Chapter 145
Oliver was one of Arthur's friends.
Caroline smiled slightly. "Do you also like strawberry cake, Mr. Griffith? My treat?"
"I don't care for sweets," Oliver chuckled. "Those are for children. Though my friend's twins adore them—their mother always buys them identical pieces."
He studied her with interest. "You don't happen to have twins at home, Dr. Q?"
Caroline tensed internally. Had he recognized her?
That seemed unlikely. She'd barely interacted with Oliver in the past—they'd exchanged few words. Recognition was improbable.
Perhaps just coincidence.
"You're joking, Mr. Griffith," she replied casually. "I live alone. Where would I get twins?"
Oliver's expression remained neutral. "My mistake. I thought you might be that friend's wife."
Caroline didn't respond, eager to leave. But Oliver, seemingly sensing her intention, produced an invitation.
"My grandfather has a calligraphy exhibition in a few days. Would you care to join us, Dr. Q?"
"You have exceptional talent in alternative medicine. My grandfather is very interested in the field. Would you help me keep him company?"
Caroline initially wanted to refuse—she shouldn't know Mr. Griffith in her current identity, and she feared revealing herself. But seeing Oliver's warm smile, her resolve softened.
The Griffith family was Sovereign City's only major family with both commercial and political influence. She shouldn't reject such an olive branch merely out of concern for Arthur.
The old Caroline was dead. If she wanted to build her own career now, she needed to cultivate her own connections.
After a moment's hesitation, she accepted the invitation with a smile. "I'll certainly be there."
Just then, a small figure ran up and hugged Caroline tightly.
"Rena, let go," Gavin said, pulling the child away and looking questioningly at Oliver. "Who is this?"
"Dr. Q, Mr. Barnes's student—the one who developed the cancer treatment," Oliver explained calmly. "The Griffith family and Vanguard Enterprises are collaborating on a project. We were just horseback riding."
This explanation seemed directed at Caroline, clarifying that their meeting was purely coincidental.
Caroline smiled indifferently.
She recalled a nearby riding ground that Logan and Layla had loved visiting. Arthur occasionally went there for business meetings too.
So perhaps this encounter with Oliver truly was chance?
Before she could consider further, Rena broke free from Gavin's arms and clung to Caroline again, refusing to let go.
"Rena, stop that," Gavin said sternly. "Don't bother Dr. Q."
"I want to play with this lady," Rena insisted.
It had been so long since she'd seen Caroline. Now that she'd finally found her, she wouldn't let go easily.
"It's fine," Caroline assured them. "Rena and I seem to have a connection. I'll play with her for a bit."
Gavin disapproved, but his opinion meant little to Rena. He could only watch as Caroline carried Rena aside, the two chatting and laughing together.
The scene reminded him of Caroline. When she was around, Rena had been equally clingy. After hastily handing over the laboratory, Caroline had vanished. He still hadn't managed to contact her.
"Mr. Bennett, Dr. Q is good with children. No need to worry," Oliver remarked.
"Dr. Q?" Gavin's gaze shifted, surprise flickering in his mind.
So this was the famous Dr. Q.
He'd heard rumors about her relationship with Arthur—some said she'd returned to the country specifically for him, and that she'd been feuding with Heidi at the research facility.
These thoughts soured his impression of Dr. Q instantly, cooling his interest in further conversation.
Meanwhile, Rena hugged Caroline happily, whispering sweetly in her ear, "Ms. Hamilton."
Caroline froze, disbelief flashing across her face before she quickly composed herself.
She gently pushed Rena back. "Little one, you must be mistaking me for someone else. I don't know you."
Rena covered her mouth with exaggerated seriousness. "I understand, Ms. Hamilton. You don't want others to know it's you, right? I'll keep your secret!"
"How did you recognize me?" Caroline asked, confused.
"Because you're in my heart," Rena replied earnestly. "No matter how you change, I'll always recognize you."
Caroline's eyes immediately welled with tears.
She never expected that while her own children treated her as a stranger, little Rena could recognize her through any disguise.
"Thank you, Rena," she whispered, hugging the child gently. "My current identity must remain secret. Can you help me keep it?"
Rena blinked in confusion but nodded solemnly. "Don't worry, Ms. Hamilton. I promise no one will discover you."
Half an hour later, Gavin and Oliver had finalized their project details. Caroline returned Rena and said goodbye.
Watching Caroline leave, Rena looked forlorn.
"Uncle Gavin, I want Dr. Q to be my aunt."
Gavin frowned. "You change your mind so quickly! Just days ago you wanted Ms. Hamilton as your aunt, and now you've switched?"
"I haven't! I only like Ms. Hamilton," Rena protested, then quickly covered her mouth.
Thank goodness—she hadn't revealed Caroline's secret.
Since Layla and Logan didn't want Caroline as their mother anymore, Rena thought, she could have Caroline as her aunt instead. Then they could be together every day.
But how could she get her single uncle to pursue Caroline?
Five-year-old Rena had her first real dilemma.
---
Days later, the Powell family's gala approached.
Caroline had been busy finalizing the special medication while secretly searching for the person who had tried to kill her.
But after waiting so long, her attacker seemed to have vanished without a trace.
Caroline suspected they were simply waiting for an opportunity. She would provide one.
This gala would be the perfect chance for them to strike.
At the Powell Manor, even before the event officially began, the crowd buzzed with conversation.
"Have you heard? Mr. Barnes's final and most important disciple has returned from abroad. She's already Celestial University's youngest professor—her future is limitless!"
"What does it matter how talented she is? She's just a cancer patient. What can she really accomplish?"
"Mrs. Peterson, that's unfair. Yes, she has cancer, but she's also the first to develop an effective cancer treatment. After taking her medication, she's practically recovered—almost like a normal person!"