THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 423

Private Party?

Raven’s expression turned icy as she stared down the staff member blocking her path.

Unbelievable. Absolutely insane.

They actually dared to stop her?

Didn’t they know she was the guest of honor for tonight’s event?

If it weren’t for her, there wouldn’t even be a private party here tonight.

She snapped, her voice sharp with anger, “Why don’t you take a good look at me and see who I am!”

Just a server, and yet he had the nerve to get in her way.

The staffer flinched, clearly startled and unsure what to do. At that moment, the restaurant manager strode out, smiling warmly. “Miss Cartwright!”

Raven was the top VIP at Lakeside Bistro, always personally greeted by the manager. Every senior staff member in the restaurant knew her by sight.

She shot the manager a withering look, her brows drawn tight. “What’s wrong with your staff these days? Even I can’t walk in without being hassled? You should probably fire people like this before they ruin your restaurant’s reputation!”

In hospitality, service is everything. So the manager didn’t argue—he nodded repeatedly, placating her. “You’re absolutely right, Miss Cartwright. We’ll focus on training and make sure our staff meet the standards you expect.”

Raven snorted. “Lucky for you, I’m in a good mood today. I’ll let it slide.”

With that, she strode toward the dining room.

But the manager quickly stepped in front of her. “Miss Cartwright, please wait a moment.”

She let out an exasperated sigh. “Now what?”

The manager tried to sound apologetic. “I’m truly sorry, Miss Cartwright, but the restaurant’s been reserved for a private event by Master Gordon. We’re closed to the public tonight. Perhaps you could come back another day?”

He couldn’t have been clearer.

Raven wasn’t getting in.

She almost laughed at the absurdity of it. “Do you even know who Master Gordon reserved the place for tonight?”

The manager shook his head calmly. “I’m afraid that’s private information, Miss Cartwright.”

Even as a top VIP, Raven wasn’t entitled to that answer.

There was no way Gordon was waiting for Caitlin!

Caitlin—she was just a nobody from the countryside. Not a chance.

Raven had known Gordon for thirty years. They’d grown up together. Caitlin was nothing. How could she even compare?

Raven sucked in a deep breath, struggling to keep herself together. “You must be mistaken. Gordon’s supposed to be waiting for me.”

The manager simply paused and looked her squarely in the eye. “If you have any concerns, Miss Cartwright, you’re welcome to ask Master Gordon yourself. I’m only following his instructions.”

With that, he turned back to Caitlin, his manner every bit as respectful as before. “Miss Kensington, this way please.”

Caitlin followed the manager further into the restaurant.

As she watched them disappear, Raven’s fists clenched tight. What the hell was happening?

--

Gordon was waiting on the second floor.

He’d chosen a window-side table with a sweeping view of the lake. Dressed in a tailored suit, he seemed perfectly at ease—yet there was something dangerous about the way he lounged, one leg crossed over the other, his sharp gaze half-lidded and unreadable. The effortless confidence he radiated commanded the room, making it impossible for anyone to look away.