THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 572

"Mom, I'm your daughter! How can you side with him against me?" Amanda exclaimed, looking utterly bewildered. She was convinced her mother was losing her mind.

"Amanda, let me be clear," Keira continued. "You chose to marry Gavin, so you should treat him with devotion and respect. A marriage requires mutual respect. Stop ordering him around like he’s beneath you. He's a man with his own pride and dignity. Do you honestly think you behaved appropriately tonight?"

"That's just how I am," Amanda retorted, dismissing the concern entirely. "If he's not happy, he can always divorce me!"

The real question was, would Gavin dare? He was a nobody. Without her, he wouldn't even know where his next meal was coming from. This conviction was exactly what made Amanda so brazen.

"Even a cornered rabbit will bite, and Gavin is a man of flesh and blood," Keira sighed. "I'm old now, and I can't control you anymore. I've said what I needed to say. Just make sure you don't regret it later." She waved a dismissive hand. "Alright, you can go. I need to rest."

"Okay, Mom. I'll see you later."

Amanda left the lounge and returned to the ballroom, where Ann was once again the center of attention.

Someone asked, "Miss Templeton, how did you and Miss Palmer meet? Could you share the story with us?"

Ann put on an air of mystique. "Miss Palmer and I met by chance. There's not much to tell."

Another guest chimed in, "Miss Templeton, I've heard Miss Palmer has quite a temper. Is that true?"

At this, Ann offered a sly smile. "My cousin Caitlin is also good friends with Miss Palmer. You can ask her if you have any questions."

Her comment immediately shifted everyone's attention back to Caitlin.

"Miss Gonzales, are you really good friends with Miss Palmer?"

Caitlin, who had been enjoying a dessert, looked up calmly. "We're acquaintances. I wouldn't say we're good friends."

It was the truth. While she had saved Celia's life, they hadn't formed a deep friendship. Caitlin had no interest in lying.

"Oh, so you're just acquaintances!" Sheila Blake couldn't help but sneer. "Does that mean you've only met once?"

Someone else added, "I've seen Miss Palmer on TV. Does that mean I'm acquainted with her too?"

The crowd erupted in laughter.

The sound of high heels echoed from the hallway. With each rhythmic step, Ann's heart beat faster. She was about to receive the Palmer family's jade token.

Soon, Celia appeared in the ballroom doorway.

Ann beamed at her. "Miss Palmer!"

The guests murmured in awe. "So that's Miss Palmer! She has such an air about her. Truly Valerian nobility."

"I'm so envious of Miss Templeton. With the Palmer family's token, she'll practically be a Valerian noble herself."

"Honestly, I'm jealous too."

Hearing their envious whispers, Ann's smile widened. She was sure Caitlin was among those seething with jealousy.

As Celia drew closer, Ann's anticipation grew. She raised her arms, preparing to embrace Celia in the traditional Valerian greeting. But just as she did, Celia walked past her as if she were invisible and straight into the arms of Caitlin, who stood in the crowd.

"Miss Gonzales, it's so good to see you again!"