THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 328

“Ninth level?”

At those words, Tammie shot Caitlin a glance, her eyes flickering with something unreadable.

Everyone in the room knew: in the world of oil painting, a level nine was already considered top-tier—practically a master. Tammie could believe that Caitlin dabbled in oils; that much seemed plausible. But a ninth-level artist? Tammie wouldn’t buy it, not in a million years.

How old was Caitlin again? Not even twenty yet—she’d just turned nineteen after the new year.

So, the only explanation was clear—Caitlin was lying. Was her vanity really that overwhelming? Didn’t she realize that one lie only ever led to a thousand more to cover it up?

Tammie had never exactly been Caitlin’s biggest fan, but now her opinion dipped even lower.

“Ninth level!” Arthur blurted out, unable to hide his excitement. “That practically makes Miss Gonzales a veteran in the field! My daughter will be coming to the city soon—do you think you’d be willing to give her some guidance, Miss Gonzales?”

Before Caitlin could reply, Ann quickly jumped in, “You’re too kind, Mr. Walsh. Our Freya is the gentlest soul, and her skill with oils is truly impressive—she’d never hesitate to help a fellow artist, right, Freya?”

As she spoke, Ann deftly turned the spotlight back onto Caitlin.

She did it on purpose, of course. She wanted to see how Caitlin would handle Arthur’s request. If the Walshes found out Caitlin was bluffing about her painting skills, it would be a spectacular embarrassment.

The thought of Caitlin being humiliated brought Ann no small amount of satisfaction.

Arthur looked expectantly at Caitlin. “Would that be all right, Miss Gonzales?”

Arthur knew full well that Ann couldn’t answer for Caitlin.

Caitlin gave a small nod. “Of course, I’d be happy to.”

Arthur’s face lit up. “Thank you, Miss Gonzales! That’s wonderful news.”

“You’re welcome,” Caitlin replied softly, her words almost lost as she fed Monday a sip of warm goat’s milk.

The conversation flowed on, circling back to oil painting. Across from Arthur, the businesswoman Lolita Banks chimed in, “Speaking of oil painting, my greatest idol is Master Fenmore. Her piece, ‘The Traveler on a Snowy Night’—absolutely breathtaking. I caught a glimpse once and I’ve never forgotten it.”

Tammie’s eyes widened in delight. “Ms. Banks, you’re a fan of Master Fenmore too?”

“Mrs. Somerset?” Keira glanced at the grandfather clock on the wall. “It’s so late—what could bring her here at this hour?”

It was certainly unusual.

The butler turned to Ann, adding, “Mrs. Somerset says she has urgent business with Miss Ann.”

Ann blinked in surprise.

With her? Something important?

But it didn’t take her long to work it out. Mrs. Somerset must be here about Harlan—she had promised Ann, after all, that she could become Harlan’s god-sister.

Mrs. Somerset coming by at this hour could only mean she wanted to thank Ann in front of everyone.

The thought sent a thrill through Ann. She practically bounced in her seat. “Quickly, go and show Mrs. Somerset in!”