THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 532

Amanda patted Ann’s hand, giving her a playful scold. “Ann, you’re wonderful in every way, except for that passive nature of yours! If only you’d spoken up sooner about knowing Miss Palmer, things wouldn’t have gotten so out of hand.”

Thanks to the debacle with the impersonated savior and the Somerset family, Ann’s reputation in the Capital had taken a nosedive.

In fact, the gossip about her was downright vicious.

To make matters worse, she was now limping, had been thrown out of Gonzales Manor, and most of her old friends had quietly drifted away.

Amanda sighed at the thought, then continued, “If you’d just told the truth earlier, maybe your friends wouldn’t have…”

Ann let out a derisive snort. “Just wait. It won’t be long before they all come begging me for an invitation.”

Amanda narrowed her eyes. “You’d better not hand those invitations out so easily when the time comes!”

“Of course not.”

A gleam of cold determination flickered in Ann’s eyes. “Mom, I’ve got other things to take care of these next few days. Please handle the garden party arrangements for me.”

The venue had to be decorated in advance, and the private chef booked ahead of time.

Amanda smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry, Ann. I’ll make sure everything is absolutely perfect.”

She’d originally tried to talk her daughter out of hosting the party.

But now?

Now Amanda just wanted the day to arrive as soon as possible.

After all, she’d been dying to meet Celia!

“Thanks, Mom.” Ann turned to her, then added, “Oh, and I’m planning to invite Caitlin as well.”

Amanda’s eyes narrowed. “Why invite that little troublemaker? She’s always sucking up to people. What if she uses the chance to stir up trouble with Miss Palmer and ruin things between you two?”

Amanda had underestimated Caitlin from the start.

She’d always thought a country bumpkin like her niece could never pose a threat to her darling daughter’s place in society, so she’d never bothered to take her seriously.

But now, after less than a year back in the Capital, Caitlin had completely changed the social landscape—Ann’s standing had never been so precarious, and Amanda couldn’t help but be wary.

Miss Palmer was Ann’s closest friend and greatest support. What if Caitlin managed to come between them?

As a mother, Amanda would never let that happen.

Ann’s eyes took on a mocking glint. “You think Caitlin could actually turn Miss Palmer against me? Mom, you’re giving her too much credit.”

“Still, we can’t be too careful.” Amanda’s gaze was sharp. “I heard the Palmer family has some ties to the Richards family, and Caitlin is their granddaughter.”

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