Chapter 28 Fortune was never one to lose his temper - certainly not in front of his son and daughter - in - law . But now , his sudden outburst left Emest and thana frozen in place , too shocked to utter a word . " It was a long moment before Ernest found his voice . He turned to his father , stammering , " Dad , I didn't mean it like that . " " Then what did you mean ? " Fortune sighed , his frustration simmering beneath a veneer of patience . " Emest , listen , a man can be poor but he can't be without ambition . Sure , our family isn't as wealthy or respected as the Chandlers , but I believe that if we work hard , if we keep striving , there's nothing stopping us from surpassing them someday . " 8 Iliana scoffed , arms crossed . " Dad , you make it sound so easy ! Do you even realize how hard it is for ordinary people to change their lot in life ? Never mind , talking to you is pointless - you just don't get it " 2 What did they have Caitlin , Who were the Chandlers , really ? And who were they ? How could they ever hope to surpass a family like that ? What the clueless country girl who could barely fend for herself ? to anything close to the Chandlers . Not in this life - or the next , or the one after that would Caitlin ever amount to an The very thought that Caitlin , now divorced , might somehow rise above that family made Iliana's head ache . She pinched her temples . exasperated 3 " There's nothing hard about it . The soft , even voice cut through the tension . What did you say ?" liana and Ernest both tumed , not sure they'd heard right Caitlin looked Emest and Iliana straight in the eyes , enunciating . To Caitlin , it wasn't even a challenge . each word . "I said , s surpassing the Chandlers isn't hard at all . Miana burst out laughing , unable to contain her disbelief . Even Bonnie , who'd been quietly watching from the side , couldn't hide the sneer in her eyes . Did Caitlin even know what she was saying ? Did she really think that just because she'd once married into a wealthy family , she was something special ? Now she was just a cast - off - damaged goods . Look at her now ! She'd be lucky to marry any decent man at all , never mind someone rich . What respectable man would want a divorced woman like her ? And yet , here Caitlin was , still dreaming of overtaking the Chandlers . Delusional 11 believe in Catie ! " Fortune's gaze was steady and unwavering as he looked at Caitlin , " If we all work hard , one day we'll surpass the Chandlers " Even Emest rolled his eyes at that the conversation had clearly wom out his patience . " Dad , didn't you say you came over because you had something to discuss ? What is it ? " ! His tone was far less cordial than before.X Fortune , recalling his purpose , let go of some of his anger . " Here's the thing . Now that Catle's divorced from Julian , she needs to focus on her future . She's still young , and she should be back in school , working toward college . I've spoken to a teacher at Central Academy , and if we pull a few strings , it's possible to get her admitted , even if it bends the rules a bit . I know you two have some connections there , so I was hoping you could help handle it . And … He hesitated before continuing . " Your place is close to Central Academy , and since Bonnie's in her senior year too , maybe Catie could stay with you and go to school with her . It would be good for the sisters to look out for each other " Iliana cut him off , incredulous . " Wait , you want her to move in with us ? To go to school with Bonnie ? % Fortune nodded . " This house , after all , was given to Catle as a wedding gift by Jarvis . If not for her , do you really think Jarvis would have given you and Emest this place ? " Half a year ago , when Carthin marned Julian , Jarvis had bought Ernest and Iliana a spacious three - story townhouse as a wedding dowry - over 3,000 square feet , complete with a lush garden . It was a gesture of gratitude for all Fortune's years of raising Caitlin X The place was preme real estate , just a short walk from the high school . With eight bedrooms and plenty of space , Caitlin moving in wouldn't make it the least bit crowded k Before this , Ernest and his wife had been living in a cramped , rundown apartment in Silverhaven , barely making ends meet Iliana was livid Move into her house ? Over her dead body . That old man could dream all he wanted - she'd never let Caitlin , an outsider , live under her roof Sure , the house had been a wedding gift for Caitlin , but so what ? Jarvis was dead now , and the deed had her and Ernest's names on it . As far as Iliana was concerned , Caitlin had no claim to the place Now Carlin wanted to move in and stake her claim ? Not a chance.I Fortune caught the hesitation in his daughter - in - law's eyes . " Don't worry , Iliana . Catie's a good kid . Once she gets into college and makes something of herself , she'll be grateful for everything you two have done . She'll take good care of you . " College ? Success ? Caitlin ? Iliana could barely keep a straight face . She'd be lucky to get into a community college , let alone a universaly " Dad , aren't you working as a janitor over at the apartment complex ? Iliana shot back , her tone sharp . " If Catie really needs something to do , why not get her a job at the front desk , filing paperwork or answering phones ? She could make a couple thousand a month , and at least she wouldn't be sitting at home dreaming up these ridiculous fantasies . " She looked Caitlin up and down , her words biting . " She doesn't exactly strike me as college material , anyway . "