THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 421

In Raven’s eyes, it didn’t really matter if Beatrice refused to acknowledge her or didn’t like her. Beatrice was getting on in years—she wouldn’t be around forever. Besides, Gordon was the real head of the Sylvester family. Once they were married, Raven would become the lady of the house.

As long as Gordon loved her, that was all that mattered. She couldn’t wait for the day Gordon would take her hand, walk right up to Beatrice, and announce, “She’s my girlfriend.” The look on Beatrice’s face would be priceless.

And even if she and Beatrice clashed like so many daughters- and mothers-in-law, Raven was certain Gordon would always take her side, no matter what.

After all, they’d been in love for so many years.

And Gordon was nobody’s mama’s boy—he’d never just blindly follow his mother’s wishes.

“What’s the big surprise?” Beatrice finally gave in to her curiosity, glancing at Raven, who was practically humming with excitement.

Raven smiled, almost secretive. “You’ll see soon enough.”

Beatrice’s brow furrowed ever so slightly.

--

The next morning.

Gordon was up early, taking Snow for a walk to the nearby park.

It was early spring in the city, and though the days were warming, the morning air still carried a chill.

Snow perched on Gordon’s shoulders, meowing loudly, drawing amused glances from the older folks out for their morning exercise.

Gordon made his way to the bench where he and Caitlin had agreed to meet.

They’d set the time for seven o’clock.

But it was only 6:10.

He wasn’t in any hurry. Setting Snow down, he started stretching, then ran through a gentle warmup routine.

At exactly seven, Caitlin arrived, Monday trotting beside her on a leash. “Gordon! How long have you been here? Have you been waiting long? Why didn’t you message me?”

“I just got here myself,” Gordon replied, calm as ever.

“Alright then.” Caitlin didn’t press. “I brought Monday along—where’s Snow?”

She barely finished her sentence when Snow darted out from the bushes.

“Meow, meow, meow!”

Snow leapt straight into Caitlin’s arms.

“Woof, woof, woof!”

Monday yelped in surprise, clearly startled.

Caitlin hugged Snow and bent down to soothe Monday. “Don’t be scared, Monday. This is Snow—he’s like my adopted son. You two need to get along and be friends, okay?”

Monday seemed to understand, falling silent and sniffing cautiously at Snow.

Snow reached out a paw and patted Monday’s head with undisguised disdain.

This dog had the worst underbite—so awkward looking!

So ugly!

How could Catie keep such an ugly dog?

Gordon nodded in agreement. “I think so too—definitely tastier.”

After a pause, he added, “By the way, Catie, are you free tomorrow afternoon?”

“What’s up?” Caitlin asked.

Gordon’s voice was soft, almost hesitant. “I wanted to talk to you about something.”

“Can’t you just tell me now?”

He shook his head, lips curved in a small smile. “Not yet.”

Caitlin pulled out her phone. “Let me check my schedule for tomorrow afternoon.”

She was busy these days—treating Stuart’s illness and researching new products for Gonzales Holdings.

After a moment, she said, “I’m free after eleven-thirty.”

“How about we meet at Lakeside Bistro at eleven-thirty? We can have lunch as well.”

Gordon had picked the spot carefully.

Lakeside Bistro was the most exclusive restaurant in the city, nearly impossible to book. According to the internet, confessions of love in places like that had a much higher success rate.

As soon as he asked, Gordon looked at Caitlin, waiting for her answer with bated breath.

She nodded, “Alright.”

Gordon let out a relieved sigh. “Oh, by the way, Catie—last time we were in the car, I heard you playing that violin piece by M. Are you a big fan of hers?”