THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 229

At that exact moment, Caitlin and Celeste both turned away.

The two of them missed each other perfectly—ships passing in the night.

All that was left for Willis was a fleeting glimpse of someone’s back.

He ran a hand through his hair, brow furrowed.

How odd.

He could’ve sworn he’d seen something—someone. But now, there was nothing out of the ordinary.

Bonnie happened to be standing nearby, and as she noticed Willis glancing in her direction, her heart skipped a beat. She clutched Jean’s arm, whispering excitedly, “Jean, look! Is Mr. Willis looking at me?”

Jean lifted her head at once.

Sure enough, Willis was glancing their way.

Jean nodded, just as giddy as Bonnie. “He is! Bonnie, he’s really looking at you! Oh my God, that’s Mr. Willis! Do you know him? Like, personally?”

Bonnie shook her head, blush blooming across her cheeks. “No, not really. But my cousin is Lady Kelley’s personal assistant, and, well, I’m much prettier than any of those girls from Neon Spire. Of course it’s normal for Mr. Willis to notice me!”

Mr. Willis was a man of stature.

Even though he was older now, the years hadn’t dulled his charm. If—just if—she could catch his eye, it would bring honor to her whole family.

Kelley was attractive, sure.

But she was clearly past her prime.

How could Kelley possibly compare?

Bonnie was just eighteen, fresh-faced and full of life—pretty enough to turn heads wherever she went. If someone like Caitlin could marry into high society, then surely she could too!

Once Mr. Willis fell for her, he’d kick Kelley to the curb, and Bonnie would become the new Lady of the Richards family.

The personal assistant would be working for her.

She’d be the wife of Starlight Entertainment’s owner.

Even Fallon would have to tiptoe around her.

And if, for some reason, she couldn’t become Mrs. Willis, well, just being his lover would be more than enough.

After all, Willis was never short on money.

Bonnie had heard plenty of gossip from Fallon—how Willis treated his wife, Kelley, like a queen. Last year’s birthday gift alone had cost millions.

Once she became his new favorite, he’d surely be just as generous with her.

Willis looked perplexed. “I can’t really put it into words. It was just... different. Hard to explain.”

He shook off the thought, lowering his gaze. “But maybe it’s just my imagination. Let’s go.”

Kelley nodded and fell in step beside him.

After a few steps, Willis seemed to remember something. “The holidays are coming up soon. What should we get Freya this year?”

Their niece was still missing, but every year, Willis and his brothers carefully picked out a gift for her, storing it away safely at the bank.

Kelley replied, “I’ve been thinking about that too. Last year, we picked out a tiara for her eighteenth birthday. Maybe this year we could have a pair of gold bracelets made for her?”

“That sounds good,” Willis agreed, then sighed. “We’ve been waiting so many years. Who knows when we’ll finally find Freya.”

Kelley shot him a stern look. “I told you to stop sighing. You’ll scare away all the good luck if you keep it up!”

Like the rest of the Richards sisters-in-law, Kelley doted on Freya as though she were her own daughter. More than anything, she hoped they’d find her soon.

“Alright, alright. No more sighing.” Willis forced a smile. “See? I’m all smiles now.”

Beep—beep—beep—

At that moment, the shrill ring of a cell phone cut through the air.