THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 689

Besides, how old was Caitlin, really? What could she possibly know about medicine? Justus was highly skeptical that she had actually cured Stuart. It was more likely a story fabricated by the Gonzales family to build a reputation for their recently divorced daughter. They were trying to manufacture a "miracle doctor" persona to help her establish a foothold in The Capital's elite society. Such schemes were common among the wealthy; most people just didn't bother to call them out.

Justus had initially opposed his grandmother's plan to invite Caitlin, but at the time, he couldn't get his hands on the Smith Pill, and his father's condition was deteriorating. It was only out of desperation that he'd agreed. He just hadn't expected his grandmother to act so quickly. The moment he'd given his consent, she had brought the girl over.

Stopping her mid-treatment was certainly rude, but if Caitlin's meddling made his father's condition worse, the regret would be unbearable. He had to intervene.

Hearing Justus, Caitlin calmly placed the golden needle back in her kit and turned to him. "Mr. Sterling, may I see the medicine?"

Justus hesitated for a second before nodding. "Of course." He handed the box to her.

Caitlin took it and scanned the list of ingredients. A slight frown creased her brow. She had assumed that once Smith learned the formula she'd prescribed for Celia wasn't a universal cure, he would have abandoned his project. Instead, he had taken her prescription and, without any modification, mass-produced this so-called miracle drug.

Suzanne looked at her daughter-in-law, a worried expression on her face. "Jasmine, I thought the Smith Pill was only sold to people from Valerium. Are you sure this isn't a fake?" She lowered her voice. "Maybe… maybe we should let Miss Gonzales treat Hoffman."

Though her daughter-in-law and grandson claimed Caitlin's reputation was nothing but a marketing ploy by the Gonzales and Richards families, Suzanne wasn't so sure. She had known Keira for decades and trusted her character. Keira would never stoop to such deceit. And how else could one explain Stuart waking up after twenty years in a coma? Suzanne believed Caitlin was the real deal.

"Don't worry, Mom, it's not a fake," Jasmine said, patting her hand reassuringly. "Justus went to great lengths to buy this from a man from Valerium."

"The man had bought it for his daughter," she explained, "but tragically, she passed away in an accident right after he got it. So, Justus bought it from him for ten times the original price."

Hearing this, Suzanne felt a wave of relief. Though Justus was only in his early twenties, he had always been reliable. Knowing he'd paid a premium for it made her feel more confident. Compared to Caitlin, the Smith Pill certainly seemed like the more dependable option.

She turned to speak to Caitlin, but Caitlin spoke first, her voice soft and pleasant.

Seeing her son's look, Jasmine clamped her mouth shut.

Justus turned to Caitlin, a polite smile on his face. "Miss Gonzales, what makes you so certain that Professor Smith's medicine is flawed?"

"Because," Caitlin replied evenly, "the original formula came from me."

Justus was floored. *From her?* Was she accusing Professor Smith of plagiarism? He'd thought she was just prone to exaggeration, but this was beyond belief. She might as well claim to be Dr. Oracle herself.

It wasn't just Justus. Everyone in the room, except for Keira, was stunned. Suzanne, who had initially admired Caitlin, was now having serious second thoughts. This wasn't just boasting; it was delusional. She glanced at Keira, expecting her to intervene and stop Caitlin from spouting such nonsense.