Chapter 132
Before Heidi's fingers could reach the mask, a soft hand intercepted her wrist. She looked up to meet a pair of amused eyes.
"Trying to snatch someone's mask is rather impolite, don't you think?"
With surprising strength, the woman pushed Heidi away, sending her tumbling to the floor.
"You pushed me?" Heidi gasped in disbelief.
Caroline elegantly wiped her hands with a tissue. "My hand slipped. Sorry about that."
She extended her arm to help Heidi up, her voice softening. "Are you alright?"
Heidi saw only mockery in the gesture and slapped Caroline's hand away. "Don't pretend to care. I'm warning you—stay away from Arthur. He's not someone you can set your sights on!"
"Arthur?" Caroline repeated with measured curiosity as she casually studied Heidi. "You're Arthur's wife? Not much alike, I must say."
Heidi's expression darkened, feeling exposed by the comment. "What does it matter? I'm the one Arthur truly loves. Even if someone else holds the title of his wife, she'll never have even a moment of his genuine attention."
"So you waited here specifically to warn me away from a married man?" Caroline's expression remained neutral. "I'm not that desperate. You've mistaken me for someone else."
Her flat tone made Heidi's warnings seem ridiculous, fueling her anger though she forced herself to calm down.
"You think playing hard-to-get will attract a man's attention?" Heidi looked at Caroline with contempt. "Even if you stood naked in front of Arthur, he wouldn't spare you a second glance."
Her face darkened as she delivered her threat. "You'd better abandon whatever schemes you're plotting, or tomorrow you might find yourself in the red-light district—or worse."
Caroline laughed. "What you consider precious treasure is nothing but disposable garbage to me." With that, she turned and walked away.
Heidi stood stunned. Had this woman just called Arthur garbage? She wanted to have someone stop her, but received notification that the welcome dinner was about to begin.
Thinking of the legendary Dr. Q, she suppressed her anger and sent a quick message instead:
[Take this woman to a hotel room and make sure she won't get out.]
She attached a photo of Caroline in her distinctive red dress and silver mask before heading to the private dining room with a satisfied smile.
Minutes later, Heidi appeared demurely at Arthur's side, her voice gentle but concerned. "It's time already, but Dr. Q hasn't arrived. I wonder if something's delayed her?"
Arthur checked his watch silently, continuing to wait without comment. Seeing this, Heidi could only swallow her displeasure and continue smiling at the other guests.
When a familiar figure in red appeared in the doorway, Heidi's internal alarm immediately triggered.
"Miss, I think you've come to the wrong place," she said quickly.
"Is this your private territory where others aren't allowed?" Caroline's lips curved into a slight smile.
Desperate to remove this woman from Arthur's sight, Heidi insisted, "This floor has been reserved by the Windsor Group tonight. I suggest you find somewhere else to dine."
Caroline thoughtfully touched her mask. "So you're with the Windsor Group? You invite me here, then try to throw me out—is this how you treat your guests?"
"The Windsor Group invited you?" Heidi let out a small laugh. "You must be confused. The Windsor Group invited Dr. Q tonight. If you're trying to crash the party, I'll have security escort you out. It won't be pleasant for you."
"Are you suggesting you speak for the entire Windsor Group?" Caroline deliberately provoked her. "I wasn't aware the prestigious Windsor Group had changed ownership."
"What are you implying?" Heidi's warm smile stiffened. "Since you refuse to leave, I'll have to be firm. Security, please remove this woman. Don't let her block Dr. Q's path."
At her command, several security guards approached Caroline menacingly.
Caroline produced two silver needles, but before she could use them, another voice cut through the tension.
"What's going on here?" Arthur's cold voice rang out.
Heidi quickly composed herself, resuming her sweet, vulnerable expression. "Arthur, this woman suddenly appeared outside our room. I was concerned about the disruption and was just having her escorted out."
"Mr. Windsor," Caroline smiled sarcastically, "your little girlfriend has quite the temper—ordering everyone around. Perhaps only my teacher showing up in person would be worthy of dining at your Windsor Group's expense?"
Heidi froze, her eyes instantly reddening. "Miss, you misunderstand me..."
Arthur cut her off before she could finish. "You're Dr. Q?"
"Is there a problem?" Caroline smiled lightly, her gaze captivating with an inherent allure that made it difficult to look away.
For some reason, Heidi couldn't shake the feeling that she resembled someone—Caroline!
But that was impossible. Caroline had been just an ordinary housewife, and now she was dead. How could she possibly become this Dr. Q?
Heidi's features twisted momentarily before she quickly recovered, affectionately taking Caroline's arm. "So you're Dr. Q! You certainly are unique—not at all like someone suffering from cancer. You look even more vibrant than the rest of us."
"Are you suggesting that cancer patients should only lie in bed waiting to die, with no opportunity to enjoy life?" Caroline raised her eyes slightly.
Heidi tensed inwardly, biting her lip and lowering her head. Her already reddened eyes glistened with tears. "Of course not. You've misunderstood me. I'm only concerned about your health."
But deep in her eyes flashed a glint of vicious resentment.
Caroline gave her a cool glance without comment and gracefully entered the private room.
After brief pleasantries, dinner began.
Having witnessed the confrontation between Caroline and Heidi at the door, the other guests remained cautious, understanding that this Dr. Q was not someone to be trifled with.