THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 65

When Carlisle and Victor entered, the room's atmosphere chilled instantly. Gone were the days when people would rush to greet them with flattery and eager smiles. Now, they were met only with cold stares and the faint edge of mockery.

"Isn't that Victor and Carlisle from Apex Game Studios?"

"What are they even doing here?"

"They can't seriously think Master Ninth would pick Apex as a partner, can they?"

"Guess they're just here to embarrass themselves."

The whispers and sneers rippled through the crowd.

Carlisle had known this was coming, had steeled himself for the ridicule, but his footsteps still felt heavy. It was hard to breathe. Apex Game Studios had once been a name people respected, even admired. Wherever he went, he'd been greeted as Mr. Blake, with companies lining up to collaborate, eager to forge ties with him.

And now, just a few months later, he was being treated like this.

He let out a silent sigh.

Victor, walking by his side, looked equally somber.

Suddenly, a commotion broke out at the entrance. The murmurs of derision were replaced by eager, sycophantic greetings.

"Mr. Chandler!"

"It's Mr. Chandler from The Chandler Group!"

"He's so young, but already such a powerhouse!"

"Like grandfather, like grandson—Jarvis Chandler was a legend, and there's no doubt his grandson will follow in his footsteps."

Carlisle and Victor glanced up.

History is always written by the victors. The same is true in business.

One day, if Apex Game Studios rose again, justice would have its say—and Jasper would answer for his betrayal.

Carlisle knew this wasn't the time or place to start a fight with Julian and Jasper, so he swallowed his anger.

Victor turned to Jasper, his voice cool but steady. "Thank you, Mr. Lockwood. You've taught me a valuable lesson about the battlefield of business. Leaving Apex is easy; coming back, not so much. I just hope you never regret your decision."

"Regret?" Jasper's lips curled into a sneer. "The only thing I regret is not leaving Apex sooner. Mr. Winslow, are you still deluded enough to think you stand a chance? Everyone here knows Master Ninth's preferred partner is Mr. Chandler. If I were you, I wouldn't have even bothered showing up today."

His words landed with a finality that made the crowd nod in agreement. Julian, standing beside him, held his chin high, soaking in the admiration.

On the way in, Julian had already noticed the swarm of reporters camped outside the Sylvester Group building, all waiting to see him clinch the partnership—and to snag the headline interview for tomorrow's news.