Chapter 140 Chapter 140
“It's nothing, Grandma.” Sheila turned quickly, offering her sweetest, most reassuring smile to block the matriarch's inquiring gaze. “It's just a trivial matter between men, not worth worrying about. It's late... Don't you usually take your nap at this time?”
She walked gracefully toward the lady, extending her hand.
“Come. I'll help you up to your room. You need to rest.”
The Old Lady stared at her for a few seconds, her shrewd eyes assessing the young woman. Finally, she nodded, deciding not to press the issue at that moment. “All right. Let's go upstairs.”
Sheila moved immediately. As the matriarch suffered from chronic pain in her legs and did not walk steadily, Sheila supported her with practiced and experienced gentleness.
“Grandma, be careful with the carpet,” she reminded her softly, guiding the elderly woman.
The Old Lady leaned on the young arm and looked at Sheila's profile. A trace of regret and pity crossed the matriarch's gaze.
There was no denying it: this girl from the Turner family was a gem.
In terms of lineage, appearance, education, and etiquette, she was the perfect match for her precious grandson. In addition, she was affectionate and extremely filial, a rare quality these days.
The Turner and Wolf families had been allies for generations. The elders on both sides had always dreamed of this union, an arranged marriage that would strengthen both empires.
The Turner family was eager to have Nicholas as a son-in-law, and the Wolf family would be more than happy to welcome Sheila.
But... fate was cruel.
As much as the elders planned and wished, they were powerless in the face of a lack of chemistry. Her grandson was stubborn as a mule. He could compromise on business or trivialities, but he would never compromise on something as vital as his life partner.
He had no interest in Sheila. And no one, not even the matriarch, could force him.
However, everyone in the house knew the truth about Sheila's heart.
That girl had loved Nicholas since she wore pigtails. Although she had never declared it aloud, true love cannot be hidden; it overflows from the eyes, from gestures, from excessive care.
The elders feared that Nicholas' sudden marriage had shattered her heart.
But the Old Lady was a lucid and pragmatic woman.
She liked Sheila, yes. But her grandson was already married. The ring was on someone else's finger. As much as Sheila was the “perfect daughter-in-law” on paper, the reality was that Caroline now occupied that place. And the matriarch would never allow disrespect for the sanctity of her grandson's marriage.
The Wolf family's loyalty was to their own. And now, Caroline was a Wolf.
...
Due to the matriarch's reduced mobility, the old mansion had been equipped with discreet elevators that provided access to the upper floors.
The master bedroom was on the fourth floor.
The elevator ride was silent. Sheila maintained a serene smile, but her hands were cold.
As they stepped out into the carpeted hallway, Sheila guided the old lady to the solid wood door of her quarters.
“We're here, Grandma.”
Sheila made a move to open the door, but the lady's wrinkled, firm hand covered hers, stopping her.
“Sheila.”
The matriarch's voice sounded different. It was not the voice of the loving grandmother, but that of the head of the family.
“I have a few words to say to you.”
The lady stood at the door, holding Sheila's hand, and her expression became serious and penetrating.
Sheila felt a chill run down her spine, but she kept up her mask of perfect obedience. She smiled sweetly and nodded.
“Yes, Grandma? I'm listening.”
The Old Lady stared intently at the young woman in front of her. After a long moment of silence, she finally let out a slight sigh, heavy with regret.
“Sheila... you know how much Nick's mother and I love you.” The matriarch's voice was soft but firm. "For so many years, I treated you as if you were my own granddaughter. Honestly, I thought fate would bring you two together. Since you grew up alongside Nick and were the only woman he tolerated around him, I truly believed you would be the one. I thought you would be his first and only choice.
Sheila's heart skipped a beat. Her expression changed from docile to frightened. She bit her lower lip, feeling the blow coming.
“Grandma...”
“My dear.” The lady gave her a light, comforting pat on the back of her hand. “But it seems you weren't meant to be my daughter-in-law. I know you still hold Nick in your heart, but he's a married man now. You saw it with your own eyes today... he's very fond of Carol.”
The matriarch paused, letting the heavy words sink in.
“I raised Nick. I understand him better than anyone. The person he chose today is the person he intends to spend the rest of his life with. Sheila, you are an exceptional girl, beautiful and talented. Besides Nick, I'm sure there are countless young men who would kill to have your affection.”
She looked into Sheila's eyes, sending a clear warning disguised as advice:
“You should stop wasting your precious time with Nick. It's time to look at the other boys around you.”
In the past, the Old Lady had remained silent, even though she knew Sheila's feelings were unrequited, because she held out hope.
But now, the scenario was different.
Her grandson had a wife. There was a ring on his finger and a woman by his side.
The matriarch knew it was unhealthy—and inappropriate—for Sheila to continue harboring that passion. She was drawing a line: now that Nicholas was married, Sheila should avoid any behavior that might raise suspicion or cause discomfort.
Sheila was smart. She immediately understood the subtext of those kind words.
Her expression wavered, a storm of emotions crossing her face.
The lady believed she was persuading her with good intentions. But to Sheila, those words were like acid.
She couldn't process the advice.
She didn't think the Matriarch had her best interests at heart. On the contrary, she felt that the old lady was incredibly biased and cruel.
Everyone knew that she had grown up with Nicholas. Everyone, including this same grandmother, had nurtured the idea that they would marry in the future.
Everyone said they were the perfect couple.
So why should she back down now? Why should she give up her rightful place?
Just because Nicholas signed a piece of paper with another woman?