Chapter 12
Caroline's heart sank. Clearly, Isaac had overheard her entire conversation with Irene.
Irene hadn't expected Isaac to be there either. The color drained from her face instantly.
She hurriedly forced a smile, rushing to Isaac's side with an urgent explanation, "Grandpa, why are you here? I was just joking with Caroline. Please don't take it seriously."
Isaac's gaze settled on Irene, his tone calm yet carrying undeniable authority. "A joke? I didn't detect any humor in your words."
He paused, turning to Caroline with a softer expression. "Caroline has been part of the Windsor family for seven years. I've witnessed how much she's given to this family. Being useful isn't just about economic contribution. The household matters, the children's needs—doesn't she handle all of these?"
Then, shifting back to Irene with a hint of wry amusement at the corner of his mouth, he added, "Besides, you certainly didn't have this attitude when eating the sandwiches Caroline made this morning. If I recall, you had an extra one and commented on how good they were."
Irene's face flushed crimson as she stood there awkwardly.
She knew Isaac had always favored Caroline, and now, being publicly exposed, she felt utterly mortified.
With an embarrassed smile, she hastily made an excuse, "Grandpa, I'll be late for work. I need to go."
Without waiting for Isaac's response, she rushed downstairs like a gust of wind, nearly forgetting her bag.
Watching Irene's hasty retreat, Caroline felt no satisfaction, only a mixture of amusement and exasperation.
Isaac was always like this—appearing oblivious while missing nothing.
"Come here," Isaac beckoned to Caroline, standing up. "Join me in my study."
Caroline nodded, silently following Isaac into his study.
The room carried a faint scent of ink and old books. The shelves were filled with various volumes, mostly on business management and history.
Isaac sat down in the chair behind his desk and gestured to the seat opposite. "Sit down."
Caroline obeyed, placing her hands on her knees, nervously waiting for what Isaac would say next.
After a moment of silence, Isaac finally spoke, his tone carrying concern. "Caroline, I know you're a sensible child. Lately, though, I've noticed Arthur seems cold toward you. Is something troubling him?"
Caroline's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected Isaac to address her relationship with Arthur so directly.
She lowered her eyes, saying softly, "Grandpa, don't worry. Arthur is just very busy with company matters lately."
"Too busy?" Isaac sighed, his eyes revealing concern for his grandson. "No matter how busy, he shouldn't neglect his family. What's really on his mind? Is the company truly so demanding that he can't even find time to come home?"
He paused, looking at Caroline earnestly. "Caroline, Arthur has always been stubborn and proud. He likes to shoulder everything himself. I know that since my retirement, the pressure on him has been immense. It's natural for a man to have emotional fluctuations when facing career challenges."
"If he's done something wrong, if he's hurt you, please be more understanding. Don't hold it against him. Once he gets through this difficult period, I'll have a proper talk with him."
Listening to Isaac's gentle words, Caroline felt a complex mixture of emotions.
Isaac truly cared for both her and Arthur. But he didn't realize their problems couldn't be solved by simply "being more understanding."
She looked up at Isaac's aged face, feeling a sudden impulse.
Perhaps she should tell Isaac now that she and Arthur were divorcing. A quick pain was better than prolonged suffering. Rather than dragging things out, it might be better for Isaac to know the truth.
"Grandfather, actually I—" Caroline began, but Isaac interrupted her.
"I called you here because I have something important to discuss with you."
Isaac looked at Caroline, his eyes full of expectation. "I want you to join Arthur's company. Start as a junior employee, and familiarize yourself with the company's management and operations."
Caroline was stunned, doubting she had heard correctly.
Work at Arthur's company? How was that possible?
She clearly remembered that seven years ago, when she married Arthur, she had proposed helping at his company. Back then, she had confidence in her abilities and hoped to work alongside Arthur.
But Tiffany had strongly opposed it, saying to her face, "How can an outsider meddle in Windsor family businesses? You just need to be content as the lady of the Windsor household. Don't concern yourself with company matters."
To ensure a smooth marriage to Arthur, she had been forced to agree to Tiffany's demands, promising not to interfere with the Windsor family businesses after marriage, and to be content as a housewife. Only then had Tiffany reluctantly agreed to the marriage.
If she suddenly went to work at Arthur's company now, Tiffany would be furious. The household would be thrown into chaos.
Caroline hesitantly began, "Grandpa, I'm not sure that's appropriate. Mother—"
"Don't worry about her," Isaac waved dismissively, his tone firm. "I've already decided. If I say you can go, then you can go."
He looked at Caroline with complete trust. "Caroline, I know you're capable. I believe that within three years, you'll achieve significant results. Then you can work with Arthur to help shoulder the Windsor family's burdens."
Working at Arthur's company? This was once her dream.
But now, she and Arthur were headed for divorce. Under these circumstances, could she still work at his company?
Would Arthur even agree?
And Tiffany—if she found out, she would certainly obstruct the plan, making the situation even more complicated.
Unable to decide, Caroline lowered her head, unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes as she fell into deep thought.
The study was silent except for the ticking of the wall clock, seemingly urging her to make a decision.
Isaac, observing Caroline's conflicted expression, understood her concerns.
"Don't worry. As long as I'm here, no one will give you trouble. You've been away from the workplace for seven years. Do you really want to be a housewife forever?" Isaac said patiently.
"This is both an opportunity and a challenge. Your children are growing up. You need to have your own pursuits."
Caroline silently nodded. Isaac was right—her life couldn't revolve solely around family. If she planned to return to the workplace, she couldn't miss any opportunity.