Chapter 77
Caroline unleashed her frustration through the phone, recounting the morning's events with undisguised disapproval of Heidi's negligence.
Arthur's opinion of her criticism didn't concern her. This matter required clarity.
Arthur listened silently, offering only a flat response when she finished. "I understand."
He disconnected immediately, his cold tone implying Caroline was being unreasonable.
Her fingers tightened around the steering wheel until her knuckles whitened and her fingertips reddened from pressure.
Was his coldness because she had criticized Heidi? But she believed she'd done a right thing.
If Heidi wanted a future with Arthur, she needed to accept responsibility for the children.
After regaining her composure, Caroline drove to Windsor Villa.
Meanwhile, at Windsor Group headquarters, Heidi dabbed at her teary eyes. "Arthur, I'm so sorry. I didn't think this through."
She had been present during Caroline's call, listening to the accusations without attempting to defend herself, her expression conveying only remorse for the children's distress.
"I assumed they might have spare equipment since they've attended so many lessons. The company needed me urgently, and I overlooked this possibility."
"Caroline has every right to be upset. I can't compare to her as a mother."
Arthur gently wiped away her tears. "It's not your fault. You're a corporate executive, an artist, a gifted dancer—it's natural that household matters aren't your specialty."
"Caroline is a housewife. These responsibilities are her domain."
Yet as the word "housewife" left his lips, Arthur unexpectedly recalled Caroline's confident demeanor during her symposium presentation.
Was that accomplished woman truly just a housewife?
---
At Windsor Villa, Caroline packed the children's belongings, preparing to leave when the butler approached her.
"Mrs. Windsor, a delivery arrived for you."
Caroline examined the package. Inside were two invitation cards for The Aurelia Gala Auction that evening.
Two, not one. Caroline found this curious but didn't dwell on it.
With the invitations secured, she could prepare for the evening.
She texted Becky: [I have two invitations for tonight's auction. Would you like to join me?]
Becky responded immediately: [Absolutely!]
Though Becky's family was affluent, her overprotective brother strictly monitored her social activities, rarely permitting her to attend such events without his supervision.
Consequently, despite being a recognized "princess" in Sovereign City's elite circles, Becky couldn't access auction events, much less visit establishments like Eros Lounge to admire male models.
Her brother would break her legs if he discovered such intentions.
That evening, Caroline and Becky dressed for the auction, deliberately choosing understated attire.
Caroline preferred to avoid attention, while Becky feared attracting her brother's notice. Both aimed for inconspicuousness.
Yet their natural beauty defied their modest styling. Upon entering the grand hall, they immediately drew numerous appreciative glances.
Becky's identity was recognized by several acquaintances who had seen her at previous events with her brother.
Caroline, however, was unfamiliar to most attendees, prompting speculation about which prestigious family had produced such an elegant daughter.
Their assigned seats were in the auction hall's rear section—unremarkable positions.
They had barely settled when a commotion erupted in the VIP section at the front.
Caroline and Becky turned toward the disturbance.
Caroline's gaze faltered momentarily at the sight of the new arrivals.
Becky clenched her teeth in anger. "Heidi and Arthur! They're here too?"
She turned to Caroline. "Did you know they would be attending?"
Caroline shook her head. "No."
Arthur never shared such information with her, nor did she seek it out.
Heidi had recently gained prominence due to her relationship with Arthur, combined with her own accomplishments, making her a recognizable figure in elite circles.
Her appearance tonight generated immediate whispers among the attendees.
"That jewelry set she's wearing is what Mr. Windsor acquired at the last auction—reportedly worth over sixty million dollars, even more expensive than the sapphire necklace she wore previously!"
"The necklace is nothing compared to her gown. It's crafted from lunar silk by a world-renowned designer, worth millions of dollars. Money alone can't secure such a piece."
"Mr. Windsor is certainly generous with Ms. White. He's spent nearly a hundred million dollars on her for these public appearances!"
"That's true love! Look at them—they're perfect together, the handsome gentleman and the beautiful lady!"
The couple proceeded to the front row VIP seats amid admiring glances from the crowd.
Becky, overhearing these comments, felt indignant on Caroline's behalf.
"He's quite the gentleman, isn't he? Relegating us to the back while parading Heidi in the VIP section!"
She was tempted to call her brother to confront Arthur. His favoritism toward Heidi over Caroline seemed boundless.
Caroline remained indifferent, having experienced such slights too many times to be affected.
She had come solely to find appropriate medicinal herbs or gifts for her grandmother, with little concern for anything else.
Becky, however, couldn't suppress her outrage.
"Arthur must be blind to only see Heidi and ignore everyone else."
"Besides, didn't he know our seating assignment?" she added in a whisper, concerned about hurting Caroline's feelings.
Caroline smiled faintly, seemingly unbothered.
Though Arthur had provided the invitations, he had likely delegated the task to an assistant without considering their seating arrangement—his attention belonged exclusively to Heidi.
At the previous gala, Arthur had treated Caroline with complete indifference.
She was invisible to him regardless of her proximity—even seated beside him, she would remain unseen.
As these thoughts crossed her mind, the auctioneer took the stage, signaling the event's commencement.
Caroline had already reviewed the auction catalog, noting items of interest: a masterful ink painting, a handcrafted Irish lace shawl, and a hundred-year-old ginseng root.
Such rare ginseng was difficult to find. If she could secure it, she could ask her professor to create a specialized tonic for her grandmother's health.
Still, which item she might successfully bid on would depend on the circumstances.
The auction began.
Neither Caroline nor Becky raised their paddles during the initial offerings. Heidi likewise remained inactive.
Then a pigeon-blood ruby diamond ring appeared, prompting Heidi to action. She raised her paddle.
"One million five hundred thousand dollars."