She was just putting on a show , trying to get his attention with her usual little schemes . Thinking about her pathetic tactics , Julian felt nothing but disgust . He snatched up a pen and scribbled his signature on the divorce agreement as fast as possible , his voice cold as ice , " Monday morning , eight o'clock . Courthouse steps . Don't be late . " It was Friday . The courthouse wouldn't be open over the weekend . There were two copies of the agreement , Caitlin took one , slipped it neatly into her bag , and gave Julian a look as chilly as winter rain : In that moment , she might as well have been looking at a complete stranger . " Till be there . On time . " Everyone in the room had been bracing themselves for Caitlin to break down , to start begging or making a scene No one expected her to tum on her heel and walk out without a word , cool and collected . Vida narrowed her eyes at Julian . " She's just playing hard to get , mark my words . Wait and see - she won't show up at the courthouse on Monday . " Jesse , who'd been silent till now , spoke up . " I don't think that's it . " To him , Caitlin didn't look like a woman playing games . She looked like someone who'd just woken up from a long , bad dream.8 Vida scoffed . " Uncle Jesse , you're giving that country girl way too much credit . After more than six months living under the same roof , Vida thought she knew better than anyone just how obsessed Caitlin had been with her precious son.8 Jesse tumed to Julian , his voice measured but grave . " Julian , are you really sure about this ? if she's gone , what happens to the company … " Jesse had heard bits and pieces about Caitlin from Jarvis , his older brother He knew the girl had a sharp mind , even if she came from simple beginnings . When his brother was bedridden , he'd grabbed Jesse's hand and made him promise - if Julian ever lost his mind and tried to divorce Caitlin , do everything in his power to stop it ! Now , watching Julian make this decision so abruptly , Jesse couldn't help but worry . ! He hesitated , choosing his words carefully . " Julian , The Chandler Group's already survived one disaster . It can't take another hit . And right now , when we're finally turning things around - are you sure you can win The Celestial Awards without her ? " The Chandler Group specialized in developing online games.B The Celestial Awards were the industry's highest honor , the trophy every game developer dreamed of . Winning would put The Chandler Group on the international map , finally beating out their biggest rival And now , of all times , Julian was set on divorcing Caitlin . Jesse's worry deepened . Julian's eyes flashed with anger . " So in your mind , I'm less valuable than some girl from the sticks ?? He'd never believed that Caitlin was the reason The Chandler Group had managed a comeback . All she did was tweak his proposals and sign off on paperwork . What else was she good for ? He'd graduated top of his class from Argent University's business program . Was he really supposed to be outdone by someone who barely finished high school ? Now that Caitlin was gone , he'd take The Chandler Group even further . Jesse frowned , concem etched into every line of his face . " Caitlin may come from a humble background , but her business instincts are Veronica let out a sharp laugh , her expression full of scom . " Business instincts ? From a farm girl ? Don't be ridiculous , Jesse . The real genius here is my brother . He's the one who pulled The Chandler Group back from the brink Carlin had nothing to do with it . She didn't even finish high school - are you really saying she's the one holding up the company ? And don't forget , Julian's latest proposal even impressed Master Benedict himself Forget the Celestial Awards - my brother could be the first to partner with Sylvester Corporation in Silverhaven't Master BenedicL Not yet thirty , but already the most powerful man in Eldermere's business elite . He was every single woman's dream bachelor - and Veronica was no exception To have his p is praise was proof enough of Julian's talent . Julian felt a surge of pride at her words !! Exactly He was the golden boy , singled out by Master Benedict himself . His future was nothing but bright . Vida nodded along , agreeing with her niece . Caitlin hadn't even finished high school . What business sense could she possibly have ? The Chandler Group was finally running smoothly . Letting Caitlin stay on would only drag them downl Vida turned to Jesse , her voice cloyingly sweet . " Uncle Jesse , this is a family matter if you're so sure Caitlin's a business prodigy , why don't you take her back with you ? Troy's still single , after all . "