Chapter 25
In Julian’s eyes, Caitlin was nothing but a pile of crap.
What did she know about games? Or about triple–A titles?
The Chandler Group’s success was entirely built on his own sweat and determination. Caitlin’s greatest contribution hadbeensigning a marriage certificate with him, and that was it
And now she thought she could help Apex win the Celestial Awards? What a joke.
So it was no surprise Julian couldn’t care less about Caitlin joining Apex Game Studios. He barely even registered it.
Julian narrowed his eyes. “Victor might have hadasliver of hope before, but now?Not even close. The guy went to a top university, and yet he let some country bumpkin play him for a fool. Pathetic.”
Having someone like Victor as arivalwas honestly insulting to Julian’s intelligence
Dalton nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly. Caitlin was just some high school dropout from the sticks, while Julian had even eamed praise from Father Benedict himself. There was simply no comparison
Dalton glanced at Julian. “I was a little womed Victor would resist the merger, but now that Caitlin’s meddling, we’ve got nothing to worry about.Soon enough, Victor will be begging Chandler Group to buy Apex”
Julian seemed to have a sudden realization. “So Caitlin only joined Apex Game Studios because of me. I
From where he stood, Caitlin had two reasons for joining Apex. First, to attract his attention. Second, to help him acquire Apex from the inside. She wasn’t really joining Apex–she was spying for him 3
Foramoment, Julian had wondered why Caitlin would suddenly sign on with Apex Game Studios. Nowitall made sense.l
Dalton’s eyes went wide. “I can’t believe Caitlin would humbleherselfso much for you. Joining Apex just to please you? Doesn’tsherealize she’d be better off living her own life? Why latch onto you like this?”
Julian felt sick just thinking about her..
He’d already signed the divorce papers, but that shameless country girl was still fantasizing about him, obsessing over him. Tve never met a woman as shameless as Caitlin
Dalton agreed–her behavior was completely out of line, with no understanding of boundaries. She didn’t care that Julian was already in love with someone else. Pathetic, really
The more Julian thought about it, the fouler his mood became. “Enough. Let’s not talk about that hillbilly anymore. How’s the R&D department coming along?“%
At the mention ofbusiness, Dalton straightened immediately. “Don’t worry, Julian. Everything’s on track. I’m certain Father Benedict will want to work with us.
Julian nodded, a smug look flashing in his eyes.
Acquire Apex. Partner with Sylvester Group. Take home the Celestial Awards
A triple victory. Soon, Silverhaven wouldbehisfor the taking. And not just Silverhaven–he’d have a seat at the table in the Capital, too. The thought brought a confident smirk to his lips.
Caitlin had been working on Apex Game Studios projects all night, barely catchingan hour’ssleep before dawn. By nine in the morning. she was up again, ordering breakfast on her phone while brushing her teeth and washingup.
After getting ready, she headed downstairs for her workout: thirty minutes of jogging, followed by thirty minutes of yoga and stretching. By the timeshefinished, it was just after ten I
Fortune, her grandfather, was coming home for lunch. Caitlin’s cooking wasn’t anything special, but she could manage some basic home–style dishes.l
At half past eleven, Fortune walked inandwas greeted by the smell of food.
He stared in surpriseatCaitlin, who was bustling around the kitchen. “Catie, areyoucooking?”
She looked up with a smile. “Yep, Grandpa. I’m just making some soup, and then lunch is ready.” Fortune’s eyes widened
He’d raised Caitlin out in the countryside, but he’d never let hercook–she didn’t even know the difference between sugar and salt back then.
But now, here she
frying up dishes in the kitchen.Howmuch had she gone through, trying to fit in with the Chandler family?
The thought tuggedathis heart. He quickly shrugged off his vest.“Catie, let me cook. You take a break.”
She just waved him off. “It’s fine, Grandpa. Lunch is nearly done–just the soup left. Go wash your hands and get ready to eat!
Fortune couldn’t win the argument, so he went to wash up. When he returned, Caitlin was setting the table.
Three dishes and a soup: s
steamed fish, braised pork, and a bowl of vegetable and tofu soup.
Fortune grinned at the spread. “Wonderful! The food my granddaughter makes is always the best.
Catlin scooped some rice into his bowl “Grandpa, you haven’t even tasted it yet! How do you know it’s good?”
He took the bowl withachuckle. “I can smell it.”
Just to prove he wasn’t exaggerating. Fortune–who normally only had one bowl of rice–ended upeatingtwo that day.