THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 640

This private wing wasn't the proper place to entertain guests.

"Of course, Mr. Gonzales," Celia said, linking her arm through Caitlin's once more as they followed him.

***

Back at the villa, Tammie had just settled Ann in when his phone rang. After a brief conversation, he hung up and turned to Ann. "Ann, I have to work on a design draft. I've arranged for a cook to come make lunch, so don't wait for me."

Tammie was not only a comic artist but also a partner in a successful jewelry company. He and the design department were currently working on a major piece for an upcoming competition. Winning first place would not only allow their company to go public but would also secure its position as one of the top ten jewelers in the industry. With hundreds of companies competing, the stakes were incredibly high, which was why Tammie was personally overseeing the design.

Ann nodded obediently. "Okay, Tammie. I understand."

As Tammie headed upstairs to his study, Ann watched him go, a curious frown on her face. A design draft? What could be so important that it required this level of focus?

Though Tammie had told her not to wait, Ann went to his study door at lunchtime and knocked gently. "Tammie, it's time to eat."

"I'm not hungry right now, Ann. You go ahead," he called out, his attention fixed on his computer screen.

"You have to eat something!" she insisted. "How about I bring your food up to the study?"

He was too engrossed to leave his desk. "Alright, then. Thank you, Ann."

"Yeah."

Benedict frowned. "Tammie, you know how important this design is. There are companies out there who would do anything to get their hands on it. She may be your cousin, but you need to be careful."

The implication, though unstated, was clear. Tammie's good mood soured instantly. He hated when people questioned Ann's integrity. "Don't be ridiculous, Benedict," he said, his voice low and tight. "Ann is my family." Though they weren't related by blood, in his heart, she was family.

"A cousin is what, a quarter of your blood?" Benedict pressed. "Forget a cousin; I wouldn't even trust my own sister around this. You need to be more cautious." This design was the culmination of over half a year of their work; it was the future of their company. "Did you know there's already an offer of sixty million on the black market for our design files?"

Sixty million? Tammie scoffed. "You could offer Ann six hundred million, and she would never betray me."