THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 85

The longer Vida and Veronica thought about it, the more certain they became that Alaina couldn't possibly be calling out to Caitlin.

After all, Alaina looked down on even the Chandler family. What did Caitlin amount to in comparison?

In the crowd, Caitlin heard someone call her name. She glanced back and saw Alaina, then turned and walked over.

"Mrs. Cumming."

Vida and Veronica exchanged helpless, exasperated looks at the sight.

Could that little country bumpkin be any more self-absorbed? Did she really think Alaina was calling for her? The nerve! Had she ever taken a good look in the mirror? Did she even know who Alaina was—and who she herself was? The sheer audacity was laughable.

Just wait, they thought. Caitlin was about to make a fool of herself. And it would be even more humiliating than their own embarrassment moments ago. With that thought, the tightness in Vida's chest finally eased a little.

Veronica, meanwhile, watched Caitlin with morbid anticipation, ready to see her crash and burn. Compared to whatever humiliation was about to befall Caitlin, her own awkwardness with Alaina suddenly didn't seem so bad.

But just as Vida and Veronica were preparing to bask in Caitlin's impending embarrassment, Alaina greeted her warmly, her voice full of genuine delight. "Miss Kensington! It really is you—I almost thought I was seeing things!"

Alaina even used the formal "Miss," a mark of respect that came out almost instinctively.

Though Caitlin was young, her poise and presence set her apart. Even someone like Alaina—born into privilege and status—felt almost humbled in her presence.

Caitlin met Alaina's gaze. "Mrs. Cumming, I didn't expect to see you here either."

"That just means we're destined to meet," Alaina replied affectionately, reaching out to take Caitlin's hand. "Miss Kensington, if you don't mind me saying, you remind me so much of my own little sister. If you're comfortable with it, why not just call me Alaina? And I'll call you Catie, all right?"

"Of course, Alaina," Caitlin replied, calm and composed.

Alaina beamed, delighted, and in a spontaneous gesture, slid off the expensive bracelet from her own wrist and fastened it around Caitlin's. "This is a little gift from your big sister, Catie. You mustn't refuse—it's tradition."

Before Caitlin could even react, a luxury bracelet worth a small fortune was already clasped on her wrist.

"Alaina, this is far too generous!" Caitlin protested immediately.

"Nonsense! Do I look like I'm going to miss one bracelet?" Alaina laughed, holding Caitlin's hand to stop her from removing it. "Besides, it's practically fate that this bracelet ended up on your wrist."

What did Caitlin have that she didn't? How could someone from such humble beginnings possibly outshine her? Veronica's hands balled into fists so tight her sharp nails drew blood, not that she even noticed.

--

Alaina, brimming with enthusiasm, insisted on taking Caitlin and Celeste out for a meal. Caitlin tried to refuse, but in the end, she relented and went along.

The three of them arrived at an exclusive members-only restaurant. Alaina handed the menu to Caitlin. "Catie, March, order whatever you like—no need to stand on ceremony with me."

"Thank you, Alaina."

"Oh, and Catie, March, I actually came to the mall today with my brother. I sent him up to the sixth floor to pick something up, but would you mind if I invited him to join us for lunch?"

Caitlin turned to Celeste for her opinion. Celeste smiled. "Of course, the more the merrier."

"Great, I'll call him now," Alaina said, stepping outside to phone her brother, Gordon.

Meanwhile, Gordon and Skyler were already in the car, with Skyler in the passenger seat, syncing up the music via Bluetooth.