THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 72

"Auntie, you're amazing! You know so much!" Laurel looked at Iliana with wide-eyed admiration.

Seeing Laurel's obvious awe, Bonnie felt her vanity swell with satisfaction.

Iliana continued, "Bonnie's father and I are in the gemstone business, too. We've worked with Mrs. Hayes before, so I know a bit about the Hayes family."

The truth was quite different.

Iliana had never actually worked with Mrs. Hayes. All she'd ever done was buy a few jade ornaments at one of the Hayes family's shops. She only recognized Mrs. Hayes because, by chance, she'd seen her from afar when Mrs. Hayes was inspecting the store that day.

Laurel's eyes sparkled. "Auntie, you really are something! If you've worked with Mrs. Hayes, your family must be really well off!"

Iliana flicked her hair, grinning smugly. "Oh, we do all right. Just a little better than most people."

Laurel gazed after Mrs. Hayes's departing figure, letting out a wistful sigh. "I wonder what Miss Hayes looks like. If only I could be friends with her!"

Iliana shot Laurel a sidelong glance, scoffing inwardly. This silly girl really was a dreamer—born to want the moon and destined for nothing.

Someone like her, hoping to be friends with Miss Hayes? What a joke.

Still, Laurel's words gave Iliana an idea. She leaned closer to Bonnie and whispered, "Bonnie, if you could become close with Miss Hayes, our family would really be set for life."

The Hayes family was true high society—wealthier even than the Chandlers.

If Bonnie somehow became friends with Miss Hayes, it would be the biggest achievement the family had ever seen.

Bonnie nodded, her eyes flickering with determination. "Don't worry, Mom. I won't let you down."

As long as Miss Hayes was attending Central Academy, Bonnie would find a way to get close to her—whatever it took.

–

Because she was hopeless with directions, it took Caitlin quite a while to find the exam room.

The sudden, excited voice caught her attention.

Caitlin glanced sideways to see a short-haired, lively girl beaming at her.

She had big, round dark eyes, pale skin, and an adorable face—Caitlin was sure she'd seen her before.

Before Caitlin could say anything, the girl hurried over and introduced herself. "You don't remember me? I'm Celeste! That night on the 15th, you saved me from those thugs! I've been looking for you everywhere—I can't believe we ran into each other here!"

Celeste had never believed in fate before, but now she was convinced. How else could destiny have brought her face-to-face with her savior again?

As Celeste spoke, Caitlin's memory clicked into place.

"Of course I remember." Caitlin smiled warmly. "How have you been since then?"

"I'm okay now. I got sick after the police took me home—only just recovered a few days ago, or I'd have found you sooner." Celeste had been pampered all her life and had never experienced such a scare. After that night, she'd been bedridden with a high fever for over two weeks.