THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 534

When Monday saw the other dogs, he didn’t even dare say hello—he just cowered, and even got bullied by a little stubby-legged corgi.

Caitlin felt something was off and pressed further. “Lenora, are you sure there isn’t some misunderstanding? Why would Monday bite someone for no reason?”

Lenora shook her head. “I have no idea what got into him this morning. He just darted out and bit someone! Miss Amanda and the young lady weren’t provoking him at all. Thank goodness I got there in time, or things could have gotten ugly.”

Finding out Monday was the instigator, Caitlin’s face turned stern. “Monday, good dogs don’t bite people! You’re not allowed to do that again, understand? If it happens one more time, you can forget about getting any treats.”

“And today, you’re going in time-out for an hour to think about what you’ve done.”

Monday was a big dog, with a powerful bite—if he wasn’t trained properly now, it might be too late when he got older and hurt someone.

As soon as Monday heard this, his tail drooped and he immediately gave up his playful act.

No more happy-go-lucky!

After the video call with Lenora, Caitlin picked out a photo Lenora had sent her and posted it to her social feed: *Kids grow up so fast—they’re deep into their rebellious phase now.* [photo.jpg]

--

The Sylvester family.

Today was family dinner at the Sylvesters’.

Justice Cumming and Alaina Sylvester had both arrived.

Alaina was scrolling through her social feed while chatting with Dowager Beatrice Sylvester.

As they talked, Alaina set her phone on the table.

Beatrice glanced at it out of habit.

There, on the screen, was a picture of a dog.

Big. Sturdy.

And, honestly, a bit homely.

Beatrice frowned. “Whose dog is that? It’s so... funny-looking. Goodness, look at those underbite teeth!”

Alaina laughed. “That’s Catie’s. She rescued him off the street when he was barely a couple pounds. Hard to believe he’s grown so big now.”

The moment Beatrice heard it was Catie’s dog, her whole demeanor softened. She picked up the phone and squinted fondly at the photo. “Oh, it’s Catie’s? Well, isn’t he a handsome boy! Look at that adorable underbite—absolutely tugs at my heartstrings.”

“Who says this dog is ugly? He’s wonderful!”

Alaina: “...”

Talk about double standards.

A few minutes later, Skyler Cumming walked in.

Honestly! She’d been worried for nothing.

Skyler: “...” Grandma was still as wickedly funny as ever.

A moment later, Skyler said, “I’ll go upstairs and see what Uncle Gordon’s up to. I’ve got something I need to give him anyway.”

He started up the stairs.

Alaina stopped him. “Don’t go!”

“What’s wrong, Mom?” Skyler turned to look at her.

Alaina grabbed his sleeve. “What if your uncle’s in there on a date?”

Skyler rolled his eyes, exasperated. “Who’s he going to date in his room?”

“You don’t get it,” Alaina said, giving him a playful tap on the head. “Who says romance has to be face-to-face? Ever heard of online dating? Or long phone calls? Or video chats? Trust me, it’s better not to interrupt.”

Alaina spoke from experience. Back in her own dating days, she’d hide in her room for hours, whispering on the phone so nobody would notice.

She continued, “What if he’s in the middle of some sweet talk right now? You’d just be killing the mood barging in like that!”

Sweet talk? Skyler couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

“No way! Not a chance! Uncle Gordon would never—he’s way too uptight for that!” Skyler grinned. “Mom, you’re his own sister. Don’t you know him at all? He’s got all the warmth of a glacier—romantic words just aren’t in his vocabulary!”