Chapter 5 He was the ninth and youngest son of the Sylvester family , known to everyone as Master Ninth . Old Mr. Sylvester and Dowager Beatrice Sylvester had him rather late - in their mid - forties - and because he was their surprise child , he'd grown up swaddled in affection . Add to that Gordon's razor - sharp methods and the fact that he'd made a name for himself in the business world at just eighteen , and it was no wonder that , now in his early thirties , he reigned at the very top of the financial elite . He was a true powerhouse no one doubted it . On top of it all , he'd served as a peacekeeping officer in his earlier years , and rumor had it hed seen his fair share of combat . There was an intensity about him , a residual chill that seemed impossible to wash away , most people could hardly meet his gaze . Caitlin was the first to ever try . I " Uncle " : Skyler Cumming hurried up from behind , catching just enough of Caitlin's comment about Gordon to freeze in his tracks . He was stunned . Master Ninth , a man who'd always stood head and shoulders above the rest , was used to nothing but honeyed praise , whether in the family or in the boardroom . Even Skyler , who spent nearly every day at Gordon's side , had grown accustomed to the constant flattery that followed him like a shadow . ! This was the first time Skyler had ever heard anyone say his uncle was merely alright . Skyler burned with curiosity to see what this person looked like , but the street was dim , and Caitlin had her baseball cap pulled low , making it impossible to see her face clearly . Woo - woo- Woo - wool Suddenly , urgent sirens split the night air A squad of police officers piled out of their cars , rounding up a group of battered thugs and herding them into the back of the cruisers As witnesses , Caitlin , Gordon , and Skyler were naturally asked to ride along to the station and give their statements ⠀ Caitlin slid into the back of a police car, sitting beside the victim - a short - haired girl who was clearly still shaken . Even with a female officer sitting nearby , the girl clung to Caitlin as if she were her lifeline , refusing to let go . It was obvious Caitlin had become the person she trusted most in the world About ten minutes later , they arrived at the nearest precinct It was only then that Caitlin learned the girl's name : Celeste Hayes , just eighteen , a high school senior She'd came out tonight with her best friend after a fight with her parents , hoping to clear her head . But when trouble struck , her so - called friend had bolted at the first sign of danger - hadn't even bothered to call for help . Caitlin frowned slightly . Sweetheart , you really hang out with friends like that ? " Celeste's voice was hoarse . " I … I never thought she'd do something like this … " " Live and leam ," Caitlin sald , giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze . " Just remember to steer clear of people like that in the future . Stick around them too long , they'll only bring you bad luck . " Celeste nodded . " ll cut her off the minute I get home ! Thank you so much for tonight - If you hadn't been there , I don't know what would've happened .. " Her eyes grew red again , tears threatening to spill over No one knew just how terrified Celeste had been . It had been a close call . Just one wrong move , and if Caitlin hadn't stepped in when she did , those thugs might have destroyed her life.K Still shaken , Celeste fell asleep with her head on the table right after giving her statement - a fitful , exhausted doze Caitlin gently cased her hand from the girl's grip , said a quiet word to the officer , and made to leave . It was late - much too late . She needed to head home . !! But as she stepped out of the office , a female officer followed her into the hallway . " Miss Kensington , the victim's parents just called . They're on their way and want to thank you in person . Would you mind waiting a little longer ? " " That's not necessary " Caitlin replied politely , declining with a faint smile . Helping someone in need was simply her instincti Now that her statement was done , there was no reason to stay and bask in anyone's gratitude . The officer watched Castlin's retreating figure with something like wonder in her eyes . ༤ ཚེས་ If she hadn't checked Caitlin's ID , she never would have believed that the young woman was only nineteen - barely a year older than Celeste ! She was calm under pressure , tough as nails , and completely unpretentious . Most people , after taking down a gang of thugs and saving someone's life in the middle of the night , would be at least a little smug But Caitlin was different !! She'd remained cool from beginning to end . The officer had worked at the precinct for years , and she'd never met anyone quite like her . Caitlin rounded a corner just as Gordon and Skyler came out of another doorway . The three nearly ran straight into each other ? At last , Skyler got a good look at Caitlin's face - well , what he could see beneath the heavy makeup . He stared , incredulous . " Wait .. you're Caitlin ? " That's me . Anything I can do for you ? " Caitlin's tone was mild , almost bored . Julian was the financial world's rising star - someone the old - money crowd only saw once in a decade . Without him , the Chandler Group could never have pulled off its miraculous turnaround . A man that accomplished was bound to attract attention , and people were constantly speculating about his love life .