THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 9

Fortune looked at his granddaughter, and for a brief moment, it felt as if he were seeing her as a swaddled baby all over again.

When he first found Caitlin, she was only a few months old, still covered in blood. Everyone told him he shouldn't bring her home—she was far too tiny, and without a mother's milk, she'd never survive. But it was the dead of winter, and not a single bystander was willing to take her in. Fortune's heart wouldn't let him leave her behind. Even though his son and daughter-in-law objected, he insisted on keeping her.

As her grandfather, no one in the world wanted more for Caitlin than he did. He just wanted her safe, happy, and pure of heart, always kind and gentle. That's why he'd chosen the name "Caitlin" for her—a name that carried hope and gentleness.

"Catie, we're family. There's no need for all that formal talk. Since you've decided to start over, don't overthink it. I'm still earning a paycheck every month, and there's no problem paying for your exams or college. It's getting late—pull yourself together and go wash up for bed. Your room's still waiting for you, just the way you left it." Even if Caitlin didn't get into a top university or give him a life of comfort, she would always be his granddaughter, and his love for her came with no strings attached.

"Alright, Grandpa." Caitlin nodded and headed toward her room.

Fortune made his way to the corner of the living room.

Watching her grandfather draw the curtain around his single bed, preparing to sleep, Caitlin's heart tightened. She needed to find a way to earn some money, and fast—her grandfather deserved so much better than a cramped bed in the living room. She'd get him a proper room of his own, something comfortable, something worthy.

Back in her room, Caitlin showered, washed off the heavy makeup, and sat down at her vanity. Only then did she see her real face, no longer hidden behind layers of foundation and shadow.

The girl in the mirror had skin as fair as snow, delicate brows like crescent moons, and bright, starry eyes. She was strikingly beautiful, with features that seemed to glow from within. Caitlin had assumed the original owner of her body only vaguely resembled her, but now she realized they looked exactly alike—even the tiny red birthmark beneath her brow was identical.

So maybe… being reborn as this girl after the explosion wasn't just a random twist of fate.

**

The next morning.

6:30 a.m.

After a quick wash, Caitlin changed into workout clothes and got ready for her morning run.

Fortune was already bustling around the kitchen.

"Morning, Grandpa," Caitlin called out, smiling.

Fortune turned, surprised to see her up so early. "Catie? What are you doing awake at this hour?"

"I'm going for a run," Caitlin replied.

Her new body was weak—just one scuffle last night had left her sore all over. She was determined to get back into shape, to reclaim the fitness and strength she'd had in her previous life.

Before she left, Fortune pressed a card into her hand. "Catie, this is the money I've been saving for you. The PIN is your birthday. Use it for your everyday expenses—don't worry, there's plenty to cover you. If you ever run out, just ask me for more."

Every month, after paying the rent, Fortune would set aside $200 for Caitlin, wanting her to have a safety net.

Caitlin looked up at him, "Grandpa, how much is in this account?"

"About four thousand dollars, give or take."

She grinned, "Then think of it as your investment in me. Ten days, Grandpa—give me just ten days, and I'll make that balance ten times bigger. Just wait, I'll get you out of this place and into a real home."

Fortune chuckled and agreed, but he didn't take her words to heart. She was just a girl—how could she possibly pull off something like that? Forget ten days; even ten months seemed impossible.

After saying goodbye, Caitlin grabbed a bag of vitamins and supplements and headed out to catch the bus to the hospital.

About forty minutes later, she hopped off at her stop. As she approached the hospital doors, a man in sunglasses brushed past her, moving quickly.

But then he stopped in his tracks, slipped off his sunglasses, and turned to reveal a charming, rakish smile. "Hey there, beautiful. Haven't I seen you somewhere before?"