THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 1161

The head of security and a few of his men rushed over immediately, blocking Elsa's path. He turned to Caitlin and said, "Our apologies, Ms. Gonzales! We're sorry you were disturbed. This person was trying to force her way through the executive express lane two hours ago, claiming to be a friend of yours!"

Elsa was frantic. "Caitie, tell them! I really am your friend!" she pleaded. "I came here today because I have something urgent to talk to you about…"

"I don't have friends like that," Caitlin cut her off coldly before adding, "Please show her out."

Every word was like a shard of ice.

With that, Caitlin turned and walked away.

Elsa froze, the color draining from her face.

So it was true.

Her earlier suspicions were correct. In Caitlin's eyes, friends like her were nothing more than pawns, playthings to be discarded. Caitlin had never considered them real friends at all.

If she had, how could she deny knowing her in front of so many people? Wasn't this a deliberate attempt to humiliate her?

Of course, it was.

Caitlin was the high and mighty Ms. Gonzales, the celebrated Mrs. Sylvester. And what was she? Just a fallen socialite from a family that had lost everything.

Fury surged through Elsa. Her hands clenched into fists, her face a mask of humiliation. "You'll regret this, Caitlin! We're done. From now on, you and I are strangers!"

Caitlin's expression didn't flicker. She didn't even turn around. She simply continued walking until she reached the executive express lane and disappeared from view.

It felt as if all the strength had been siphoned out of Elsa's body. She was alone. Utterly helpless.

The head of security turned to her, his voice hard. "Miss, Ms. Gonzales said she doesn't know you. Please leave immediately."

Elsa stared at the floor, shame burning in her eyes.

She was walking aimlessly when she suddenly bumped into someone.

It was Gertrude.

Seeing her, Elsa opened her mouth to say hello but stopped herself. She was too proud to speak first. She hadn't forgotten the last time they'd spoken, when Gertrude had called her trash. If anyone was going to break the silence, it had to be Gertrude. Gertrude needed to apologize first.

But it was clear Gertrude had no intention of acknowledging her. She walked right past as if Elsa were invisible and straight into the Gonzales Holdings building.

Elsa watched, frozen, as Gertrude entered the executive express lane without any issue.

In that moment, something inside Elsa shattered. She used to be able to use that entrance too! Tears streamed down her face in a silent, wracking sob. But just as quickly, she stopped. They weren't worth it. People like Caitlin and Gertrude weren't worth her tears.

She hadn't lost everything. She still had a husband who loved her and in-laws who treated her like their own daughter. Even without Caitlin, they would still love her. They would love her deeply.