THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 59

The moment her daughter suggested that Beatrice's favored future daughter-in-law might be a fraud, Beatrice chuckled. "Do I look like someone who's lost her touch?" she teased.

She could spot a gold-digger from a mile away.

Alaina poured her mother a cup of tea. "It never hurts to be cautious, Mom. I've actually worked with Miss Kensington, and she even saved Gordon's life. But you've only met this girl once."

Alaina respected her mother's instincts, but age had made her more vulnerable, and the world wasn't as simple as it used to be. Some people would do anything to get what they wanted.

Alaina worried someone might take advantage of her mother's kindness.

Beatrice took a sip from her cup, her eyes twinkling. "Listen, Alaina. Mark my words: once you meet this young lady, you'll like her too."

Alaina's standards were high—almost no one made a good first impression on her.

Except Caitlin.

But how many people like Caitlin were there in the world?

"Mom, that's just your gut feeling," Alaina said.

Beatrice smiled, unfazed. "Just wait and see. She and I are destined to cross paths again. I know it."

She didn't even know the girl's name, but deep down, Beatrice was sure fate would bring them together.

And if it was meant to be, waiting was no trouble at all.

After chatting a while longer, Beatrice excused herself for an afternoon nap.

Alaina busied herself planning the dinner menu. Once she had it set, she called over Jewel, the housekeeper who'd looked after her mother for years.

"Jewel, my mother's getting older—sometimes she gets a little forgetful. Keep an extra eye on her, and don't let anyone from outside take advantage. If anything unusual happens, let me know right away."

Jewel nodded. "Of course, Miss. I'll be careful."

Alaina always knew how to win people over; after giving a few more instructions, she handed Jewel a small envelope. "I heard your son's getting married soon. Here's a little something from me."

He wanted every penny to count.

Caitlin shook her head. "The living room isn't meant for sleeping, Grandpa. And you don't need to worry about money. Your granddaughter's not so helpless—I design games, dabble in stocks, and invest in funds. I've made quite a bit lately. Oh, and here's your bank card—take it back."

If Fortune checked his bank account right now, he'd be in for a shock: his modest $3,500 balance had magically turned into $35,000. Ten times over.

"The card's yours now—keep it!" he protested.

But Caitlin just slipped it into his pocket. "Grandpa, it's not like I'm rolling in cash, but I'm doing fine. And if I ever need help, you'll be the first to know."

Unable to win the argument, Fortune finally relented and kept the card. "Promise me you'll tell me if you ever run short."

"Promise," Caitlin replied with a smile.

By a little after five, Keeley was home, carrying his own bags. After weeks in the hospital, he could finally walk on his own again.

Over dinner, Caitlin brought up the move. "Keeley, our lease here's almost up. I've rented a new three-bedroom place. Want to move in with us?"