THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 573

Caitlin returned the embrace, smiling warmly. "It's good to see you too." Looking at Celia, she could tell her recovery was nearly complete. "You seem to be doing very well, Miss Palmer."

"I am," Celia nodded, her smile radiant. "I had a check-up at the hospital, and all my levels are normal. Thank you, Miss Gonzales."

A collective gasp swept through the room. No one could believe what they had just witnessed. Celia had completely ignored Ann to embrace Caitlin. What on earth was going on? More importantly, Celia seemed to know Caitlin far better. Otherwise, why would she have snubbed Ann so pointedly?

Ann's arms were still raised in an aborted embrace, frozen awkwardly in mid-air. She looked both comical and tragic, her mind struggling to process the scene. A roar filled her ears, and she felt the blood drain from her face. Humiliation, shame, and fury churned within her, making her unsteady on her feet.

*Does Celia have any idea what she's doing?* she thought frantically. *I'm her good friend, so why is she hugging Caitlin? By ignoring me like this, she's destroying my reputation!*

No, she had to calm down. Celia must have mistaken them. Westerners often thought all Asians looked alike. That had to be it. Celia had mistaken Caitlin for her. Yes, that made sense. Why else would she have come to a tea party hosted by her?

Taking a deep breath, Ann forced a smile and turned to Celia. "Miss Palmer, I'm Ann. I think you might have the wrong person."

Celia finally released Caitlin and turned to Ann, her eyes icily cold. "I haven't made a mistake. Miss Gonzales is the one I came to see."

Because of Ann, Celia had nearly offended a person as important as Caitlin. She felt no need to be polite.

Ann's eyes widened in disbelief. Celia hadn't been mistaken. "But," she stammered, "but didn't you come to attend my tea party?"

"Attend your party?" Celia let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Ann, who the hell do you think you are? What makes you think you're worthy of my presence at your pathetic little gathering?"

The words hit Ann like a physical blow. The blood in her veins turned to ice, and panic seized her. What was wrong with Celia? Just twenty days ago, she had been fawning over her, desperate to get closer to her brother, Tammie. Now, she was like a completely different person. Why the sudden change? Had she given up on pursuing Tammie?

Ann had never been so publicly humiliated. Her face was as white as a sheet. Why? Why was this happening? Why was Celia doing this to her?

Before Ann could recover, Celia turned back to Caitlin. "Miss Gonzales, thanks to you, I have been given a new lease on life. To express my gratitude, my mother had this gift sent from Valerium."

An assistant stepped forward, respectfully presenting a brocade box. Celia took it, opened the lid, and displayed its contents for all to see. "This is my family's jade token. The holder of this token can ask the Palmer family to grant three wishes, anytime, anywhere. Furthermore, the owner is granted the status of nobility in Valerium. Now, in front of everyone, I, in the name of my ancestors, present this token to Miss Gonzales."

"Please, accept it."

Celia's words were like a bomb exploding in the ballroom.

"Oh my god! I thought Miss Palmer was just here to see Miss Gonzales, but it turns out Miss Gonzales is her actual savior!"