THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 344

This was the place she’d called home for decades.

And now, out of nowhere, she was expected to leave it all behind. How could she possibly accept that? How could she bear to say goodbye?

She was used to the grand house, the daily pampering, the luxury car waiting outside whenever she wanted to go somewhere.

Trailing behind Vida, Veronica seemed to have lost all her usual sparkle.

The two of them looked for all the world like a pair of defeated strays.

“Mom, Auntie,” Julian stepped forward and took the suitcase from Vida’s hand.

Vida looked up at him. “Have you heard from Caitlin? I read she’s now Miss Gonzales of The Capital. If I’d known this would happen, I never would’ve let you divorce her!”

The Gonzales family was the most powerful in The Capital.

And Keira only had Caitlin as a granddaughter. If Julian and Caitlin hadn’t split, he’d be the Gonzales son-in-law—the future heir to the entire dynasty.

Julian shook his head. “No, I haven’t.”

Veronica’s voice trembled with frustration. “Julian, she loved you so much—how could she just forget you like that? Caitlin must have a heart of stone.”

That was the Gonzales family, after all!

If Julian hadn’t divorced Caitlin, Veronica herself would be the family’s beloved cousin, moving among the city’s elite. Instead, look at her now—fallen so far.

She bitterly regretted not forging a better bond with Caitlin.

Julian sighed. “Mom, Auntie, please, don’t mention Caitlin again. That’s all in the past. I’m engaged to Sophie now. Just give me some time—I’ll make a comeback. I’ll show Caitlin she made a mistake. I’ll make her regret ever letting me go.”

Determination blazed in his eyes as he spoke.

Sophie had clearly come to bring them back to the Barretts’ estate. After all, she and Julian were engaged now—he wouldn’t have to settle for a shabby apartment in Parkview Estates.

He knew Sophie would always love him, always stand by his side.

A surge of pride warmed Julian’s chest. He almost wanted to call Dalton, just so Dalton could see with his own eyes how wrong he’d been to doubt him.

Vida and Veronica hurried after Julian, heading straight toward Sophie.

But as the three of them approached, there was no trace of Sophie’s usual eager smile. She didn’t go out of her way to please them anymore. Instead, she greeted them coolly. “Mrs. Chandler. Julian.”

Vida and Veronica climbed straight into the backseat, then barked out instructions. “Julian, put the luggage in the trunk. Let’s get going!”

Vida turned to Sophie. “Sophie, you really are thoughtful, coming to take us in at a time like this. Your family’s house may be a bit smaller, but we’ll make do. Don’t worry, Sophie—once Julian’s back on top, I promise we’ll make it up to you.”

But Sophie’s voice was cold, her gaze fixed on Julian. “You’ve misunderstood, Mrs. Chandler. I’m not here to take you to my house.” She paused, then continued, “Julian, we need to be honest with each other. We don’t belong to the same world anymore. It’s best if we don’t see each other again.”