THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 84

Caitlin met Vida's gaze, her tone cool and even. "If a mall lets in two dogs—one wearing red, one in yellow—then why on earth wouldn't it let me in?"

Today, Vida and Veronica just happened to be dressed in red and yellow, respectively.

It was obvious to everyone who Caitlin was talking about.

Vida's entire body trembled with outrage—Caitlin had just called them dogs!

This wasn't at all what Vida had imagined. In her mind, Caitlin would be falling over herself to curry favor and grovel, not standing here, calm and defiant.

Did Caitlin not care about getting back together with Julian at all?

Veronica marched forward to stand beside her aunt, glaring at Caitlin. "Who are you calling a dog?"

If Veronica was furious, Caitlin was the picture of composure. "I'm talking about you two. If my words weren't clear enough, I could always have it carved on your tombstones."

"Caitlin," Veronica snapped, "do you even know who you're talking to? I'd watch your step if I were you. If you don't get on your knees and apologize to my aunt right now, I'll tell my brother everything that happened here. If he finds out you treated her like this, he'll never forgive you—ever!"

Chin raised high, Veronica waited, fully expecting Caitlin to drop to her knees in fear—after all, she'd just invoked Julian's name.

But to her utter shock—

Bang!

A sudden shove sent Veronica sprawling to the floor.

Caitlin's voice rang out, cold and clear. "A good dog knows when to get out of the way."

Veronica stared up at her in disbelief. "You—you actually pushed me!"

Caitlin arched an eyebrow. "Not only did I push you, I'd hit you if I felt like it. Next time you cross me, you won't be so lucky."

With that, she turned to Celeste. "March, let's go."

Celeste hurried after her without a word.

Watching Caitlin walk away, Veronica scrambled to her feet, pale and shaken. She shouted after her, "Caitlin, you stop right there! If you don't, I swear I'll tell my brother everything!"

Caitlin didn't even break stride.

Fuming, Veronica stamped her foot and looked at Vida. "Aunt Vida, Caitlin's completely lost her mind! Can you believe the way she treated us?"

But Vida didn't seem to hear her at all. She was staring ahead, her earlier anger replaced by shock, one hand clamped over her mouth. "Oh my God!"

Veronica frowned, confused. "Auntie, what is it?"

She gestured to her niece. "This is my niece, Veronica."

Veronica dipped her head respectfully. "Mrs. Cumming, my name is Ver—"

Alaina, who was always surrounded by admirers and flatterers, barely spared them a glance. She raised a manicured hand, cutting them off without ceremony. "That's enough. I don't know you, and I'm not interested in your name."

Their attempt at social climbing had been shut down with brutal efficiency. Veronica's back broke out in a cold sweat; she wanted nothing more than to crawl under a rock.

Vida was just as anxious. She'd been sure that mentioning Julian would win her some favor, but—

Just then, Alaina's eyes caught sight of a slender figure in the crowd. The frostiness on her face melted instantly, replaced by delight. "Miss Kensington!"

Veronica and Vida both froze, stunned.

Was Alaina really calling out to Caitlin?

No. Impossible.

Caitlin was a nobody from the countryside—there were plenty of people named Kensington.

Alaina Cumming, the queen of high society, would never be so enthusiastic about a country girl like her... right?