Chapter 109
These past few days, Caroline hadn't answered her calls either.
As these thoughts filled her mind, Layla began to cry. "Daddy, I want Mommy."
Hearing the commotion, Logan groggily climbed out of bed. When he heard Layla crying, he joined in, clinging to Arthur as tears streamed down his face.
Suddenly, the mansion echoed with the alternating sobs of both children.
Arthur spent the entire night comforting them, eventually falling asleep in the children's room. When he woke the next morning, both arms were numb and immobile.
Not wanting to disturb the sleeping children, he carefully eased himself up, his body stiff and awkward.
Downstairs, he massaged his tingling hands.
A maid noticed and asked with concern, "Mr. Windsor, is something wrong with your hands?"
Arthur's expression remained impassive. "It's nothing. Have the housekeeper hire two more staff members. Pay special attention to Layla and Logan for the time being. Someone must stay with them at night when they sleep."
The maid quickly nodded. "Yes, sir."
Arthur continued rubbing his shoulders as he left for the office.
---
"Are you certain? Caroline will actually appear today?" Heidi asked cautiously.
"Why would I lie to you?" Edith replied with a smile. "Caroline somehow has Mr. Bennett and Professor Brooks wrapped around her finger, but now that her illegal medical practice has been exposed, everyone's avoiding her. Who would still want to work with her?"
A gleam flashed in Heidi's eyes. "In that case, let's head to the expo now and take over Vanguard Enterprises Group's government projects."
Edith hesitated. "Shouldn't we consult Mr. Windsor first? What if he disapproves..."
Heidi's expression cooled slightly. "Do you think Arthur would object? Vanguard's chief neuroscience consultant is in trouble. They can barely help themselves. By taking over their projects, we're actually easing their burden."
But what Heidi truly wanted wasn't just the Alzheimer's patient project with the government—she also wanted the Ruben collaboration.
This expo was too important to miss.
Heidi gathered her documents and headed downstairs, nearly colliding with Arthur as he entered the building.
Seeing her rush toward the exit, Arthur frowned slightly. "Where are you going?"
Heidi paused, then quickly put on a warm smile. "Arthur, we're just stepping out for a bit. We'll be back soon. You go on upstairs."
After this hasty exchange, she hurried away with Edith toward the expo center.
Edith still seemed uncertain. "Heidi, are you sure you don't want to tell Mr. Windsor? I'm worried..."
Heidi felt irritated but maintained her gentle facade. "If we secure these two projects, it benefits the Windsor Group. You know my relationship with Arthur—why would he be upset about something like this?"
She paused, her voice deepening. "If you're afraid, you can go back. I'll go alone."
"I was just saying," Edith laughed. "We're friends. Of course I'm coming with you."
Heidi gave her a dismissive glance, though her smile remained warm.
At the International Expo Center, Caroline was holding a press conference.
She answered each reporter's question with composure.
"Yes, I did save someone without proper certification. But if your loved one faced a life-threatening situation, would you worry about having a medical license? Would you rather watch them die before your eyes?"
The answer was obviously no.
From her account, the reporters learned the true circumstances of that day.
But such tearful truths didn't interest them. They wanted explosive, sensational stories that would capture attention.
"Ms. Hamilton, you haven't contacted your birth mother for years and even threatened to sever ties with her. Is it true this is because you resent her favoritism toward your wealthy sister?"
Caroline smiled candidly. "That's a private matter. Today's focus is the transfer of two projects from Vanguard Enterprises Group. As of today, I will be completely leaving Vanguard Enterprises Group."
As she finished speaking, Heidi's gentle voice cut in.
"Caroline, since Vanguard can't handle these projects, why not give them to the Windsor Group? Windsor is at the forefront of both research and technology in Sovereign City. We're more than capable."
She stepped forward, pretending familiarity as she took Caroline's wrist. "Caroline, you don't look well. Have you been overworking yourself? Perhaps you should rest."
Caroline's lips curled slightly. Heidi had taken the bait, just as expected.
This would make the next phase of her plan even smoother.
"If the Windsor Group is interested in taking over these projects, that would be ideal."
"However, I don't recall Windsor having researchers specializing in neurology. Are you certain you can handle them?"
Caroline would rather have Heidi take charge directly than see the projects go to Arthur only to be reassigned to someone else.
Some ambitions needed to be fed, and gradually, they would become out of control.
"Of course we can," Heidi answered without hesitation. "I've conducted research in this field abroad. Your achievements are simply more impressive—even after years away from the industry, you immediately became a standout."
"I may not be as brilliant as you, but I know many researchers in this area and have published relevant papers myself. I'm certainly capable."
And she believed she would definitely outperform Caroline.
"Good. Then these two projects are yours, Ms. White," Caroline said with a smile.
Surprise flashed in Heidi's eyes. She hadn't expected Caroline to yield so easily. Were these projects really being handed over so smoothly?
Considering Caroline's current troubles, Heidi's suspicions vanished. Caroline was barely managing her own problems—she must be desperate to offload these responsibilities. How could she possibly object?
With this thought, Heidi eagerly signed the contract with Gavin.
Gavin gave Caroline a subtle glance before finally signing his name.
---
In the rest area, Caroline had just finished vomiting in the bathroom. Blood stained the corner of her lips, and she was so weak she could barely walk.
Just then, her phone rang.
It was Arthur.
Since their unpleasant parting when she left with Alton, Arthur hadn't contacted her.
His sudden call now—perhaps the divorce papers were ready?
Caroline answered, "Mr. Windsor, are the divorce papers prepared?"
The other end of the line remained silent for a long while.
After several minutes, Arthur's cold voice finally came through. "Come to Windsor Manor for dinner tonight."
"Alright."
With these brief words, the call ended.
Caroline remained composed. The divorce was nearly finalized. Once Arthur prepared the agreement and they both signed, this marriage would be over.
But Isaac still didn't know.
Isaac was the only person in the Windsor family who had shown her kindness. She hoped to speak with him properly, to minimize his disappointment.