THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 567

Ann's defense was carefully crafted to do the opposite—to confirm everyone's suspicion that Caitlin was avoiding the party out of shame.

Petty looked at Ann sympathetically. "Ann, you're just too kind. You always see the best in people. The party is right here in the Gonzales manor. What could possibly be so important that Miss Gonzales can't even attend her own family's event? She's clearly avoiding us. You don't need to make excuses for her."

Leonore quickly agreed. "I think Petty's right. She's definitely avoiding us. Stop defending her, Ann."

The other guests nodded in agreement.

A triumphant smile flickered across Ann's face. This was only the beginning. The real show was yet to come.

Composing her expression, she turned to a butler. "Scales, Freya must be busy with something. Could you please go and invite her?"

"Of course, Miss Ann."

Just as the butler was about to leave, Ann called out, "Wait."

He stopped. "Yes, Miss Ann? Is there something else?"

Ann smiled. "Please invite my grandmother as well. With so many distinguished guests from the Capital here today, it wouldn't be complete without her."

She wanted Keira to witness Caitlin's downfall with her own eyes and see how she, Ann, had soared to new heights.

"Very well," the butler nodded.

"And remember," Ann added, "make sure you bring Freya."

After the butler left, Petty turned to Ann. "Ann, I bet you your cousin won't dare to come."

Ann feigned hesitation. "I... I don't think so. My sister isn't that kind of person." She sighed dramatically. "But it's alright if she doesn't come. I won't blame her."

Petty narrowed her eyes. "She has no manners. It's her sister's party in her own home, and not only does she not show up, she has to be personally summoned!"

Leonore laughed. "What manners can you expect from someone who grew up in the countryside?"

"Be quiet," Caitlin cut her off without a second glance.

Ann stepped in. "Freya, Miss Somerset and Miss Reed are my guests. You will show them some..."

Caitlin turned her gaze on Ann. "You be quiet too."

The four simple words made Ann's face pale. She couldn't believe Caitlin would disrespect her so openly.

Caitlin found a seat and looked back at Leonore and Petty. "The heads of the Reed and Somerset families are reasonable people. I wonder how they managed to raise such daughters." She then turned to Ann. "Cousin, are these the kind of people you associate with?"

Caitlin was the heir to the Gonzales family. By insulting her, Leonore and Petty were not just attacking her but also disrespecting the entire Gonzales family in their attempt to flatter Ann. Caitlin was not about to let that slide. Her words were like daggers, and Ann, unable to refute them, could only swallow her anger.

*That little bitch!* Ann fumed. *How dare she be so vicious?*

Well, let her have her moment. Celia would be here soon, and then they would see how long Caitlin's arrogance lasted.