THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 4

Troy Chandler was Jesse's only grandson, and after graduating college, he'd never amounted to much—a glaring contrast to Julian.

When Jesse heard the suggestion, his expression darkened. Marry his grandson off to Julian's cast-off ex-wife? What was Vida thinking?-

"Fine, fine. If you two have already made up your minds, then as the old man here, I'll keep my nose out of it." Jesse turned to Julian, his voice stern and cold. "Julian, I just hope you don't regret this."

Regret?

Julian's eyes flashed with disdain.

Divorcing someone like Caitlin was the best thing that could've happened to him—regret had no place here. Especially now, since he held that brilliant proposal in his hands.

As long as he used that plan to successfully sign with Sylvester Group, the Chandler family would control Silverhaven's future.

**

It was late—well past midnight.

Caitlin walked alone down the empty street, backpack slung over one shoulder. She pulled her phone from her pocket, about to call a rideshare, when a faint cry for help drifted through the quiet air.

"Help! Somebody, please!"

Caitlin's ears pricked up. She quickly pinpointed the direction of the voice and broke into a run.

The cries led her to a shadowy alley, where she caught sight of a group of thugs cornering a young woman. The girl's clothes had been torn; pale skin flashed stark and vulnerable under the harsh streetlight.

"Let her go!" Caitlin's shout cut through the night.

The girl looked up immediately. Through the glare, she could just make out a slim figure standing between her and her attackers—a woman in a baseball cap, posture relaxed but ready, her face hidden in shadow. She seemed to appear out of nowhere, a guardian dropped into the darkness.

The girl's eyes filled with desperate hope. "Please… please help me!"

The thugs turned around. Seeing that their new opponent was just another woman, the tattooed leader's lips curled into a leering grin. "Well, look what we have here, boys! Looks like it's our lucky night."

The others laughed, all malice and anticipation.

If Caitlin hadn't shown up, tonight would've been a nightmare with no end.

With a final thud, the last thug hit the ground. The man in the white shirt fished a handkerchief from his trouser pocket and meticulously wiped his hands, though they were spotless. The moonlight cast a silvery glow across his chiseled features.

He glanced down at Caitlin, eyes sharp and cool, his deep voice edged with a smooth baritone. "Impressive moves."

Caitlin met his gaze.

For a split second, she was caught in those fathomless eyes, dark and piercing.

He was almost unnaturally handsome—aristocratic lines, elegant and cold, with a presence that seemed to chill the very air. His stare was unyielding, like a predator studying its prey, all restrained power and danger.

Yet Caitlin didn't flinch. She looked right back at him, utterly unafraid, her tone almost casual. "Not bad yourself."

She wasn't intimidated?

Surprise flickered across his face.