THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 1163

How could a washed-up family like Elsa's ever measure up to the Forresters?

"Mom, what are you talking about?" Xander scoffed. "How could I possibly fall for someone like Elsa? If it weren't for her friendship with Mrs. Sylvester, I wouldn't have given her a second glance! Not only am I going to make her return all the wedding expenses, but I'm also going to sue her for damages for emotional distress!"

Frieda's eyes narrowed. "Yes! You're right, Xander. After all the time she's spent eating our food and living under our roof, just getting the wedding money back isn't enough. She absolutely has to pay for emotional distress!"

In her effort to curry favor with Elsa and get closer to the Sylvester family, Frieda had waited on her hand and foot, treating her like royalty. And tonight, Elsa had caused them to lose face in front of all their relatives. So yes, she would definitely be paying for the damages.

Xander's father lit a cigarette. "That's easier said than done. Refunding wedding expenses is protected by law, but claiming emotional distress isn't." He took a drag and continued, "Your mother and I are respectable people. We can't exactly go to Elsa's family home and throw a tantrum, can we?"

The glimmer of hope in Frieda's eyes dimmed slightly at her husband's words.

Suddenly, a glint appeared in Xander's eyes as an idea formed. He smiled. "Mom, Dad, I have a plan."

"What is it?" Frieda asked immediately.

"Since emotional distress isn't legally protected, we'll just have to use a method that is," Xander explained. "Either way, I'm going to make Elsa pay for this. Mom, Dad, listen to me…"

"It's not your fault, dear," Frieda said, her voice as gentle as ever. "If anyone's to blame, it's us for getting ahead of ourselves and telling everyone Mrs. Sylvester was coming. Besides, Mrs. Sylvester isn't all that great. It's better that you've cut ties with her. From now on, we'll rely on ourselves, not others."

Xander's father emerged from the other room, also smiling. "That's right, dear. Your mother is right. What's so special about Mrs. Sylvester anyway? Fortunes rise and fall. As long as our family works together, we'll make it to the top one day!"

Elsa looked at her incredibly understanding in-laws and then thought of Caitlin's arrogant demeanor. A firm resolve settled in her heart. From this day forward, she would be the most devoted woman. She would do whatever they asked of her. She would show Caitlin and Gertrude she could build a great life without ever needing them again.

"Dad, Mom, thank you," Elsa said, her eyes welling up with tears. "From now on, you are my real parents!"