them, along with Fortune and Hannah, quickly decided to play cards, leaving Caitlin to wander the park with Monday.

“Miss Freya! Did you find this puppy on the street?” Harlan came running over, his face lighting up at the sight of Monday.

He recognized the little black puppy instantly—not just from its jet fur, but from its adorably crooked teeth.

“That’s right,” Caitlin nodded. “How did you know, Harlan?”

“I saw Monday on the roadside too, the other day. I wanted to bring him home, but my mom wouldn’t let me. I’m glad you found him, Miss Freya! Did you give him a name?”

“His name is Monday,” Caitlin replied.

Harlan grinned, reaching down to scratch Monday’s head. “Lucky dog, Monday. You got picked up by Miss Freya.”

Caitlin noticed that Harlan looked even paler than before and frowned. “Harlan, haven’t your parents taken you to the doctor yet?”

He shook his head. “No. Sometimes I wish I were a puppy too,” he murmured, almost too quietly to hear. “Then maybe Miss Freya would have taken me home.”

For a second, Harlan was glad for Monday—but in his heart, he wished he could trade places.

Caitlin caught only part of what he’d said. “What was that, Harlan?”

“Nothing,” he said quickly.

Just then, from across the park, a woman’s voice rang out—sharp with anger. “Harlan! Get over here this instant!”