THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 631

Ann was the little cousin Tammie had watched grow up. He knew her better than anyone.

She had always been a kind, sweet, and simple girl. He remembered how, as a child, she'd spend her allowance on food for the stray cats and dogs in the neighborhood. Could a truly malicious person show such love to homeless animals? Tammie refused to believe it.

How could she possibly betray him? He was her family. It was unthinkable.

In his view, Keira was simply trying to stir up fear. She'd always disliked Ann and didn't want to see her happy. Tammie used to think Keira was a magnanimous person, but now he saw a different side of her—one that was less generous and far more selfish than he'd ever imagined.

Still, he couldn't entirely blame her. Keira had been a reasonable woman until Caitlin returned. It didn't take a genius to figure out that Caitlin was the one who had warped her thinking, filling her head with lies about Ann.

Caitlin's provincial upbringing had clearly ruined her. She was supposed to be a Gonzales, but she carried herself with such an uncouth, country manner that was utterly embarrassing. And Keira, in her old age, had become foolishly susceptible, believing every word Caitlin said as if she'd lost the ability to think for herself.

Did blood ties really matter that much? Was Keira so blinded by her biological connection to Caitlin that she couldn't tell right from wrong anymore? That she couldn't distinguish the real gem from the cheap imitation?

Because it was obvious to Tammie that Ann was, and always had been, the true diamond.

Seeing the unshakeable faith in Tammie's eyes, Keira frowned, her voice heavy with concern. "Tammie, don't be naive. Ann is not what she seems. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Her mother, Amanda Gonzales, shattered your uncle's family for personal gain, and we've never learned what happened to your aunt. With that background, how could Ann be good?"

Just as Ann had grown up under Tammie's watch, Tammie had grown up under Keira's. She knew the hardships he had faced and how difficult his path to success had been. She couldn't just stand by and watch him walk into a trap.

Ann was poison. Anyone who got close to her was doomed.

Keira's expression was grave. "I'm only saying this for your own good, Tammie. I've seen how hard you've worked to get where you are. Please, listen to me. Ann is a curse. If you take her in, you'll bring nothing but trouble upon yourself."

For his own good? The suggestion was so absurd it was almost laughable. If Keira truly cared for him, she wouldn't be trying to stop him from helping Ann.

Tammie turned back to her, his face a mask of weary frustration. "Grandma Keira, I've already said all I need to say. Ann and I may not be related by blood, but our bond is stronger than that of most siblings."

Keira pressed her fingers to her temple. "By the time you realize your mistake, it will be too late. I just don't want to see you go down that path. Please, take a moment and see Ann for who she truly is." She couldn't understand why he was so deaf to reason. Did he have to get burned to learn his lesson?

Tammie's patience finally snapped. Keira was overstepping. She was not his biological grandmother. He looked at her, his voice edged with ice. "Grandma Keira, at your age, the most important thing is to take care of your health. You should focus on that instead of meddling in other people's affairs."