THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 80

Ann couldn't stand the way Keira acted. In her eyes, Keira was hopelessly biased.

Hadn't she been the one by Keira's side all these years, doing her duty as a granddaughter?

Yet, Keira's mind was always on Freya—the granddaughter who'd never even shown her face. Every time Freya's name came up, Keira's voice would soften, almost fond, as if Freya were something precious.

Keira had never called Ann anything sweet or affectionate. Not once. Even when Ann had topped her class, Keira had only ever used her name—never "darling," never "sweetheart." Just "Ann."

But when it came to Freya, it was always "my dear Freya," as if nothing else in the world mattered.

Keira claimed Freya was the rightful heir to Gonzales Holdings, but Ann was the one who'd put in the work, who'd devoted countless hours at the company. What had Freya ever done—did she even know where the office was? If anyone deserved to inherit everything, it was Ann. Not Freya.

How could Freya possibly swoop in and take what rightfully belonged to her?

Amanda glanced around, then lowered her voice. "Freya's just a fantasy for your grandmother, nothing more. If she could have been found, they would have found her already. Why wait until now?"

If that child were still alive, then Carey would be, too. But in all these years, there hadn't been a word from Carey. And, considering the circumstances—lost in the middle of nowhere at just three months old—how could anyone possibly believe Freya was still out there?

Keira was just fooling herself, clinging to hope that had died years ago.

Which meant that the next in line for the Gonzales family, and for Gonzales Holdings, could only be Ann.

Ann narrowed her eyes. "Mom, do you really think Freya will never be found?"

Amanda checked again to make sure no one was listening. "She was only a baby when it happened. Out there, in the wilderness, she wouldn't have lasted long. I've been telling your grandmother that there's hope, just to comfort her. But between us? There's no way."

Ann dropped her voice even further. "Even if Freya's gone, what if Uncle wakes up after all this time? If he recovers..."

But as she trailed off, anxiety gnawed at her. What if everything she'd worked for was snatched away at the last minute?

Amanda smoothed a wrinkle from Ann's blouse. "Of course I wish your uncle would recover. But if he were going to, don't you think it would've happened already? All you need to do is keep working hard at the company. You're already the obvious choice to take over, Ann. Don't overthink it."

Ann nodded slowly, reassured. "You're right, Mom. I'll head up to my room."

"Go on." Amanda nodded, watching her daughter disappear down the hall. "I'll ask the housekeeper to bring you some nourishing soup in a bit."

As Ann's figure disappeared upstairs, Amanda's eyes filled with pride.

Her daughter was beautiful, capable, and universally admired at Gonzales Holdings. There was no doubt—one day, Ann would inherit both the family and the company.

**

Elsewhere.

Silverhaven.

Dalton had been waiting in the coffee shop for what felt like an eternity. Finally, the manager approached his table. "Mr. Shepherd, it's midnight now. We're closing soon."

Dalton glanced at his phone. He hadn't realized how late it was.

Dalton arrived at The Chandler Group's building and made his way to Julian's office.

Julian was still there, buried in paperwork.

Dalton knocked on the door.

"Who is it?"

"It's me, Julian."

Julian, exhausted after hours of work, was suddenly reminded he'd asked Dalton to wait for Caitlin at the café. He assumed Dalton was here with Caitlin, ready to bring her in so she could apologize.

Setting aside his files, Julian looked up. "Come in."

Dalton stepped inside.

"Julian," he greeted.

Julian's brows knit together when he realized Dalton was alone. "Where's Caitlin?"

She must be scared I won't forgive her, he thought. She's probably standing right outside the door, too afraid to come in.

He narrowed his eyes and shot a mocking glance toward the hallway. "So now you're too scared to face me? If you knew you'd be afraid, why do such disgusting things in the first place?"