THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 75

Julian was positively smug, convinced he had Caitlin right where he wanted her after that call. He didn't even bother to wait for her reply before hanging up, satisfied with himself.

Dalton, who'd been watching from the side, jumped in as soon as Julian put down his phone. "So? Did she agree to see you tomorrow?" he asked, a hint of worry in his tone.

Lately, Caitlin had been acting nothing like her old self—gone was the timid, self-effacing girl they'd both been used to. Dalton was genuinely concerned she might be ready to move on from Julian for good and start a new chapter in her life.

Julian's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Her agreeing to meet me is probably the luckiest thing that's ever happened to her. Of course she said yes." In his mind, Caitlin had been waiting for this moment—waiting for him to take the initiative. He imagined her now, clutching her phone in disbelief and maybe already prepping the contract for Apex Game Studios.

If he didn't need the latest updates about Apex, Julian would never stoop so low as to reach out to Caitlin. It was beneath someone of his standing.

Dalton let out a breath of relief. "So, are you actually thinking of giving her another chance?" he asked, still unsure.

Julian narrowed his eyes and shook his head. "It's just a means to an end. The only person I care about is Sophie. Caitlin? She's nothing." Once he got what he wanted from her—full access to Apex's situation and the successful acquisition of the company—he'd be more than happy to crush her little daydreams himself.

People needed to face reality. A girl like Caitlin belonged back in the sticks, marrying some farm boy, not fantasizing about someone like him.

"Oh, and you're coming with me tomorrow," Julian added. "If Sophie hears I met Caitlin alone, who knows what she'll think."

"Of course, Julian," Dalton nodded dutifully.

**

Meanwhile, Caitlin's face had clouded over during the call. When she hung up, Celeste couldn't help but ask, "Catie, who was that?"

"Two lunatics," Caitlin replied offhandedly.

Celeste's eyes widened. "Catie, if you're in any kind of trouble—seriously, tell me! I might not be from Silverhaven originally, but my parents have some money. If you need help, I can get them involved."

Caitlin could hear the sincerity in her voice and smiled gratefully. "Thanks, March. I mean it."

"Don't be silly! You literally saved my life. My parents adore me, and you saving me is basically like saving the whole family. They're super grateful to you! From now on, you're my honorary little sister." Celeste, brimming with energy, threw an arm around Caitlin's shoulders.

She really did treat Caitlin like family, even though they hadn't known each other long. There was just something about Caitlin—her honesty, her openness, the way her eyes shone without a trace of scheming—that made Celeste want to be close to her. Being her friend felt easy and genuine.

Caitlin's lips dimpled into a smile, a pair of charming dimples appearing at her cheeks. "Deal. From now on, we're sisters."

When Celeste heard Caitlin was taking the subway home, she quickly said, "Hey, I live the same way. Let's ride together."

"Sounds good."

They rode the subway for over half an hour before finally reaching their stop. Outside the station, Caitlin turned to say goodbye. "See you tomorrow, March."

"Wait, wait!" Celeste grabbed her sleeve.

Keeley came out from the living room. "I heard Central Academy's entrance score is sky-high. Out of 750, transfer students have to score at least 600 to get in! You might want a backup plan, Catie. If you can't make the cut, there are always other schools."

Caitlin smiled, unfazed. "I can't promise anything else, but 600 shouldn't be a problem."

Keeley just looked at her, unconvinced. This girl, for all she had changed lately, still had one bad habit—promising the moon. Six hundred was no joke. How many students actually made that score every year? And Caitlin had missed a whole year of school.

Keeley turned around and called out, "Tell you what, Catie. If you score 600 or above, I'll give you a thousand dollars!"

Caitlin grinned. "Deal. But if I don't, I'll owe you a thousand."

Keeley nodded, satisfied. "Let's shake on it."

Fortune paid no mind to their bet. He brought dinner out of the kitchen and set it on the table. "Catie, go wash up for dinner. I made your favorite—fresh fish and tofu soup."

"Thanks, Grandpa." Caitlin headed off to wash her hands.

**

Across town, in the Cumming family's elegant home, Alaina was lounging on the sofa painting her nails. When she heard the front door, she quickly put down the polish, beaming as she hurried over to greet Skyler, her son. She took his suit jacket as he shrugged it off. "Welcome home, darling! You must be exhausted after a long day at work."