THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 92

When Caitlin spotted Fortune, she immediately jogged over and called out, "Grandpa!"

Grandpa?

In that instant, Ray Barrett was utterly stunned.

Who was Caitlin calling Grandpa? Fortune Kensington?

Just moments ago, Ray had been mocking Fortune Kensington, even going so far as to say he'd eat his own hat if Caitlin got into Central Academy. Now, as realization dawned, red and green flushed across his face, and he wished he could disappear into the floor.

He'd never been more embarrassed in his life.

Principal Blake and Director Prescott were just as shocked. Neither of them had imagined that the janitor—this unassuming old man—could have such an extraordinary granddaughter.

Seven hundred and ten points.

If this were the national college entrance exam, she'd be the top student in the entire city.

Fortune still hadn't quite processed what was happening. He turned to Caitlin, "Catie, where are you off to?"

Before Caitlin could answer, Principal Blake hurried over and warmly grabbed Fortune's hand. "Mr. Kensington, my deepest apologies for not recognizing you earlier! I'm Lanny Blake, principal of Central Academy. We're here today to deliver some wonderful news to your granddaughter!"

"Sir, you've raised her well. With her talent, her future is limitless."

Director Prescott quickly caught Fortune's other hand. "Mr. Kensington, I'm Rhett Prescott, director at Central Academy. The principal is absolutely right—your granddaughter is remarkable. She's destined for great things, and you should get ready to enjoy the fruits of your hard work!"

"Thank you, thank you!" Fortune beamed as both school leaders clasped his hands. In that moment, he felt as if his whole life had been leading up to this. "So you're saying my Catie really got into Central Academy?"

"Yes, congratulations!" Principal Blake said, grinning. "Not only did Caitlin get in—she placed first."

To boost the school's standards, the transfer exam had been even more difficult than their usual end-of-term tests. In the past three years, no transfer applicant had ever scored above 710.

Caitlin's top score left everyone speechless.

And for Central Academy, it rekindled their ambition for the Ivy League next year.

"First place? My Catie is first? She's really first?" Fortune repeated in disbelief, his eyes wide with wonder.

It felt like a dream.

Principal Blake nodded. "That's right. Your granddaughter is Central Academy's new number one."

After Caitlin and the school officials left, Fortune turned to Ray Barrett. "Manager Barrett, didn't you say my Catie wouldn't get into Central Academy? Looks like she's a lot sharper than your son."

Ray Barrett could only force a stiff nod. "Your granddaughter is… impressive, Kensington."

Fortune grinned. "And about what you said earlier—that was just a joke, right? Manager Barrett, why not join us for drinks tonight at Fortune Peak Hotel?"

That was a punch straight to the gut.

Ray forced a dry laugh, his face still sour. "I'm afraid I'm busy tonight. Maybe another time."

Damn that smug old man. What's he so proud about?

Who knew if Caitlin had really passed honestly?

And even if she had, so what? Girls' brains never keep up with boys' in the long run. By senior year, the boys in her class would surpass her, and her grades would inevitably slip.

Besides, with a face like that, it was only a matter of time before Caitlin started dating—maybe she'd even end up pregnant.

Unwed and expecting, the shame of it—let's see how cocky old Fortune Kensington is then!