Chapter 51
In Skyler’s eyes, Julian’s ex-wife Caitlin might share the same name as Boss Caitlin, but that’s about where the similarities ended. Boss Caitlin was the very definition of elegance-beautiful, poised, and a brilliant doctor to boot. Women like her didn’t come around often.
But Julian’s ex-wife? She was a different story entirely. She’d nearly thrown her life away over a man, caked on layers of garish makeup every day, and seemed to have no taste or sense of self. Compared to Boss Caitlin, she didn’t even come close-she couldn’t hold a candle to her, not even to her pinky finger.
Besides, if Julian’s ex-wife had really been so impressive-impressive enough to bring the Chandler Group back from the brink-would Julian have ever even considered divorcing her? Julian wasn’t an idiot.
So Skyler firmly believed that the Chandler Group’s current success was thanks to Julian’s own abilities, not because of anyone else.
The moment Gordon heard Caitlin’s name, a subtle, almost imperceptible smile tugged at his lips. “That explains it,” he murmured.
So that’s how the Chandler Group managed to pull off such a dramatic turnaround in such a short time.
It was her.
Business savvy. Strategic thinking. Medical expertise. She could even handle herself in a fight.
What other hidden talents did she have?
To Gordon, Caitlin was the most extraordinary woman he’d ever met. She was like
a raw, priceless emerald-her allure was dangerous, magnetic. Even Gordon himself, usually so composed, found himself inexplicably drawn to her, wanting to get closer, to see her true face.
Skyler glanced over at Gordon, puzzled. “Uncle, what are you talking about? What do you mean ‘that explains it p>
He genuinely had no idea what Gordon was getting at.
Gordon turned and looked at Skyler, his gaze steady. “I suggest you make an appointment with an eye doctor p>
“Why would I do that? I’m not blind!” Skyler looked utterly confused.
Mistaking a diamond for glass-how was that not being blind?
Sure, Caitlin looked different with and without makeup, but a person’s eyes didn’t change. That’s why, during their second meeting in the elevator, Gordon had recognized her instantly.
Gordon wasn’t a man of many words, and he didn’t bother to explain. His lips barely moved as he said, “Drop the investigation into the Chandler Group. There’s nothing more to look into p>
Skyler simply thought his uncle agreed with his assessment, so he nodded quickly. “Alright, Uncle. If there’s nothing else, I’ll head out p>
“Go ahead.” Gordon gave a slight wave.
Skyler wasted no time and dashed out of the Sylvester Group building.
Half an hour later, his car pulled up outside a private members-only club in Silverhaven.
The Aureate Court.
Membership here was reserved for the sons of Eldermere’s most prominent families.
Skyler had barely stepped into the private suite when he saw five or six stunning women, all with flawless figures, vying for the attention of the men inside.
His best friend, Mack Quinn, spotted him right away and slung an arm around Skyler’s shoulder. “Mr. Cumming, pick a couple for yourself p>
At the mention, the beautiful women immediately flocked to Skyler, their voices syrupy sweet. “Mr. Cumming, I’m Tina p>
“I’m Linda p>
“And I’m p>
Each woman was more beautiful than the last, with figures fit for a Miss World pageant. It was enough to make any man’s head spin.
But Skyler immediately stepped back, hands raised. “No, thanks. I’m good p>
Sure, he liked to party and drink, but thanks to Gordon’s influence, there were two things he never messed with-drugs and women of questionable background.
Especially women like these. He had no intention of catching something unspeakable or ruining his reputation.
“Oh? Trying to stay pure for someone special?” Mack teased.
“I’m just afraid my uncle would kill me!” Skyler made a dramatic throat-slitting gesture.
Honestly, it wasn’t just Skyler who was wary of Gordon-even Mack, who was an outsider, held him in a certain awe.
Sure enough, once Skyler invoked Gordon, Mack immediately dropped the subject.
The Cartwright family was a big deal in the Capital, but compared to the Sylvester family, who practically ruled the city, they didn’t even come close.
In the Capital, in Eldermere, even internationally, Gordon’s word could make or break a person.
Mack glanced at Skyler and grinned. “You know, they say even heroes fall for a beautiful woman. You should introduce a gorgeous girl to Master Ninth-maybe then he’d be too busy to keep tabs on you p>
A night wrapped in silk sheets with a beauty-who’d have time for anything else?
He was joking, of course, but the room instantly fell silent, everyone waiting to see how Skyler would respond—especially the provocatively dressed women, their eyes bright with anticipation.
Everyone wanted to know about Gordon’s love life.
After all, this was Gordon. The one and only.
To marry him would be the ultimate honor. Even being his mistress would be enough to change a woman’s life forever.
Skyler lifted his glass. “What are you thinking? My uncle’s a lifelong bachelor. Doesn’t matter how gorgeous she is even if she was an angel-he wouldn’t be interested p>
A lifelong bachelor.
The shock was visible on everyone’s faces.
Most wealthy men loved beautiful women, often marrying someone stunning and well-educated to “improve the bloodline.” Who could have guessed that the legendary Master Ninth was a staunch bachelor?
“Master Ninth is a lifelong bachelor?” Even Mack looked skeptical.
“Yep.” Skyler nodded.
Mack narrowed his eyes, smirking. “Come on, men are drawn to women—it’s just nature. The only reason Master Ninth says he’s a bachelor is because he hasn’t met the right one yet p>