Chapter 3
Chapter 3
“Game?” Caitlin’s lips curled into a faint, icy smile. “Mr. Chandler, if you’re not going to use your ears, maybe you should donate them! I must’ve been blind to ever mistake you for gold when you’re nothing but dirt. My eyes are just fine now, so sign the papers–right now p>
Julian narrowed his eyes.–I
She’s faking it. She had to be.
There was no way Caitlin could be this calm. She was just putting on a show, trying to get his attention with her usual little schemes.
Thinking about her pathetic tactics, Julian felt nothing but disgust. He snatched up a pen and scribbled his signature on the divorce agreement as fast as possible, his voice cold as ice, “Monday morning, eight o’clock. Courthouse steps. Don’t be late p>
It was Friday. The courthouse wouldn’t be open over the weekend.
There were two copies of the agreement, Caitlin took one, slipped it neatly into her bag, and gave Julian a look as chilly as winter rain: In that moment, she might as well have been looking at a complete stranger.
“ Till be there. On time. ”
Everyone in the room had been bracing themselves for Caitlin to break down, to start begging or making a scene
No one expected her to tum on her heel and walk out without a word, cool and collected.
Vida narrowed her eyes at Julian. “She’s just playing hard to get, mark my words. Wait and see–she won’t show up at the courthouse on Monday p>
Jesse, who’d been silent till now, spoke up. “I don’t think that’s it. ”
To him, Caitlin didn’t look like a woman playing games. She looked like someone who’d just woken up from a long, bad dream.8
Vida scoffed. “ Uncle Jesse, you’re giving that country girl way too much credit. After more than six months living under the same roof, Vida thought she knew better than anyone just how obsessed Caitlin had been with her precious son.8
Jesse tumed to Julian, his voice measured but grave. “Julian, are you really sure about this? if she’s gone, what happens to the company p>
Jesse had heard bits and pieces about Caitlin from Jarvis, his older brother
He knew the girl had a sharp mind, even if she came from simple beginnings.
When his brother was bedridden, he’d grabbed Jesse’s hand and made him promise–if Julian ever lost his mind and tried to divorce Caitlin, do everything in his power to stop it!
Now, watching Julian make this decision so abruptly, Jesse couldn’t help but worry.!
He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “Julian, The Chandler Group’s already survived one disaster. It can’t take another hit. And right now, when we’re finally turning things around–are you sure you can win The Celestial Awards without her p>
The Chandler Group specialized in developing online games.B
The Celestial Awards were the industry’s highest honor, the trophy every game developer dreamed of.
Winning would put The Chandler Group on the international map, finally beating out their biggest rival
And now, of all times, Julian was set on divorcing Caitlin.
Jesse’s worry deepened.
Julian’s eyes flashed with anger. “So in your mind, I’m less valuable than some girl from the sticks p>
He’d never believed that Caitlin was the reason The Chandler Group had managed a comeback.
All she did was tweak his proposals and sign off on paperwork. What else was she good for?
He’d graduated top of his class from Argent University’s business program. Was he really supposed to be outdone by someone who barely finished high school?
Now that Caitlin was gone, he’d take The Chandler Group even further.
Jesse frowned, concem etched into every line of his face. “Caitlin may come from a humble background, but her business instincts are
Veronica let out a sharp laugh, her expression full of scom.
“Business instincts? From a farm girl? Don’t be ridiculous, Jesse. The real genius here is my brother. He’s the one who pulled The Chandler Group back from the brink Carlin had nothing to do with it. She didn’t even finish high school–are you really saying she’s the one holding up the company? And don’t forget, Julian’s latest proposal even impressed Master Benedict himself Forget the Celestial Awards–my brother could be the first to partner with Sylvester Corporation in Silverhaven’t
Master BenedicL
Not yet thirty, but already the most powerful man in Eldermere’s business elite.
He was every single woman’s dream bachelor–and Veronica was no exception
To have his p
is praise was proof enough of Julian’s talent.
Julian felt a surge of pride at her words p>
Exactly
He was the golden boy, singled out by Master Benedict himself. His future was nothing but bright.
Vida nodded along, agreeing with her niece. Caitlin hadn’t even finished high school. What business sense could she possibly have?
The Chandler Group was finally running smoothly. Letting Caitlin stay on would only drag them downl
Vida turned to Jesse, her voice cloyingly sweet. “Uncle Jesse, this is a family matter if you’re so sure Caitlin’s a business prodigy, why don’t you take her back with you? Troy’s still single, after all p>