THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 424

“Ninth Master, Miss Kensington has arrived.”

At those words, Gordon shot up from his chair and turned to the entrance. “Catie.”

The restaurant manager, witnessing this unusual display, stood rooted in place, momentarily stunned.

It took him a while to process what he was seeing.

This was Gordon, after all—none other than the legendary Ninth Master.

In his five years working at the Lakeside Bistro, he’d seen Gordon dine here countless times. Women like Raven always tried every trick in the book to win his affection, but not once had Gordon ever seemed remotely flustered in front of any of them.

But now?

He was actually nervous.

If the manager hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, he’d never have believed that even a man like Gordon could look so unsettled.

This was extraordinary.

He’d assumed the order for 10,001 roses had some other purpose.

But now, seeing this, the answer was clear.

A confession of love—what else could it be?

The realization sent a thrill through the manager. He couldn’t believe he was about to witness something so rare.

The unapproachable Ninth Master, taking the initiative to confess his feelings!

Caitlin approached, curiosity glinting in her eyes. “Did you rent out the whole restaurant tonight?”

“I did,” Gordon replied with a slight nod.

“Why?” she pressed. “Is it a special occasion? Your birthday?”

“It’s not my birthday,” he said, his tone softening. “I just felt like celebrating.”

Relief flickered across Caitlin’s face.

Thank goodness. If it were his birthday, this would be beyond awkward—she hadn’t brought a gift or anything.

Gordon gently poured her a cup of her favorite tea, a delicate mountain blend she always enjoyed.

Then he glanced at her and asked, “Catie, should we have them start serving dinner?”

She nodded. “Yes, please.”

She’d come straight here from Gonzales Holdings and hadn’t had anything to eat all day. Her stomach was beginning to grumble.

Gordon turned to the manager. “We’re ready for the first course.”

“Of course, Ninth Master.”

Gordon had preselected the chef’s recommendations for tonight.

It wasn’t long before the first appetizer arrived: a Piedmontese beef carpaccio on a crisp celery and butter tart.

Next came a caviar mousse and cheese tart—both among Caitlin’s favorites.

No.

Impossible.

She and Gordon had fifteen years of history—there was no way he’d just up and leave her for someone else.

Beads of cold sweat began to form on Raven’s forehead.

She couldn’t accept this.

She had to wait. Just a little longer. Maybe Gordon was just rehearsing, practicing his lines on Caitlin before the real confession to her.

After all, Caitlin was the woman Gordon had secretly admired for years. He wouldn’t want anything to go wrong during his first confession.

Yes, that had to be it.

There was no other explanation that made sense. She and Gordon had fifteen years together. He would never throw that away for someone else.

With that thought, Raven finally relaxed a little.

So what if Caitlin was pretty? Looks could only get you so far—in the end, she was just a pawn.

She probably wouldn’t even have the chance to be a side piece in Gordon’s world.

Just then, her phone rang, jolting her from her thoughts.

She answered. “Hey, May.”

May’s excited voice came through the line. “Well? Well? Did you say yes to the Ninth Master’s confession?”