THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 482

Caitlin and her grandmother sat propped up against the headboard—well, to be precise, Caitlin was nestled against Hannah, listening intently as Hannah recounted stories from her past.

Hannah spoke with earnest care, and Caitlin listened just as seriously.

For a moment, Hannah felt as if she’d been transported back thirty years, to an ordinary night long ago.

That night, her daughter had leaned against her just like this, listening as she spoke of days gone by.

But time had swept everything away.

Nothing was the same anymore.

With a long sigh, Hannah murmured, “Freya, your mother used to say I always smelled comforting. She loved curling up beside me and listening to my stories, just like you do.”

She paused, her voice tinged with longing. “I wonder if I’ll ever see your mother again in this lifetime.”

If she couldn’t, it would be her one lasting regret.

“You will,” Caitlin replied, eyes shining with conviction. “Grandma, I promise—I’ll find her.”

Hannah nodded, a gentle smile settling on her face. “I believe you, sweetheart.”

That night, the two of them talked for hours. Caitlin couldn’t even remember when she finally drifted off to sleep.

Before she knew it, two days had passed.

The Richards family had come back from every corner of the globe.

Her uncles, aunts, and older cousins seemed to have coordinated in advance—each brought Caitlin mountains of gifts, so many that her bedroom could barely hold them all.

Caitlin, not to be outdone, brought out her own presents for her uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Everyone was delighted with her thoughtful gifts.

That evening, the entire Richards clan gathered in the sprawling, 1,200-square-foot living room for a grand family dinner.

The Richardses had a specially made round dining table—big enough to seat fifty people at once.

Caitlin sat at the very center, surrounded by relatives on every side—a cherished little princess in the heart of her family.

The butler circled the room with a camera, calling out, “Three, two, one—cheese!”

A perfect moment was captured on film.

The camera spat out the photo instantly.

Hannah laughed, “Quick, quick, let me see it!”

The butler hurried over and handed her the picture.

Hannah took it, immediately spotting Caitlin. “Look at Freya—she’s just so photogenic. What a beautiful picture.”

It was easy enough to address Hannah and the other elders, but she was unsure how to greet Freya.

Xavier smiled at her. “Just call her Freya, like I do.”

“Okay.” Katrina took a deep breath. “Alright.”

Xavier squeezed her hand gently. “Don’t be so nervous. Freya’s smart and fair. I’m sure she’ll like you.”

Katrina nodded, trying to steady herself.

The Richards estate was vast; even after passing through the main gates, it took another three minutes by car to reach the manor house, every inch of the grounds gleaming with quiet opulence.

The thought that she might one day be mistress of such a home filled Katrina with pride.

Inside the grand entry hall, more than thirty members of the Richards family had gathered, all taking this introduction seriously. Caitlin remained in the place of honor, seated beside Hannah.

Standing at the doors, Xavier paused and glanced at Katrina. “You ready? The butler’s about to open the doors.”

Katrina straightened, rallying her courage. “Ready.”

Xavier nodded to the butler. “Zack, go ahead.”

With a respectful bow, the butler pushed the doors open.

Snap—