THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 789

In that moment, the phrase "heart-stopping" became a tangible reality. And in that moment, Brock finally understood why his mother was so enamored with Caitlin, why she was so determined to set them up. This woman possessed a charm that was simply undeniable.

Caitlin shook his hand with natural grace. "I'm Freya."

Brock's heart pounded in his chest, and a faint blush crept up his neck, though it was subtle enough to go unnoticed. He struggled to steady his racing heart. "Thank you, Miss Gonzales, for saving my life."

He was already regretting his earlier refusal of his mother's suggestion. He should have just gone along with it. But now…

"You're welcome," Caitlin said, her voice light and clear. "It's a doctor's duty."

Celia continued the introductions. "Third Brother, this is Freya's good friend, and now my good friend, Celeste."

"Miss Hayes, a pleasure," Brock said, nodding as he shook her hand.

"Hello, Mr. Palmer," Celeste replied.

After the introductions, Mrs. Palmer beamed. "Miss Gonzales, Miss Hayes, please, come inside! Don't just stand out here."

Celia linked arms with both Caitlin and Celeste. "Yes, yes, Freya, March, come in. Please, make yourselves at home." She then looked at her mother and brother. "Mom, Third Brother, you don't need to be so formal. Just call them March and Freya."

Mrs. Palmer smiled. "Alright, then. Freya, March, you two don't need to be so formal with me either."

"A name is just a name," Caitlin replied with a smile. "Call me whatever is most comfortable for you, Mrs. Palmer."

Celeste nodded in agreement. "Catie's right. Whatever you'd like to call us is fine."

"In that case," Mrs. Palmer said, "you two shouldn't call me Mrs. Palmer either. According to your Eldermere customs, you can just call me Aunty."

Caitlin and Celeste graciously accepted.

Carrying her medical bag, Caitlin approached Brock. "Mr. Palmer, I'd like to check your pulse now."

"Of course. Thank you, Miss Gonzales," he said, rolling up his sleeve.

"Then there's nothing else to worry about," Caitlin smiled.

Mrs. Palmer let out a sigh of relief. She took Caitlin's hands in hers. "Freya, you are our family's savior. If it weren't for you, I don't know what would have happened to Brock. How can we ever thank you enough?" Her words came from the bottom of her heart. Caitlin seemed to want for nothing, and Mrs. Palmer truly didn't know what gift could possibly convey her immense gratitude.

Caitlin looked at her warmly. "Aunty, as I said, I'm a doctor. It's my duty. And Celia is my friend. You don't need to say such things."

"That's different. A debt of life must be repaid," Mrs. Palmer insisted. "Freya, is there anything you wish for? A dream you haven't yet fulfilled?"

At this, Celia chimed in, "Freya, if there's anything, you have to tell us! Maybe we can help." The Palmer family had considerable influence and connections in Valerium.

A thoughtful expression crossed Caitlin's face. "If I had to name one wish, it would be to find my mother, so our family can finally have a reunion this year." Caitlin had always trusted her intuition. Though her mother, Carey Richards, had been missing for years without a trace, she felt strongly that she was still alive, kept away by circumstances beyond her control. She would never give up looking for her.

"Find your mother?" Mrs. Palmer asked, unfamiliar with the Gonzales family's history. "Freya, could you tell me more?"

"Of course," Caitlin nodded, and she began to recount the story of the car accident twenty years ago and the tragedy that had befallen her parents.