Chapter 6
Not long ago, a reporter had snapped some photos of Julian and Caitlin attending Jarvis’s funeral together
The moment Mrs. Chandler’s lace was revealed to the public, the intemet exploded with gossip and regret. Within hours, someone had dug up her background, and the news spread like wildfire–Caitlin was just a small–town girl who hadn’t even finished high school. People couldn’t stop talking.
Someone like Julian, they said, should be mamied to a well–bred heiress, someone from a familyaspowerful as his own. A girl like Caitlin? She didn’t deserve him at all.
Skyler had seenCaitlinat Jarvis’s funeral, too!!
Back then,she’d looked very different from the woman she was now. She’d wom heavy makeup both times, but something about her had changed–her presence, her aum, something Skyler couldn’t quite put intowords.
Skyler swallowed hard. “It’s nothing, I–I’m just a little surprised.”
Caitlin didn’t say anything else. She turned and walked away!
Skyler slipped into the car with Gordon, still trying to settle her nerves
It wasn’t until she was behind the wheel that Skyler finally blurted out, “Oh my god! That really was Caitlin just now!”
Do you know her?” Gordon’s voice came from the back seat, calm and almost indifferent.
Skyler blinked, then realized he was talking aboutCastlin. She nodded. “Yeah, I do. Her name’s Caitlin–she’sthe wife of Julian, the new CEO of the Chandler Group.”
After a beat, Skyler added, “But honestly, their backgrounds are worlds apart. That’s why Julian’s already filed for divorce.
“Caitlin?” Gordon idly twisted the silver ring on his finger, lips curving into the faintest hint of a smile. “Interesting.”
Skyler stared at him, completely baffled.
Interesting?8
What’s so interesting about that?
Had she misheard? Her uncle was notorious for being cold and uninterested in pretty much everyone. Even when the most beautiful women in Hollywood threw themselves at him, he barely glanced their way. Why would he suddenly be interested inawoman who was about to be divorced and cast aside?
She must have imagined it. Yes, that had to be it.
While Skyler was still questioning her sanity. Gordon spoke again. “If I remember correctly, the Chandler Group’s latest proposal was outstanding.”
Skyler was caught off guard, then quickly nodded. “That’s right–their proposal was really impressive! You even praised it during the meeting. It wasn’t just creative; it really resonated with younger generations, and they even managed to weave in some of our Eldermore traditions. Julian truly lives up to the hype, a real rising star. If it weren’t for him, the Chandler Group would’ve gone under by now?
Everyone had thought that after the Chandler Group hit a crisis, collapse was inevitable. But Julian had come out of nowhere, like a dark horse, and single–handedly pulled the company back from the brink ⠀
Not only did he save the Chandler Group, he took it to new heights.
Industryinsiders everywhere were speculating that the Chandler Group hadalimitless futureahead. Top investment firmswerebetting on them, hoping Julian would lead them all to the top.
Gordon’s eyes narrowed slightly, his thoughts unreadable. His lips curled in a subtle, almost teasing way. “if Julian really was that talented–enough to bring the Chandler Group back from the edge–then why did he spend allthoseyearsdoing nothing of note?”
“So, Uncle, you’re suggesting someone else is behind that proposal?” Skyler caught onto the implication instantly.
“Exactly.” Gordon gave a slight nod
If Julian trulyhadthat kind of genius, the Chandler Group would have gone international years ago.
Skyler narrowed her eyes. “But who would be willing to stay in the shadows, letting Julian take all the credit?”
The Chandler Group’s latest proposal had been a huge hit, valued at millions. Who would be foolish enough to remain anonymous alter that kind of achievement?
Plus, Julian came from an old–money family, and Jarvis had once been a legend in the business world. It wasn’t unreasonable for the next generation to surpass their forerunners.
Skyler hesitated, then said, “Uncle, maybe you’re reading too much into this?”
Gordon was talented, sure, but no one could possibly judge a person’s entire character with just one look.
more when Gordon’s deep voice sounded again in the quiet car “tovetha
standing behind Jul