THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 189

Caitlin thought for a moment. "How about I treat you to dinner tomorrow night?"

"Sounds good," Gordon replied.

She walked him to his car. "Let's touch base on WhatsApp tomorrow, okay? And drive safe tonight. Don't speed."

"I will."

—

Gordon had barely set foot inside his house when his phone rang. It was Skyler.

"Hello?" His voice was as calm and cool as ever.

On the other end, Skyler sounded curious, almost playful. "Uncle, where'd you go just now? I messaged you a ton on WhatsApp and you didn't reply."

"Nowhere special. Just busy with work," Gordon answered, his tone clipped and matter-of-fact.

He sounded so nonchalant that it was almost convincing—like he really had been buried in work.

Skyler never doubted him; after all, if Gordon was known for anything besides being a penny-pincher, it was his workaholic streak.

"So, Uncle, you're free now, right? I found this amazing late-night burger joint. Let's go grab something together!"

On a hot summer night, nothing beat sitting outside with greasy burgers and cold beer. That was Skyler—someone who knew how to enjoy life.

"I don't eat junk food," Gordon shot back immediately.

"But the burgers there are seriously amazing! Uncle, just try it once, I promise you'll love it. Why be so strict with yourself all the time? You only live once!"

"Don't waste your breath. Do I seem like the kind of guy who'd break his own rules just because someone asked?" Gordon retorted.

Only people with zero self-control would change their principles for someone else. Gordon was not one of them.

Willow Manor was one of the city's most exclusive neighborhoods, with tight security. Delivery drivers weren't allowed in without special permission, let alone ordinary guests.

Grace smiled, a hint of pride curving her lips. "It's really not a big deal. Willow Manor has both luxury and standard areas. My family's place is in the regular section—a villa that only cost around two million. The real expensive ones are over by buildings 8, 9, and 10. Those go for more than five million each."

Bonnie's jaw dropped. She'd never realized villas could have such a range in price.

"So the people living around building 8 must be ridiculously rich, right?"

"Exactly," Grace nodded.

Bonnie linked arms with Grace, eyes shining with envy. "Grace, you're so lucky. Born into money, living in a place like this every day..."

Grace was surrounded by the city's elite from the time she woke up to the time she went to sleep.

The Hadleys' lives had improved by leaps and bounds in recent years, but people always wanted more. Bonnie dreamed not just of comfort, but of being part of that upper echelon.