THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 446

"That's right," Carla nodded. "Farrell is seven years older than Freya."

Keira, always the curious one, leaned forward. "So, does Farrell have a girlfriend?"

Farrell bristled at the question. What was that supposed to mean? Was Keira that eager to match him up with Freya? And even if that was her goal, shouldn’t someone at least ask whether he was interested in Freya in the first place? Did Freya really want to get married that badly? Clearly, she knew her remarriage prospects weren’t great, so she was out here promoting herself nonstop. How was this any different from outright throwing herself at him?

Before Farrell could answer, Carla jumped in. "No, he doesn’t. He’s been so focused on his career these past years, he hasn’t had time for relationships."

Carla was doing her best to paint Farrell in the best light for Keira’s benefit. But Farrell just looked up at his mother and said, "Mom, I think you’re misremembering. To be honest, Grandma Keira, I’ve dated more women than I can count on both hands over the years. I’m not embarrassed to admit it."

Carla’s face turned crimson with embarrassment. Was he out of his mind? Here she was, trying to cover for him, and he just went and ruined everything!

She shot Farrell a glare, then forced a smile in Keira’s direction. "Don’t mind him, Mrs. Whitaker. Farrell loves to joke around—he’s just teasing you."

"I’m not joking," Farrell replied, as calm as ever. "That’s my real relationship history, Grandma Keira."

Carla was mortified. She wanted nothing more than to sink through the floor.

Keira just chuckled, smoothing things over. "It’s fine, it’s fine. Young people these days like to have fun. As long as you know where to draw the line, it’s no big deal."

After all, Farrell wasn’t her grandson. Who he dated was none of her concern—she certainly didn’t feel responsible for how he turned out.

Carla nodded quickly, eager to change the subject. "By the way, Mrs. Whitaker, where’s Freya? I haven’t seen her today."

The sooner she could get Farrell and Caitlin in the same room, the better. Who knew what else this boy would say if left to his own devices?

"Freya’s out walking the dog," Keira replied, checking her watch. "She should be back soon."

Freya had a dog now? Farrell narrowed his eyes. Was she really so desperate to get married that she’d started copying his hobbies? Maybe she heard he had a dog and ran out to get one herself. Unbelievable.

From that point on, Carla did her best to steer the conversation toward Caitlin, but Farrell was getting more and more uncomfortable. Watching his mother, he could practically see her itching to set him up with Freya right then and there.

No way. He wouldn’t marry Freya—not in a million years.

"No need for apologies," Keira cut her off sharply, raising a hand. Her expression was icy. "Frankly, neither Freya nor I ever took that childhood promise seriously. It’s your family who seems to think the world of themselves!"

She turned to the butler. "See them out, please."

Carla’s face went white. "Mrs. Whitaker, please, let me explain—"

"Mom, there’s nothing to explain," Farrell interrupted, taking Carla by the arm. "I’ve said my piece, and I’ve returned what needed returning. If we’re not welcome, there’s no reason to stick around and embarrass ourselves."

Just then, someone came in from the hallway, a dog trotting eagerly at her side. A bright, cheerful voice called out, "Grandma, I’m back!"

"Woof! Woof!" The dog barked excitedly when it spotted Farrell.

Farrell turned—and the instant he saw Caitlin’s face, he froze. For a split second, it felt like the world had flipped upside down.

He… Was he seeing things?