THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 54

"Sophie."

A man's voice cut through the air, unexpected and clear.

The young woman glanced up, bright delight flickering in her eyes. "Julian."

There was no mistake.

This was Julian's one true love, Sophie—the famed prodigy of Silverhaven.

Sophie had ranked second in the national college entrance exams for the humanities, a rare and remarkable feat. She was also the first student in decades at Silverhaven to score a near-perfect mark in literature. With her beauty, prestigious family background, and academic triumphs, she became an overnight sensation after a televised interview the day she received her results.

That was when the title "Silverhaven's Brightest Star" began to follow her everywhere.

Julian rolled up his suit sleeves and took the seat across from her. "Sorry, Sophie, I'm running ten minutes late."

"It's nothing, Julian. I know you're busy." Sophie lifted her coffee cup and took a sip. "By the way, I heard you landed the deal with the Sylvester Group?"

He nodded. "Yeah, that's right."

Sophie covered her mouth, eyes wide in awe. "Oh my gosh! It's true? Julian, you're incredible!"

Julian's lips curled into a faint, almost dismissive smile. "It's just a small partnership, nothing much."

But everyone knew this deal with Sylvester Group was only the beginning.

Soon, he would become a legend throughout all of Eldermere.

Sophie rested her chin on her hands, her expression playful and charming. "Honestly, Julian, I admire you more every day."

A man could never tire of being adored, especially by a woman as celebrated as Silverhaven's brightest star. Julian felt his confidence swell.

Just as he and Sophie were flirting, a slender figure appeared in Julian's peripheral vision.

She wore a deep burgundy vintage sleeveless blouse with delicate buttons and a pair of wide-legged black trousers. The outfit accentuated her slender waist and long legs, and the rich color made her pale skin glow with striking beauty.

The moment she stepped inside, every eye in the café was drawn to her—men and women alike.

No wonder.

She was stunning, both in looks and in presence, so dazzling it was almost unreal.

It was—

Caitlin!

The instant Julian recognized her, his admiration turned to outright disgust.

What was this crazy woman doing here? Was she following him again?

Of course she was. Caitlin had pulled stunts like this before—it was beyond shameless.

Now that Sophie knew for certain, she forced herself to hide her shock. "Caitlin's changed so much since the divorce."

Changed was an understatement.

It was as if she'd shed an old skin. Sophie had never realized that beneath Caitlin's heavy makeup was a face this breathtaking.

A jolt of unease shot through Sophie.

No way. She couldn't let anyone steal Julian from her.

"It looks like the divorce really hit Caitlin hard. She's changed everything about herself, probably just to win you back..."

Her words trailed off and she glanced up at Julian, playing the part of the fragile, wronged woman. "Julian, you know me better than anyone—I'm not the type to get caught up in drama. I just don't have the energy for this competition between women..."

Seeing Sophie so distressed, Julian's heart ached for her. He squeezed her hand. "Wait here. I'll take care of Caitlin."

Sophie frowned slightly, putting on a show of understanding. "Don't, Julian. Caitlin's been through a lot. She's only acting like this because she loved you so much. For my sake, can you just let it go?"

He shook his head, bristling. "You want me to let her off the hook, but did she ever think about how hard this is for you? You're always considerate, but she never cared about your feelings!"

Without another word, Julian strode across the café, deliberately blocking Caitlin's path. Looking down his nose at her, he pointed accusingly. "Caitlin, what are you trying to pull? We're divorced. I only love Sophie. Will you stop shamelessly following me around?"

His voice rose, drawing every eye in the café. "I want you to apologize to Sophie right now—and promise you'll never bother her again. Otherwise, we're done. Don't even think about being friends."