THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 70

Skyler had read through the Chandler Group's proposal more times than he could count.

And every time he went over it, he found something new, some clever touch or hidden nuance.

Honestly, he'd been convinced the Chandler Group had this deal in the bag.

He never expected his uncle to pick Apex instead.

"Come here," Gordon said quietly.

Skyler immediately stepped up to the desk. Gordon pulled a file from the stack and handed it to him. "Take a look at this."

Skyler took the file, still puzzled.

A minute or two passed as he read. His expression shifted from casual, to focused, to downright stunned. At last he looked up at Gordon in disbelief. "U-Uncle, is this really Apex Game Studios' bid?"

Gordon gave a slight nod.

Skyler looked as if he'd just seen a ghost. "My God! I completely underestimated them. I can't believe Apex could put together something like this!"

If the Chandler Group's proposal had surprised him, Apex's was an outright revelation.

The Chandler Group didn't even come close—Apex's plan was ten times better, at least.

Skyler never would have guessed that a company teetering on the edge of bankruptcy could pull off such a turnaround.

It was nothing short of incredible.

Just five minutes ago, he'd been doubting Gordon's decision.

Five minutes later, he understood Gordon—and, in a way, became Gordon.

He asked immediately, "Uncle, who put this proposal together? Was it Victor?"

Gordon shook his head slightly. "It's from Apex's new shareholder, Miss Kensington."

"Miss Kensington? Who's that?" Skyler asked, eyebrows raised.

At that moment, it didn't even occur to Skyler that this Miss Kensington could be Caitlin. As far as he knew, Caitlin was impressive, sure—but she was a doctor, not a business strategist.

Completely different fields.

"I'm not quite sure who she is, either," Gordon said, his tone low.

Skyler couldn't help but marvel, "Whoever she is, she's incredible—she just wiped the floor with Julian! If I ever get the chance, I'd love to meet her in person."

Gordon didn't respond; he merely narrowed his eyes a fraction. He didn't say a word, but the force of his presence was so strong that no one dared meet his gaze.

Could it really be her?

He found himself looking forward to working with Apex Game Studios more than ever.

**

Elsewhere—

Victor had barely walked into the office before he was on the phone to Caitlin, eager to share the good news.

Sylvester Group had chosen to work with Apex Game Studios.

While Victor was practically bouncing with excitement, Caitlin sounded completely calm. "Gordon has good judgment," she said.

Her grandfather knocked at the door. "Catie, you're still up?"

"I'm up, Grandpa. Come on in."

He came in with a plate of sliced fruit. "Don't stay up too late studying. Eat some fruit, and don't stress. If you don't get into Central Academy, we'll just find another high school. You'll get into college either way."

"Okay, Grandpa."

The next morning at seven, Caitlin arrived at Central Academy, test admission slip and stationery in hand.

It was the time for students to enter the school.

The front gate was bustling with people, alive with excitement.

Bonnie had just stepped out of the car when she spotted Caitlin standing among the crowd of students, signing in for the transfer exam.

With her ponytail and simple clothes, Caitlin stood out from the crowd. The morning sun filtered through the leaves, shining across her profile. She wore a plain white shirt, pale jeans, and a pair of sneakers—nothing fancy, but her beauty shone through regardless.

Bonnie stared at Caitlin, envy eating at her. How did Caitlin end up with a face like that? If she looked like that, she'd never let herself get pushed out of the Chandler family.

A goose will always be a goose, she thought bitterly—even if it tries to act like a swan, it'll never become one.

Pathetic. She's doomed to be a nobody.

"What are you looking at, Bonnie?" Iliana called, noticing her daughter lagging behind.

"Mom, look—Caitlin's here for the transfer exam," Bonnie said, nodding in Caitlin's direction.

Iliana followed her gaze, remembering how Fortune had once boasted that Caitlin would get into Central Academy on her own merits. Iliana scoffed. "That little country girl thinks Central Academy is as easy as her hometown school? She really believes just anyone can get in?"