Chapter 15 She Will Be My Future Wife
Garth opened the box to reveal a sapphire bracelet inside. The gems were crystal clear - clearly a treasure worth a fortune.
He picked up the bracelet and reached for Caroline's hand, about to put it on her wrist. "Caroline, this bracelet belonged to my wife. It's been passed down through generations and rightfully belongs to the lady of the Anderson family. Today I'm giving it to you as a token of my affection."
Caroline looked at the bracelet and quickly pulled her hand back, her face full of embarrassment as she waved her hands. "Mr. Anderson, this is too valuable. I can't accept it."
"Just take it when he's giving it to you." James held her hand still, not letting her pull away, and whispered in her ear, "It's Grandpa's gift. Don't refuse."
As he spoke, he lifted her wrist so Garth could put the bracelet on.
The bracelet felt warm against her skin, fitting perfectly and making her wrist look even more delicate.
Caroline looked at the bracelet on her wrist, feeling warmth in her heart. She bowed to Garth, her voice soft. "Thank you, Mr. Anderson."
Garth nodded with a smile, his eyes full of joy.
James took Caroline's hand and walked to the center of the conference hall. He looked around at all the Anderson family members, his voice clear and carrying an undeniable coldness.
"I'm sure you all know Caroline. From now on, she is the lady of the Anderson family. All of you must respect her and protect her. Anyone who dares disrespect her or gossip behind her back is going against me, James, and against the entire Anderson family. Think carefully about the consequences."
His words were firm and forceful. His gaze swept over everyone with an intimidating presence. The people in the hall bowed one after another, saying repeatedly,
"We'll follow Mr. Anderson's orders! We'll definitely respect Ms. Collins from now on!"
Some even stepped forward with smiles and clasped hands.
"Mr. Anderson, Ms. Collins, congratulations! We've always thought you two were perfect together, and today you've finally gotten what you wanted! With us here, we won't let anyone bully Ms. Collins!"
Others chimed in, their faces full of smiles, not daring to show any insincerity.
Caroline looked at the scene before her, and the last bit of nervousness in her heart disappeared.
She gently took James's arm and looked up at him, her eyes full of smiles.
James looked down and met her gaze, reaching out to pinch her cheek. The coldness in his eyes melted into tenderness.
"Don't worry. With me here, no one will dare bully you."
Garth sat in the main seat, watching the two standing side by side. He smiled so wide he couldn't close his mouth, completely at ease.
With James managing the Anderson family and a gentle, kind girl like Caroline by his side, the Anderson family would surely get better and better.
The conference hall soon cleared out, and James took Caroline to the cemetery.
The two knelt before the tombstone of James's parents. Looking at the photos on the tombstone, James's eyes immediately reddened.
"Dad, Mom, I've taken over the Anderson family."
His voice wasn't loud, but every word was clear, floating through the quiet cemetery.
"I've avenged what happened before. Trevor got what he deserved."
"You can rest in peace now."
His voice trembled slightly. Caroline took the initiative to hold his hand, as if to encourage him.
James looked deeply at Caroline, gripped her hand back, and spoke solemnly. "Dad, Mom, can you see?"
"Today, Caroline and I are officially together. I swear that from now on, I will make the Anderson family prosper, protect it well, and not let you worry."
The wind blew again, sweeping up fallen leaves from the ground and circling the tombstone.
Caroline looked at James's back, feeling her nose tingle. She rubbed it and said softly to the tombstone,
"Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Anderson, please rest assured. I'll stay with James and help protect the Anderson family and protect him."
James turned to look at her. The coldness in his eyes completely disappeared, leaving only tenderness. He pulled her into his arms, his chin resting on top of her head. "Come on. Once we finish things in Pinecrest City, I'll take you back to Silvermoon City."
Caroline buried herself in his embrace and nodded gently. "Okay."
Over the next few days, James was incredibly busy.
Kevin led people to wipe out Trevor's remaining forces, while James sat in command at the Anderson family, sorting out the various branches' businesses.
Caroline never bothered him, just stayed by his side every day.
Things in Pinecrest City soon wrapped up. James left Kevin in Pinecrest City to keep watch while he took Caroline back to Silvermoon City.
As the car got on the highway, Caroline leaned on James's shoulder, her fingers gently playing with the corner of his clothes, and suddenly laughed.
"What is it?" James looked down at her, his fingertips brushing her earlobe.
"I was thinking about when we were kids and you took me to buy candy."
Caroline looked up, her eyes bright. "The shopkeeper always gave me an extra piece. You got so mad and argued with him forever. Then the shopkeeper said I was more likeable than you, and you couldn't think of anything to say."
James laughed too and ruffled her hair.
"That shopkeeper had bad taste. Back then you followed me around every day. It was so annoying."
"But you still took me fishing every day."
Caroline pouted and pinched his arm.
"Then I slipped and fell in the water. You jumped in to get me, and we both ended up soaking wet. When we got back, my grandpa scolded us, but you took all the blame and said it was all your fault."
She snuggled closer into James's arms, her voice soft.
"That's when I thought, I'll stay with you for the rest of my life and never be apart."
James's heart melted. He held her waist and pulled her tighter.
"I made you wait ten years. I'm sorry."
"I'm not sorry."
Caroline looked up and kissed his chin. "The person I was waiting for was you. How could I be sorry?"
The car soon entered Silvermoon City and headed toward The Collins Villa.
As they approached The Collins Villa, James immediately spotted a group of people standing at the entrance of the alley.
Landon was there with Doyle, Bronte, and other Collins family relatives, all standing there with gifts in their hands and smiles on their faces.
James raised an eyebrow. He knew these people were sucking up because he now controlled the Anderson family.
Caroline saw them too. Her fingers tugged lightly at James's clothes, looking a bit uncomfortable. She still wasn't used to seeing Doyle, Bronte, and Landon acting this way.
The car stopped, and James helped Caroline out.
Landon immediately rushed over with quick steps, his smile reaching his eyes, bowing to James with his waist nearly touching the ground.
"Mr. Anderson, Caroline, you're finally back! You must be tired from the journey. Come inside quickly. I had the chef make chicken soup, just waiting for you both."