THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 979

Everyone else agreed. They could eat out anytime, but the opportunity to try the school cafeteria was a rare treat.

After lunch, Caitlin walked her family to the campus gate. Keira and Hannah held her hands, one on each side, their eyes a little red.

"Freya, you have to take good care of yourself at school."

"And don't worry about laundry. Just bring your dirty clothes home, or call Stephen to come pick them up."

Caitlin nodded and hugged them both. "Grandma, I know. I'll be fine. Kingsward is only about sixty miles from home. If I get homesick, I can come back anytime. You don't have to worry."

Carey was also reluctant to leave her daughter. "Freya, remember to come home next weekend."

"I will, Mom," Caitlin said, then joked, "And if you and Dad get bored at home, I wouldn't mind having a little brother or sister."

"You child," Carey said with a playful frown. "What a thing to say."

"I'm serious, Mom," Caitlin continued. "I'd actually love to have a sibling." She looked at Stuart. "Dad, the pressure's on you now."

Stuart's face turned a shade of red. Most kids were against their parents having more children, but here was Caitlin, actively encouraging it.

After seeing her family off, Caitlin returned to her dorm. By now, four of her five roommates had arrived. Only one was still missing. Caitlin introduced herself to the other two, Nicolette Winslow and Yvette. The third was a girl named Gertrude.

Gertrude had sallow skin, but her features were delicate. Her clothes were simple. She looked at Caitlin with awe. "Caitlin, you're so beautiful. Prettier than anyone I've ever seen!"

"Thank you," Caitlin said. "You're very pretty too."

"Really?" Gertrude was genuinely flattered to be complimented by someone as stunning as Caitlin.

"Of course," Caitlin affirmed with a nod.

"Ugh, I'm exhausted! Finally here!" A haughty voice echoed from the hallway. "You guys, hurry up and bring my things in."

A group of people then entered, carrying a mountain of luggage. It was quite an entrance. Finally, a young woman dripping in luxury brands walked in and directed the helpers, "Just put the stuff here for now."

"Miss Gonzales, I'm Nicolette."

Caitlin offered a polite greeting as well. "Caitlin."

"I'm Elsa."

"I... I'm Gertrude."

Gertrude? Hearing the name, Charis looked Gertrude up and down, her eyes filled with disdain. "That's hilarious! I thought that was just something you see in the news. You must be from some backwater town, right?"

Gertrude, already self-conscious and sensitive, was mortified. She never expected a new roommate to attack her so viciously on their first meeting. Her face flushed red, and she lowered her head, unable to meet Charis's gaze.

Nicolette and Yvette exchanged looks, their faces alight with the promise of drama. They hadn't expected such good entertainment on the very first day. Charis was certainly living up to the image of an arrogant heiress.

Just as Gertrude stood there, completely at a loss, a cool voice cut through the tension. "A name is just a label. We've just met, and you're not only attacking her name but also her hometown. Listening to you talk, I have to assume your intestines are directly connected to your brain. Does your family have a particular problem with manners?"