THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 788

Brock tilted his head. "And what exactly is it that you're feeling right now?"

Mrs. Palmer sighed dramatically. "The feeling of watching a golden opportunity slip through my fingers." Before Brock could respond, she continued, "A woman as exceptional as Miss Gonzales must have countless admirers. If you don't act quickly, someone else will snatch her up."

Brock shook his head in amusement. "The more you talk, the more I'm convinced you've been bewitched." His mother's adoration for Caitlin was bordering on obsession. Every other word out of her mouth was "Miss Gonzales." He had never seen her like this. "As I recall," he mused, "you used to have impossibly high standards for a daughter-in-law."

When Brock was younger and had tried to date, his mother had been adamant that he not get involved with just any girl, especially not commoners. When she found out one of his girlfriends was from another country, she hadn't even bothered to ask about her family background before forcing him to end the relationship.

But now, it was as if she were a completely different person. All her old rules had vanished. He was beginning to wonder if this was really his discerning mother. In the past, no matter how accomplished a woman was, she would never have approved of him marrying a foreigner.

"Who said my standards have lowered?" Mrs. Palmer corrected him sharply. "Miss Gonzales is simply far more exceptional than you can imagine! My standards are as high as they've ever been." She then returned to her favorite topic. "Brock, are you sure you don't want Celia to ask about her? They're good friends. If Miss Gonzales is single, Celia could put in a good word for you. It would increase your chances."

Watching his mother, Brock couldn't help but laugh. It used to be his mother who did the judging. Now, she was worried he wouldn't be good enough for Caitlin. It was as the old Eldermere saying went: the tables have turned.

"What's so funny?" Mrs. Palmer frowned. "I asked you a question. What are you thinking?"

Brock shook his head. "There's no need. I'm really not in the right mindset for that right now." Having just recovered from a serious illness, his focus was on his work. Romance was the furthest thing from his mind.

"But she's so brilliant, and so beautiful," Mrs. Palmer pressed, unwilling to give up.

"I know," Brock said, rubbing his temples. "You've told me a thousand times in the past few days. My ears are about to fall off." He had also refused a thousand times, yet his mother seemed determined. "Mom, I'm serious," he said, turning to her. "I have no interest in pursuing a relationship right now. Please, let it go."

"What if you see her and change your mind?"

"I won't," he stated firmly.

"She fulfills every possible requirement a man could have for a partner!" Mrs. Palmer insisted. "I swear, she will be the most beautiful woman you have ever seen in your life."

Brock smiled at her. "Mom, do you really think I'm that shallow?" There were plenty of beautiful people in the world. Was he supposed to fall in love with every one he met?

Mrs. Palmer was about to retort when Leroy hurried in from outside. "Mrs. Palmer, Patriarch, Miss Celia has returned!"

Mrs. Palmer rushed forward to embrace Caitlin. "Miss Gonzales, welcome to our home."

"Thank you, Mrs. Palmer."

Celia then introduced her other friend. "Mom, this is Freya's friend, Celeste."

"Miss Hayes, it's a pleasure," Mrs. Palmer said, giving Celeste a hug as well. Caitlin was an honored guest, and so was her friend.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Palmer," Celeste replied.

Celia then turned to Brock. "Third Brother, this is the woman who saved you, Freya Gonzales."

It was only then that Brock snapped out of his trance. He looked at Caitlin and, feeling a bit nervous, extended his hand. "Miss Gonzales, hello. I'm Brock Lane Palmer."