Chapter 158 Chapter 158
In fact, her son was different. His coldness during dinner was cutting. He didn't look at her affectionately, he didn't talk to her... he acted like a polite stranger.
And all because she refused a damn bowl of soup?
Cecille felt a toxic mixture of anger, hurt, and disappointment.
She simply kept her distance from that intruder. Did he really need to react with such hostility? Was this the son she had loved and raised for over twenty years? Trading his mother for just any woman?
“Besides,” Elisabeth interrupted her thoughts with a new blow, “since Nick is married and settled, it's time for you to stop these ridiculous machinations.”
I've already made everything clear to the girl from the Turner family.
Cecille froze.
“Sheila is a sensible girl,” declared the matriarch. “I believe that after our conversation, she will stop harboring foolish hopes of being with Nick.”
Elisabeth was aware of everything. She knew that Cecille preferred Sheila and was conspiring behind the scenes. What she was doing now was not just advice; it was an ultimatum.
She was satisfied with Caroline and would not tolerate anyone—not even Nicholas's mother—causing discord in the family.
“Mother...” Cecille choked.
“What did you say to Sheila?”
“Of course I told her the truth. I told her to find another good man and give up on our Nick. Her chapter is over.”
“Mom, you...!” Cecille felt the blood drain from her face.
She didn't know the exact words Elisabeth had used, but knowing her mother-in-law, they must have been direct and hurtful.
If Sheila had left the house with red eyes because of that... What if she really gave up?
Panic seized Cecille. She would never find a more suitable, wealthy, and devoted daughter-in-law than Sheila. Her “Plan A” was falling apart.
“Cecille!” Elisabeth scolded, seeing the rebellion in her daughter-in-law's eyes. “Remember what I just said. I like Carol. She is Mrs. Wolf now, and I will not tolerate anyone disrupting the harmony of this house.”
The matriarch softened her tone, looking up at the stars.
“Considering Nick's peculiar disorder, the aversion to touch that tormented him for years... it's already a divine miracle that he found someone. It's a blessing. We have to thank God for that every day.”
Cecille's lips trembled, wanting to scream a scathing response.
But she swallowed her words, keeping the venom inside her.
Thank God? Why? Cecille thought bitterly and arrogantly.
Her son was “cured” of his illness, great. But what does that have to do with Caroline? It was just a biological coincidence, not fate. That girl isn't special. She's just... convenient.
“All right. Let's go inside.”
Elisabeth watched the car drive away, eager to start planning the banquet.
For years, she had felt a pang of envy when she saw her friends marrying off their grandchildren and holding great-grandchildren in their arms. After so long watching the happiness of others, it was finally her turn.
The matriarch's heart warmed at the prospect.
Now it was her turn to shine. She would show all of high society how beautiful, sweet, and suitable her daughter-in-law was.
And most importantly, no one would dare speculate about her precious grandson's sexuality or loneliness anymore. The lone wolf finally had a mate.
On the way back, inside the Rolls-Royce.
The atmosphere in the car was quiet and intimate, isolated from the outside world.
Caroline held the box Elisabeth had given her, turning it in her hands. The object was exquisite; the sandalwood exuded a soft scent and the carvings were made with pure gold thread.
It was, of course, a luxury item in itself.
She didn't open it right away. Curiosity pricked her, but she decided to wait until they reached the privacy of her home.
Nicholas, noticing how she examined the object from all angles with shining eyes, couldn't help but smile amusedly.
“Want to know what's inside?” he teased, his hoarse voice vibrating against her hair. “Just open it. Why are you hesitating?”
Caroline lifted her face to look at him.
She was so close she could see the texture of his skin and the thin layer of stubble shadowing his chin, giving him a masculine and dangerous air. The scent of his shaving cream, mixed with the natural aroma of his skin, invaded her senses, leaving her slightly intoxicated.
She was nestled in his arms, her head resting comfortably on his broad, solid chest.
Lately, Nicholas had developed the habit of hugging her.
As soon as the car door closed, he would pull her toward him.
At first, Caroline was stiff, unaccustomed to such physical closeness. But as the days passed, her resistance melted away. She gradually got used to it, until the gesture became natural, almost automatic.
After all, they were husband and wife. There was nothing embarrassing about seeking comfort in her own husband's arms.
Besides, since she had already decided to let down her defenses and try to truly accept him, adapting to this intimacy was the first step.
And if she was honest with herself... she had to admit: she liked it.
She liked the feeling of being enveloped by him. There was an indescribable warmth and security in being surrounded by his scent, listening to the rhythmic, strong beat of his heart.
There, in Nicholas's arms, she felt like she was in a safe haven, protected from all storms.
“Do you know what's inside?” Caroline waved the box lightly in front of his eyes.
Nicholas shook his head, brushing his chin against the top of her head. “I have no idea. Grandma prepared this gift personally for you. It's a secret between her and her new favorite granddaughter.”
Caroline's curiosity peaked. She couldn't wait to get home.
She hoped Elisabeth would be generous. Coming from the matriarch of the Wolf family, it would surely be something valuable, perhaps antique jewelry or a family heirloom.