THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 501

When she heard the robotic voice on the other end of the line, Caitlin Kensington frowned.

His phone was off?

Blocked on WhatsApp. Phone switched off.

What’s going on?

A sense of unease prickled at her. Caitlin turned on her heel, left her bedroom, and bolted up the stairs.

Norris and Sebastian Richards lived upstairs. At this hour, the two brothers were deep in conversation. When Caitlin appeared, both looked surprised. Norris stood up from the couch. “Freya, what are you doing up so late?”

She got straight to the point. “Norris, I tried messaging Xavier on WhatsApp, but it says he blocked me. What’s happening?”

Both men pulled out their phones. “You mean this exclamation mark?” Norris held up his screen, showing the same error next to a message he’d sent Xavier.

Caitlin blinked in surprise. “So you and Sebastian are blocked too?”

Sebastian shook his head. “It’s not that we’re blocked. The system probably flagged Xavier’s account because of a lot of recent transfers—it’s been temporarily suspended. That’s why you’re seeing the exclamation mark.”

Relief washed over Caitlin. “Oh, I see. But Sebastian, do you know where Xavier is? His phone’s off too.”

Sebastian looked at her. “He’s at the office. There’s an important international meeting tonight, probably won’t be done until late. His phone’s likely with his assistant.”

Neon Spire was the Richards family stronghold, so each brother managed a branch of the company here.

“Alright,” Caitlin replied.

Sebastian studied her, then asked, “Is something wrong? Why are you looking for Xavier so late?”

“I have something really important to—”

Before she could finish, Dowager Hannah Richards hurried in from the hall. “Freya! Freya! Something’s happened.”

“What is it, Grandma?”

Norris and Sebastian rushed to her side. “Grandma, what’s wrong?” Norris asked.

Hannah turned to Caitlin, her voice trembling. “Mae just collapsed. The ambulance is stuck in traffic and won’t be here for a while. Freya, you need to check on her right away!”

Mae had served the Richards family for years as their housekeeper.

By unfortunate coincidence, the family doctor on call was out tonight, leaving Caitlin—who had some medical training—the only one who could help. A life was at stake.

Hannah had no choice but to turn to Caitlin.

“I’ll get the first-aid kit. Try not to worry, Grandma.”

“Freya, go see Mae—she’s in Southwood Gardens. I’ve already sent Lenora to fetch the medical kit.”

“Got it.” Without hesitation, Caitlin sprinted toward Southwood Gardens.

A sudden collapse could mean a heart attack—every second counted.

Sebastian hurried after her. “Freya, I’ll help however I can.”

Hannah, slowed by age, was steadied by Norris as they followed behind.

Caitlin arrived at Southwood Gardens in moments. Mae still lay motionless on the floor.

No one dared move her; they were afraid to make things worse.

Mae’s husband, Lee—the family’s longtime driver—was crouched by her side, wiping away tears.

Still no ambulance.

Sweat beaded on Caitlin’s brow.

Lee’s sobs grew louder. With the ambulance delayed, it seemed all hope was lost.

And then—Mae coughed, a rough, rattling sound.

“She’s awake!” Hannah cried. “Mae, are you alright?”

Mae blinked, bewildered by the crowd around her. “Mrs. Richards, what… what happened?”

Lee rushed to her side, elated. “You’re awake! Thank God, you’re really awake!”

He turned and dropped to his knees before Caitlin, overcome with gratitude. “Thank you, Miss Caitlin! Thank you! You’ve saved my whole family!”

Just moments ago, Lee had doubted whether Caitlin would truly try her best for someone like Mae.

Now he realized how wrong he was.

To Caitlin, every life mattered.

She didn’t draw lines between people because of their status.

“Lee, get up.” Caitlin bent to help him to his feet. “I’m a doctor. It’s my duty to help anyone who needs me.”

She added, “Mae’s stable for now, but she should still go to the hospital for a full checkup when the ambulance arrives—just to be safe.”

Hannah nodded instantly. “Don’t worry about the cost; the Richards family will cover everything. No matter what the results, you both should take the next month off. Full pay, no questions.”