Caitlin glanced at her. "I just think marriage is too complicated. Maybe I'd consider a partner if the right person came along, but don't let me influence you. You should date and get married if you want to." After all, she had to admit that being in a relationship wasn't so bad.

"Freya, you have no idea what I just went through," Celia said. It wasn't Caitlin's influence; it was Tammie who had thoroughly spooked her. She used to have some hope for men, but today's encounter had left her with a profound sense of disgust. She had a child now; what did she need a man for? From now on, she was perfectly content being a cool single mom.

"What happened?" Caitlin asked, her curiosity piqued.

Celia recounted the morning's events as they walked.

"Tammie came to see you? With Ann?" Caitlin was incredulous. It seemed Tammie had completely ignored Keira's warnings. "And he brought Ann to you, of all people."

"I know, right?" Celia said, rolling her eyes. "I can't believe I was ever so blind. That whole episode is a stain on my personal history."

"Don't worry, I've fallen for a scumbag before, too," Caitlin admitted freely.

Celia knew Caitlin was divorced but had never heard the details. "Was your ex- husband a jerk?"

"He was," Caitlin confirmed.

"Worse than Tammie?"

"Much worse," Caitlin said without hesitation.

Intrigued, Celia squeezed her arm. "Can you tell me about it?"

"Sure."

As they walked, Caitlin told her the story of her marriage to Julian Chandler. When she finished, Celia was fuming. "So Jarvis basically repaid your kindness by forcing you to marry his grandson? And Julian is no better! The Chandler family would have gone bankrupt without your Freya, I can't believe you were even more foolishly in love than I was!"

Caitlin nodded. "I was, but I've learned my lesson. I'm a whole new person now."

"Well, thank goodness you came to your senses," Celia said firmly. "A man like that isn't worth a second of your time."

A few minutes later, they arrived at Stuart's wing of the estate. He was at his desk, reviewing documents for his upcoming trip with Caitlin to Silverhaven and then Neon Spire.

Caitlin knocked gently on the door. Stuart looked up and smiled when he saw her. "You're here." He opened the door wider, his gaze falling on the woman beside her. "Freya, who is this?"

Celia stepped forward with a bright smile. "Mr. Gonzales, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Celia Palmer, a good friend of Freya's. I heard you've recovered, and I wanted to offer my congratulations. May every day abead be better than the last." She gestured to her assistants, who brought forward two large cases. "I brought some gifts to help with your recovery."

"Miss Palmer, thank you," Stuart said graciously. "Your visit is more than enough. There was no need for such extravagant gifts." He gestured toward the main house. Please 1 let's go to the living room."