Chapter 275
In Amanda’s eyes, Caitlin was nothing more than damaged goods—a divorced woman with a tarnished reputation. How could she possibly compare to her precious daughter?
Her Ann had always been bright and quick-witted, raised on the best education money could buy. She’d started learning foreign languages as a baby, and by twelve, she was fluent in three. Amanda had hired private tutors to refine her manners and poise, and Ann could play both the violin and piano. She danced ballet and folk dances with equal grace.
She’d skipped three grades in elementary school, and now, at just twenty-two, Ann had already completed her undergraduate degree and was halfway through her master’s. More importantly, she excelled not only academically, but professionally as well. She’d launched her own skincare line and even had a clothing brand to her name.
Now she was working at Gonzales Holdings, personally mentored by Keira, who was grooming her as the next leader of the company.
And Caitlin? What was she, really?
Nineteen years old, with nothing to show for herself. Not only had she accomplished nothing, she’d already been divorced. Business acumen? Please- Amanda doubted the girl could even string together a proper sentence in English.
Someone like that would only embarrass the Gonzales family.
So what if Keira brought Caitlin back? Even if she did, Caitlin could never become the heir to Gonzales Holdings.
Amanda narrowed her eyes. Only her Ann deserved that position-rightfully and without question.
The more Amanda thought about it, the more convinced she became, her satisfaction growing with every passing second.
Ann, listening to her mother’s reasoning, found herself agreeing, though a sliver of doubt lingered. She glanced up at Amanda. “Mom, are you sure you checked everything? Freya’s really just some country nobody who’s been married twice p>
“Of course I checked, sweetheart. Do you think I’d be careless about something this important? Here, look for yourself these are the documents on that little country girl p>
Amanda handed her a folder. Ann took it and began to sift through the papers inside Caitlin’s records. More specifically, her records from before the divorce. Ann’s eyes widened as soon as she saw Caitlin’s photo. “It’s her! I knew it p>
No wonder. No wonder she’d gotten such a bad feeling the first time she met Caitlin. Clearly, that instinct wasn’t for nothing.
See? Now Caitlin was here, trying to take what rightfully belonged to her.
Shameless.
If Caitlin was just a divorced girl from the sticks, she should have stayed where she belonged. What business did she have coming to the capital? This city wasn’t a place for people like her.
Seeing Ann’s reaction, Amanda pressed, “Ann, you know her p>
Ann nodded. “Mom, do you remember that con artist I told you about? The one who tricked the Richards family into believing she was Hannah’s savior? That was her p>
Amanda’s eyes grew wide with disbelief. “Are you sure p>
“I’m sure,” Ann said, biting her lip. The thought of the entire Richards family treating Caitlin like a hero made her blood boil.
And then she remembered: the moment Hannah woke from her coma, she’d clung to Caitlin, sobbing and calling her Freya. At the time, Ann had dismissed it as Hannah’s confusion.
But now, it made sense. Caitlin really was Hannah’s granddaughter.
The more Ann thought about it, the angrier she became. Why did all the good things always fall into Caitlin’s lap? What had she ever done to deserve it?
With a cold huff, Ann muttered, “If I’d known she was Freya, I would have been on my guard from the start. That little snake-she’s been pretending this whole time! She must have known who she was, but played the part of Hannah’s savior anyway. What a manipulative little witch p>
Amanda’s expression darkened, a storm of anger brewing on her face. Her daughter was always so well-mannered-she never lashed out like this. For Ann
to call Caitlin such names, she must have been truly pushed to the edge.
And Amanda couldn’t blame her. Caitlin’s scheming was revolting.
Ann narrowed her eyes. “Grandma doesn’t have much time left. Just wait-once she’s gone, I’ll make sure that little snake is thrown out on the street p>
Amanda nodded, a sly smile on her lips. “Once Freya’s back, your grandmother will probably arrange an internship for her at Gonzales Holdings. But a country girl like that? She’ll never win over the board. The old shareholders aren’t fools-they won’t let a divorced nobody ruin the company p>
In Amanda’s mind, Caitlin was utterly useless-she probably couldn’t even read a balance sheet.
Someone like her could never convince anyone to follow her. The old guard at Gonzales Holdings would drive Caitlin out without Ann even having to lift a finger.
Amanda’s eyes narrowed again as she added, “Ann, that’ll be your chance. Win those old men over-they’ll all take your side, because you’re simply the best p>