Chapter 13
After returning to her room, Caroline changed into a sleek, professional outfit and applied light makeup. Looking at her reflection in the mirror, she saw the spark had returned to her eyes.
She took a deep breath, planning to visit the company first, get a feel for the basics, and prepare for her upcoming position.
Arthur had numerous business ventures, but lately his tech industry holdings had clearly become his priority.
On her way there, Caroline's emotions were mixed.
She felt both hopeful anticipation for the future and nervous uncertainty about the unknown. She wasn't sure if her decision was right or wrong, but she knew one thing: she needed to take this brave step forward.
Meanwhile, at the Windsor Group Building, the atmosphere was unexpectedly festive.
In the top floor conference room, Arthur had just concluded a lengthy meeting. He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples, fatigue evident on his face.
The company had invested significant effort into this international project. When the client refused to sign and made unreasonable demands at the final stage, Arthur had been ready to walk away. But Heidi, with her exceptional skills, had successfully secured the cross-border deal.
While the employees celebrated landing the project, he had prepared a surprise for Heidi.
"Is everything set up?" Arthur called his assistant.
"Mr. Windsor, everything's been arranged according to your instructions. The lobby and Ms. White's office have been transformed into the cottage style you requested, and all the flowers you specified have been placed."
His assistant's respectful voice came through the phone.
"Good."
After hanging up, a gentle warmth spread across Arthur's eyes. He understood Heidi well—she wasn't just a talented artist, but someone who loved all things beautiful and natural, with a particular fondness for cottage aesthetics. He was confident this surprise would make her happy.
By this time, Caroline had reached the entrance of the Windsor Group Building.
She stood before the revolving doors and took a deep breath.
In seven years of marriage, this was her first time setting foot here. There had been several occasions when she'd made soup and wanted to bring it to him, only to be rebuffed with his insistence on keeping work and personal life separate.
Tiffany had constantly reminded her that as a wife, she should focus on her duties at home and not interfere with the Windsor family business. Gradually, she'd lost even the courage to approach this building.
Caroline looked up at the impressive structure before her. The glass facade reflected blue skies and white clouds, while the towering building seemed to pierce the heavens.
In the past, she might have stood here filled with admiration for Arthur, but now, alongside that admiration was a complex mix of emotions—excitement and anticipation among them.
Caroline pushed through the revolving door and froze at the sight before her. Instead of cold marble floors and severe metal sculptures, she found herself surrounded by a warm, natural cottage aesthetic.
The ceiling was adorned with vine-like decorations, and the walls displayed vibrant oil paintings of golden wheat fields and wildflower meadows.
This wasn't at all Arthur's style.
Caroline knew his preferences all too well. Their home was always decorated in minimalist black, white, and gray.
She had once wanted to place a few plants on the balcony, but Arthur had coldly rejected the idea. He always said flowers and plants were frivolous things, yet now he had allowed the entire lobby to be filled with them.
The floral scent permeating the air made her throat tighten and her nose itch sharply.
Caroline instinctively stepped back, covering her nose. She was allergic to pollen, and as the floral fragrance grew stronger, her breathing became more difficult.
The lobby's perfume felt like an invisible net, making each breath labored. Her eyes began to burn, with involuntary tears forming.
Fighting her discomfort, she approached the reception desk.
The receptionist, dressed in a proper suit, greeted Caroline with a professional smile. "Hello, how may I help you?"
"Hi, I'm looking for Arthur Windsor," Caroline's voice was strained, likely from the pollen irritation.
"Do you have an appointment?" the receptionist maintained her smile.
"No," Caroline squeezed her palm, "I'm his friend. I came unannounced to say hello."
The receptionist checked the appointment records. "I'm sorry, but visitors without appointments cannot go upstairs."
Caroline frowned, about to explain she wasn't there on business, when the receptionist continued unprompted, "No offense, but Mr. Windsor has something very important scheduled today."
She suddenly shifted tone, pointing excitedly at the surrounding greenery. "Isn't our lobby beautiful? Mr. Windsor had it specially decorated for Ms. White."
Caroline's gaze fell on the blooming hydrangeas behind the receptionist.
"Officially, Mr. Windsor says it's to celebrate Ms. White landing a big contract," the receptionist lowered her voice, full of envy.
"But everyone can see what's really happening! Mr. Windsor and Ms. White are the perfect match. She's beautiful, capable, and a famous painter. When they stand together, they look like a divine couple straight out of a fairy tale."