THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 163

Julian stared in disbelief at the man who had suddenly appeared at Caitlin's side.

Who was he?

And why did he seem so close to Caitlin?

Even Caitlin was momentarily stunned. From where she stood, she could see the sharp angles of Gordon's profile, and then—her ears filled with the sound of a heartbeat.

Strong. Steady.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

It echoed in her chest, strange and unfamiliar. This was the first time a man had ever held her like this—his arm wrapped securely around her waist. Even through the thin layer of her blouse, she could feel the heat of his hand. It burned, almost frightening in its intensity.

Her breath quickened.

For a moment, she forgot how to react.

Then Gordon turned to Julian, his voice cold as ice. "Catie is my girlfriend now. I'd appreciate it if you stopped bothering her."

His tone left no room for argument.

Julian felt sweat bead on his forehead, prickling cold and nervous.

Her boyfriend?

How could that be?

Hadn't Caitlin always loved him?

It had only been a few months since their divorce—how could she have a new boyfriend so soon?

And—

Why did this guy look so familiar?

Like…

Like Master Benedict.

But Caitlin did smell nice, and her body was soft in his arms.

They were standing so close now, their breaths mingling.

It wasn't just Caitlin who could hear Gordon's heartbeat—Gordon could feel hers, too. Her unique scent seemed to seep into him, crisp and fresh, like red berries after a snowfall—something no perfume could ever imitate.

Gordon stood frozen, fighting a wave of heat rising inside him, impossible to suppress.

His throat felt dry, almost burning.

"I'm sorry, Catie," he said, voice rough despite his effort to stay composed. His eyes shone with a tenderness that softened his usual severity. "Something came up at work at the last minute, so I'm late. It won't happen again."

If Caitlin had looked up at that moment, she would have seen the flush spreading over his face, even down his neck.

His eyes were filled with so much warmth—and his voice, too—it was hard to believe this was the same man she thought she knew.

Even Caitlin couldn't tell if it was all an act, or something more real than either of them wanted to admit.