THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 691

Keira had unwavering faith in Caitlin's medical abilities, but Suzanne's was clearly shaken. Initially, she had trusted Caitlin as much as Keira did. But after listening to the girl's outlandish claims, she had begun to see her as arrogant and immature. Caitlin seemed desperate to prove herself, willing to say anything, no matter how reckless, to appear superior. How could someone like that possess any real medical skill? Perhaps her grandson was right after all—Caitlin's reputation was nothing more than a carefully constructed illusion by her powerful families.

Suzanne couldn't bring herself to entrust her son's life to such a person.

With this in mind, she smiled at Keira. "I know the Smith Pill might have risks, but what in life doesn't? Even Freya only said she was confident she could cure Hoffman. Since both options carry a risk, we'd rather choose the pill over weeks of dry needling and bitter medicine. What if we get lucky? What if one course of the Smith Pill is all he needs to get better?"

Keira stared at her friend. "Suzanne, have you lost your mind? What if Freya is right? What if taking that pill has devastating consequences? What will you do then?" *Will you be prepared to bury your own son?* The last part remained unspoken, but the sentiment hung heavy in the air. She couldn't believe Suzanne was being so careless with Hoffman's life.

Suzanne was exasperated. Keira might be able to fool others, but surely she knew the truth about her own granddaughter. "If there are consequences, we'll face them," she said firmly. "I heard they've already sold tens of thousands of doses in Valerium. If there was a real problem, can you imagine the chaos? The death toll?"

"Professor Smith would never release a drug to the public unless it had been thoroughly tested and proven effective," she concluded. "He's confident it can cure epilepsy."

Caitlin offered a polite smile. "Grandma Sterling, I've explained the risks and the reasons. Since you choose not to believe me, my grandmother and I can only respect your family's decision." She closed her medical bag. Traditional medicine often spoke of a destined connection between doctor and patient, just as life was governed by cause and effect. She would not force her help where it wasn't wanted.

Turning to Keira, she said, "Grandma, let's go home."

"Alright," Keira replied, her tone clipped. "Let's go."

Suzanne moved to escort them out, but Keira waved her off. "Stay here. I know my way out."

Despite Keira's words, Suzanne walked her to the door. As Keira was about to get into the car, Suzanne took her arm. "Keira, we've been friends for years. You know I'm a direct person. I'm not doing this because I don't trust Freya. I just can't bear to see Hoffman suffer through more needles and medicine. The boy has been through so much already. All I want for him now is peace."

"And I watched Hoffman grow up. I truly hope you don't come to regret this decision. Some lessons can only be learned the hard way, Suzanne. And in this life, there are no second chances."

Suzanne sighed. "Keira, you're reading too much into this! It's not about trust. I just think Western medicine is more straightforward."

Keira waved a dismissive hand. "Fine, fine. It doesn't matter what you think anymore. I'm leaving." With that, she got into the car and shut the door.

As the black luxury sedan drove away, Suzanne shook her head. "Honestly, Keira. Getting older and her temper is only getting worse." It was Keira who was being unreasonable, yet she expected an apology. Even when Suzanne had tried to make peace, Keira had maintained her haughty attitude.

Back inside, Jasmine was already giving Hoffman the medicine. His mind was still replaying Caitlin's dire warning, and his face was pale. When Jasmine offered him the pill, he turned his head away. "I've been thinking… maybe I shouldn't take this."