THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 409

At the sound of Caitlin’s voice, Vesta and Miranda froze mid-step. Cold sweat prickled their foreheads. This was bad—really bad. They’d been caught.

Vesta recovered first, turning to face Caitlin with a perfectly innocent expression. “Miss Gonzales, is there something you need from us?”

Caitlin’s gaze was almost suffocating in its intensity. Without realizing it, Vesta’s tone had shifted from casual to formal, a subtle sign of her anxiety.

Miranda quickly chimed in, nodding. “Yes, Miss Gonzales, is there anything else you’d like?”

Caitlin’s lips curled into a slight smile. “Have you both forgotten about our little wager?”

She paused, letting her words hang in the air before her smile widened, her eyes never leaving them. “Or are you planning to go back on your word?”

The mention of the bet sent a jolt of panic through both girls. Caitlin’s smile only made the chill in the air more pronounced. For a moment, neither could think.

What now? How were they supposed to handle this?

They’d only wanted to see Caitlin make a fool of herself, but somehow, they’d ended up the punchline instead. This was all Ann’s fault! If Ann hadn’t been so convincing, they wouldn’t have lost the bet and landed in Caitlin’s crosshairs.

Miranda took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders as she faced Caitlin. “Miss Gonzales, we haven’t forgotten the bet. It’s true, we made a mistake. You’re generous—couldn’t you let this slide, just this once?”

The apology was necessary. After all, they were in the wrong.

Vesta understood that, too. She straightened up and spoke earnestly, “Miss Gonzales, I’m sorry as well. Please accept my apology.”

Caitlin nodded. “Apology accepted. But a bet is a bet, and we all agreed to the rules.”

She hesitated, then changed course. “But asking you both to… eat something so revolting isn’t exactly reasonable, is it? Here’s my proposal—why don’t the two of you join me in each donating a million dollars to underprivileged communities? That way, not only do you settle the bet, but you also get to do something genuinely meaningful. What do you say?”

A million dollars might not have been a big deal for two heiresses, but for kids in struggling neighborhoods, it could change lives.

At that, Mr. Quinten looked up at Caitlin, admiration shining in his eyes. He’d met all kinds of people in his life and knew most acted out of self-interest. But Caitlin was different. She could have used her recent deal with the Gonzales Holdings board to make a name for herself, but she’d chosen not to take the easy route.

The guests in the ballroom murmured their approval, some even clapping quietly.

Vesta let out a sigh of relief. “That’s fine by me.”

She’d braced herself for much worse, never expecting Caitlin to settle for a charitable donation.

Miranda relaxed as well, glancing up at Caitlin. “Miss Gonzales, I’ll send you a screenshot of the donation receipt once it’s done.”

“The Gonzales family has such good genes. Their granddaughter shouldn’t be like this. Maybe Gavin’s genes are just… subpar.”

Gavin’s face flushed with anger and embarrassment, but he bit his tongue, hurrying to Ann’s side and helping her up. “Ann, what happened? Weren’t you supposed to be Mr. Quinten’s savior? Why did I just see him leave with Freya?”

He had so many questions, but Ann was inconsolable. Tears streaked down her face as she clung to him, sobbing, “Dad, please take me home. I want to go home.”

As soon as she finished, her body went limp, and she fainted in his arms.

—

Upstairs on the hotel’s second floor, Amanda Gonzales was still unaware of what had just unfolded in the ballroom. She looked over at her mother, Keira. “Mom, today’s Ann’s birthday. Everyone who’s anyone in the city is downstairs. If you don’t make an appearance, what will people think of you? What will they say about Ann?”

Keira frowned, shaking her head. “I’ve already said, I refuse to be humiliated like this.”

She was Ann’s grandmother, and after what Ann had done, showing her face would only invite scorn and whispers behind her back. If Caitlin hadn’t been here tonight, she wouldn’t have set foot inside the hotel at all.

Amanda’s eyes flickered, her voice gentle but firm. “Mom, why would you be embarrassed? Sure, Freya was impersonating Ann, but Ann is such a thoughtful, kind girl. She’d never stoop to Freya’s level. Besides, Freya grew up in the countryside—her manners have nothing to do with you. No matter what she does, your reputation remains untarnished. After all, Ann is the one who was raised by your side.”