THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 512

“I heard Miss Palmer isn’t just here for Hannah’s birthday—she’s also come to Eldermere to find Dr. Oracle.”

“Dr. Oracle?” someone chimed in. “Why look for Dr. Oracle when she’s already at Neon Spire? I’ve heard Miss Gonzales is an amazing doctor herself. Didn’t she save Hannah’s life when things looked hopeless? Maybe Miss Gonzales and Miss Palmer will hit it off and become friends!”

“Friends? That’s a stretch. Miss Palmer is only attending the Richards’ birthday celebration because she’s already in town to see Dr. Oracle—and, frankly, out of respect for Hannah and the late Mr. Richards. Besides, rumor has it that back in Valerium, Miss Palmer’s closest friend is a princess from the royal family!”

Caitlin might be adored by both the Gonzales and Richards families, but she was never really a princess.

Could Caitlin become good friends with Miss Palmer first?

Unlikely. That would be next to impossible.

“And let’s be real—Dr. Oracle is said to perform miracles. Can Miss Gonzales do that? Maybe you don’t know, but the Palmer family carries a terrible curse. Every son is born with a fatal illness and never lives past twenty-eight. Both of Miss Palmer’s older brothers died at twenty-seven. The last one left is twenty-seven now—the only remaining heir. Miss Palmer is here to find Dr. Oracle, hoping to break the Palmer family’s curse.”

“……”

Throughout all the gossip swirling around her, Caitlin’s face remained composed, as if none of it had anything to do with her.

So calm, you’d think she wasn’t the one being discussed.

Meanwhile, Hannah held Caitlin’s arm, introducing her to each of the Richards family relatives.

“Freya, this is your great-aunt.”

“Hello, Aunt Margaret.” Caitlin greeted her politely.

Her great-aunt squeezed Caitlin’s hand, her face beaming with warmth. “They’re right, you know—Freya, you’re absolutely stunning! You look just like a movie star!”

Then she turned to Hannah and added, “Hannah, Freya looks so much like you!”

Keira laughed. “You’re Freya’s grandmother! How could I not be here for your birthday? Not just this year—I’ll come next year and the year after that. When you turn a hundred, I’ll be right by your side. You’re not getting rid of me!”

Hannah grinned, taking her hand. “From your lips to God’s ears. When that day comes, Carey will be back, Stuart will be better, and our whole family will be together again.” Her eyes brimmed with hope at the thought.

Keira nodded, sharing her smile, both women holding onto the dream of a joyful reunion.

After settling Keira in the banquet hall, Caitlin joined Hannah and the rest of the family at the entrance, continuing to welcome guests.

Suddenly, a wave of excitement rippled through the crowd at the door.

“Look! It’s Miss Palmer!”

“Miss Palmer is here!”