THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 69

Julian himself had leaked the news about a partnership with the Sylvester Group.

He'd spent the entire night rehearsing his talking points, determined to wow the press with his eloquence and poise. For once, he thought, he'd have a chance to bask in the spotlight.

But things hadn't gone according to plan.

In the end, his grand announcement had backfired spectacularly.

It felt as if someone had grabbed him by the collar and shoved his face into the dirt.

Losing to a worthy rival would have been one thing.

But to lose to a company as insignificant as Apex Game Studios—a firm that, in every way, fell short of The Chandler Group—was humiliating beyond words.

Now, under the harsh glare of the cameras, Julian wished he could just disappear. His cheeks burned with shame, his complexion shifting from crimson to pale in a matter of seconds.

To make things worse, the reporters pressed on from the front row. "Mr. Chandler, could you say a few words? Why are you so quiet? Did something unexpected happen with the partnership?"

Julian's face was a portrait of mortification.

Jasper elbowed his way in front of Julian, shielding him from the barrage of microphones. "Sorry, everyone," Jasper said, forcing a smile, "Mr. Chandler isn't feeling well today. He won't be taking any questions. Next time, when we win The Celestial Awards, he'll be happy to speak to you all!"

This deal with the Sylvester Group was just a minor hiccup, Jasper thought.

The Celestial Awards were an entirely different matter.

The Celestial Awards were decided by a public vote—everyone got a say. With Apex's reputation in ruins, there was no way they'd even make the shortlist, let alone win.

So, as far as Jasper was concerned, The Celestial Awards were already in the bag for The Chandler Group.

The female reporter at the front looked as if she wanted to press further, but suddenly, a shout went up from the crowd.

"Mr. Winslow is coming out!"

"It's Mr. Winslow and Mr. Blake from Apex Game Studios!"

Before the female reporter could process what was happening, her colleagues surged forward, shoving microphones toward Victor. "Mr. Winslow, Mr. Blake, is it true your company has secured the partnership with the Sylvester Group?"

She was stunned.

Wasn't the inside scoop that The Chandler Group had locked in the deal with Sylvester? How had it suddenly become Apex Game Studios?

And wasn't Apex supposedly on the verge of bankruptcy?

Just then, a coworker hurried past her. "Eaton, what are you waiting for? Go get an interview with Mr. Winslow and Mr. Blake—this is front-page news! Jayne just messaged—Apex Game Studios really did land the Sylvester Group partnership."

What?

No way.

Was Apex Game Studios about to make a comeback?

When that happened, Apex Game Studios would be his for the taking.

He could already picture it: Victor and Carlisle kneeling, begging him for mercy, handing over the company. The thought gave him a twisted sense of satisfaction.

Jasper shot Julian a wary glance. "Mr. Chandler, Apex just sealed the deal with Sylvester Group. Buying them out won't be so easy anymore."

Apex wasn't the struggling company it had been just days ago. Not only had they solved their cash flow problems, they'd also landed the Sylvester Group partnership. It was almost unbelievable.

Julian narrowed his eyes. "Caitlin is Apex's largest shareholder now, and I'm the love of her life. Just wait—within a week, she'll come to me with the acquisition papers and beg me to take the company off her hands."

Jasper nodded in agreement. "You're right—Caitlin can't get over you. She'd do anything to win your favor."

He paused, then grinned at Julian. "Well then, let me congratulate you in advance, Mr. Chandler! Once the acquisition goes through, The Chandler Group will be unstoppable."

Julian's face lit up with smug satisfaction.

Meanwhile—

At the Sylvester Group headquarters.

After Victor and Carlisle left, Skyler made his way up to the executive suite.

"Uncle," he began, "I thought for sure you'd pick The Chandler Group for the partnership. I never imagined you'd go with Apex Game Studios instead. Especially after Jasper left—what could Apex possibly bring to the table?"