THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 478

Stephanie beamed. “You see, this is why having daughters is such a blessing! Our Sutton never even thinks of buying me clothes or jewelry. All he ever says is, ‘Mom, here’s some money—buy whatever you like.’ Not exactly thoughtful, if you ask me.”

Jade was just as delighted. “Isn’t that the truth! We’re lucky to have Freya in the family now—she’s raised the bar for all the kids.”

Caitlin chimed in, “Aunt Stephanie, when are you and Uncle Sutton coming back? And what about Aunt Hyacinth and all the others? When are they getting home?”

At the moment, the other six uncles and aunts were still abroad.

Jade laughed. “Your third uncle and Aunt Stephanie are already on their way back. Your fourth uncle and aunt will be home tomorrow. As for the others, they’ll be back after the holidays.”

“But your brother Xavier should be home any minute now,” she added.

Of course, by “brother Xavier,” she meant Xavier.

“Xavier’s coming home this early?” Caitlin looked surprised.

Xavier’s company was based overseas, and he was always incredibly busy. She’d just video-chatted with him a few days ago, and he hadn’t mentioned anything about coming home.

Stephanie leaned in conspiratorially. “Of course! Freya, you probably haven’t heard—your brother Xavier has started seeing someone. He’s actually heading to the airport today to pick her up.”

Caitlin was floored. “He’s dating someone?”

Stephanie nodded. “Don’t let his quiet demeanor fool you—he moves fast when he wants to. And get this, Freya, I heard the girl’s from Silverhaven, too.”

Xavier and Katrina had met overseas. Though they’d only been together for a little over six months, Xavier was serious about relationships. This was his first girlfriend, and he wouldn’t even consider taking things further until he’d introduced her to the family.

“Really?” Caitlin’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Stephanie grinned. “Yup. Who knows, you might even know her! Xavier said he’ll bring her over in a couple days so you can meet her and give your opinion.”

Caitlin was the Richards family’s cherished little princess. Any girlfriend her brothers brought home had to pass her approval before she could officially join the family.

Jade glanced at Freya and teased, “So, Freya, what kind of girl do you think would make a good sister-in-law?”

Caitlin shrugged. “If Xavier picked her, I trust his taste.”

Stephanie shook her head. “Don’t be so sure. People in love aren’t exactly known for good judgment.”

Caitlin considered that for a moment. “Well, as long as she’s not like that girl I sat next to on the plane today, I’ll be fine.”

At that, Hannah, Jade, and Stephanie all leaned in eagerly, wanting to know what had happened on the flight.

Caitlin recounted the story. By the time she finished, Hannah was fuming. “Who does that woman think she is, picking on our Freya! If Xavier ever brought someone like that home, I wouldn’t even let him through the door!”

At the hotel, Xavier carried Katrina’s luggage up for her and reminded her, “Don’t open the door for strangers. If you need anything, call me. I’m heading out now.”

“Wait.” Katrina caught his sleeve, hesitating. They’d been together for over six months, but Xavier had always kept a respectful distance—even now, they hadn’t kissed. She’d hoped that maybe, with him dropping her off at the hotel, something might finally happen. But now…

Nothing. Again.

“Is there something else?” Xavier asked.

Katrina gathered herself. “When are you bringing me to meet your family?”

“The morning after tomorrow,” Xavier replied. All his uncles and aunts would be home by then. Introducing his girlfriend was a big deal—he wanted everyone there.

Once Katrina met the Richards family and gained their approval, she’d be invited to Hannah’s birthday celebration.

Katrina nodded. “Did your sister make it to Neon Spire already?”

“She did—her flight landed today, too.” Xavier was eager to get back; he hadn’t seen Caitlin in ages.

“Really? Then maybe I actually saw her at the airport today!” Katrina exclaimed, surprised.