THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 854

Even Audley was a little surprised.

He narrowed his eyes and tossed a file onto the table in front of Caitlin. "Freya Gonzales, sign it!"

"I'm not guilty," Caitlin said, her gaze lifting slightly.

Audley sneered. "This is Valerium, not a place where some girl from Eldermere can just declare her innocence! I suggest you cooperate. It'll save you a world of pain."

"How much did the Vances give you?" Caitlin asked, her eyes fixed on him. "Enough to make you risk your entire career?"

At her last words, Audley burst out laughing—a cold, mocking sound.

"My career?" he said, meeting her gaze. "You can't possibly think someone like you could affect my career, can you?"

What was Caitlin? She might have some standing in Eldermere, but here in Valerium, she was less than dust. Even if his superiors found out about this, it wouldn't impact his career in the slightest.

As he spoke, his eyes turned sharp and cruel. "I advise you to sign that confession right now! Otherwise, what you find in the dark room won't be limited to just rats and snakes."

"Do your worst," Caitlin replied, her expression still infuriatingly calm.

She was so composed, not like a young woman in her twenties, but like a seasoned leader who had weathered a thousand storms.

Audley felt his authority being challenged, and his face instantly contorted with rage. "Fine! Fine! Today, I'm going to see just how tough you really are! Guards, take her to the maximum-security dark room!"

"Yes, sir."

Two officers immediately seized Caitlin, dragging her toward the facility's most feared holding cell.

The maximum-security dark room was ten times more terrifying than a standard one. It was reserved for the most depraved and violent criminals. A young woman like Caitlin being sent there was unprecedented.

Even the guard in charge of the wing did a double-take when he saw her. What kind of heinous crime could a girl like this have committed to warrant such treatment?

Just as Audley had dispatched Caitlin, an aide rushed in. "Mr. Audley, a Mr. Zach is here and wishes to see you."

Zach?

Audley's attention snapped into focus. "Mr. Zach! Where is he now?"

He had met Zach before and knew he was Prince Hollis's personal physician. He was also one of the prince's most trusted confidants.

The moment he entered, he saw the Chief of Police nervously pouring tea for Sally, his forehead beaded with sweat.

Queen Sally's expression was grim.

Audley moistened his lips, walked over, and bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty, Chief."

Sally looked at him. "You are Audley?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Audley replied, his heart racing with anticipation.

Sally's eyes narrowed, her voice dangerously cold. "Was it you who had Freya locked up?"

Hearing the name Freya, Audley's excitement surged. Caitlin had been brought in by the Vances, and the Vances had recently provided Valerium with crucial intelligence. Sally must be here to praise him for a job well done!

Eager to claim his credit, he declared, "Yes, that's right! I personally arrested Freya! In fact, I've already had her moved to the maximum-security dark room. You can rest assured, Your Majesty, I will make sure she doesn't see tomorrow's sunrise!"

CRACK!

Before the words were even out of his mouth, Sally shot up from her chair and kicked him squarely in the chest, sending him sprawling. "You bastard!" she roared, her voice trembling with fury. "You dare to imprison my benefactor? It seems you have a death wish!"