THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 775

After speaking, Ham pulled a small notepad and a pen from his pocket and offered them to Caitlin.

Caitlin glanced at the notepad and pen before politely declining. "I'm sorry, I have a bad memory. I can't remember my own phone number."

With that, she turned to leave.

Ham was stunned. He hadn't expected her to refuse. This was the first time Will had ever sent him to get a woman's number; usually, they were the ones approaching Will. And she had just… turned him down.

After a moment of shock, Ham hurried after her again. "Miss, please, just one more moment."

"Is there something else?" Caitlin asked.

Ham stepped in front of her to block her path. "I don't think you realize who Mr. Will is. Allow me to introduce you. Mr. Will is the youngest Lord of the Windsor family."

In Ham's mind, she must have refused because she didn't know who Will was. Once she understood his status, she would surely change her mind. Who could possibly turn down the advances of such a distinguished man?

Especially since she was just from Eldermere. Ham had seen countless people from Eldermere who would do anything to get Valerium citizenship. For a Valerium noble to personally ask for her number was a tremendous honor—the kind of thing she could record in her family history.

A Lord! Will was a Lord, a rank even higher than a standard noble. To have any connection to him would make her practically royalty in Valerium.

Ham was certain she must be ecstatic right now, probably fighting the urge to scream with joy. He waited with a smug expression, already picturing her reaction. She would undoubtedly scribble down her number for him immediately.

But Caitlin's expression remained unchanged. She simply nodded slightly and asked in a flat tone, "Was there anything else?"

Ham blinked. Huh? That was her reaction? Why wasn't there a single trace of excitement on her face?

"I have things to do," Caitlin said, stepping around him to continue on her way.

Ham stood there, completely bewildered as he watched her walk away. Why did she just leave like that? This was not how he had imagined this going at all. Had she not heard him correctly? That was the only explanation he could think of.

The intensity in that woman from Eldermere was staggering. A cold dread washed over him, and the air suddenly felt heavy, making it hard to breathe. The only other person from Eldermere who had ever made him feel that way was the formidable Master Ninth. Ham had assumed all people from Eldermere were like the Vances—treacherous and willing to do anything for fame and fortune.

This time, Ham didn't dare call out to her again. He ran a hand through his hair and walked back toward Will.

Will was idly toying with his cane. Seeing Ham return alone, he held out his hand. "Give it to me." He was, of course, referring to Caitlin's number.

Ham looked pained. "My Lord, the young lady…"

Will's brow furrowed in disbelief. "She didn't give it to you?"

"No, sir," Ham confirmed.

Will's eyes narrowed. He'd never encountered such a situation. "Did you not tell her who I am?"