THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 259

Ann stared at Caitlin, her eyes dripping with barely concealed sarcasm.

Today, *she* was supposed to be the honored guest of the Richards family—did Caitlin really not know her place? The more Ann thought about it, the more her anger simmered. She used to think people as clueless as Caitlin only existed in novels. Yet here was living proof: reality could be stranger than fiction.

You really do live long enough to see it all.

Hannah’s gentle voice broke the tension. “Catie, I wasn’t sure what you like, so I just told the kitchen to whip up a few things. Try them and see if anything’s to your taste.”

Caitlin smiled at her. “Mrs. Richards, if this feast is just something you ‘threw together,’ then what do you call my usual dinners? This is so extravagant—I hardly feel worthy.”

This wasn’t Caitlin’s first time visiting Neon Spire, so she knew how the Richards family treated their guests. Her playful tone made Ann want to roll her eyes.

Did Caitlin really think this lavish dinner—something out of a royal banquet—was in her honor? Please. The only reason Caitlin was even at this table was because of Ann herself, and Caitlin didn’t even realize it. Shameless. If not for her, Caitlin wouldn’t be anywhere near such luxury. Not a chance.

Hannah waved off Caitlin’s modesty. “Don’t be silly, dear. You more than deserve it—after all, you saved my life!”

Saved her life? Ann nearly choked. Caitlin, a savior? She just got lucky and happened to be in the right place at the right time. Hannah was obviously just being polite, but Caitlin seemed to take her words to heart.

Just then, Molly approached and addressed Ann. “Ann, you’ll sit here next to Daniel.”

Daniel—the family’s youngest grandson, and the one with the brightest future. He was Molly and Frederick’s only son. The more Ann thought about it, the more convinced she became: the Richards family must really like her. Why else would they seat her right next to Daniel?

It couldn’t be clearer—Molly was trying to match them up. Sure, Daniel was the youngest of the grandchildren, but he was already a force to be reckoned with. Growing up in Northgard, he’d made the city’s rich list by the age of twenty-three. He might not have cracked the global Forbes list yet, but at this rate, it was only a matter of time.

Ann’s excitement bubbled over. She beamed at Molly. “Thank you, Aunt Molly.”

Daniel didn’t respond, only offering a polite smile.

He was the kind of man whose striking features seemed almost unreal. When he smiled, it was hard to look away; his eyes sparkled, warm and inviting, like the starry night his name evoked.

Ann felt herself nearly drowning in his smile.

Oh my god.

Daniel smiled at her. And was that a hint of affection in his eyes? Maybe—just maybe—he’d fallen for her at first sight, too.

It was possible. Stranger things had happened.