Chapter 16
Heidi's fingertips lightly pressed against the cool glass window as her gaze followed the black sedan disappearing around the street corner.
As the engine's rumble faded into the distance, she let out a long sigh, a heaviness lingering in her chest.
"What are you looking at?"
Warm breath suddenly brushed her ear, carrying a faint scent of cedar.
Heidi instinctively moved away, but an arm firmly encircled her waist.
Arthur rested his chin gently on the curve of her shoulder, the vibrations from his chest transmitting through the thin fabric of her clothing, gradually easing her tense nerves.
"Nothing," she turned to embrace him, her nose grazing the crisp collar of his pressed shirt. "I was just thinking how beautiful all those flowers you arranged were. But with so many people around, I didn't have time to take photos to remember it by."
Arthur chuckled, the vibration in his chest more pronounced. "That's easy to fix. After work, when all the employees have gone, I'll take you back to photograph everything properly."
Heidi smiled, nuzzling against Arthur's chest. "Thank you. I really love it."
"I'm glad you do. When I was at the flower market the other day, I saw that blue hydrangea in full bloom and remembered the pressed flower specimen tucked in that old art book in your study."
He paused, his fingertips caressing the wispy hairs at the nape of her neck, his tone carrying a hint of proud excitement. "I specially asked someone to teach me how to water and fertilize these flowers. I won't kill your succulents like last time."
Heidi's heart felt like it had been soaked in warm water—both tender and melting.
She rose on her tiptoes to gently bite his Adam's apple, chiding playfully, "You're getting more and more extravagant. The entire floor filled with flowers—people might think you're planning to hold a wedding at the office."
Her fingers traced the silk tie peeking from his suit pocket. "And this—that limited edition you fought so hard for at the auction, just to match my old blouse?"
"Anything looks good with you," Arthur caught her mischievous hand, his fingertips repeatedly brushing over the simple band on her ring finger. "But if you think it's too showy, I'll have everything removed tomorrow."
"No, don't!" Heidi quickly grabbed his hand, her eyes growing warm. "I love it, it's just..."
She hesitated, lowering her eyes, her long lashes casting small shadows beneath them.
Arthur gently lifted her chin with his fingertip, his deep eyes filled with clear concern. "Just say what's on your mind. Why are you holding back with me?"
He pinched her cheek lightly, his tone softening further. "Between us, even if you want to call me a jerk, you should say it straight out."
Heidi bit her lower lip, finally speaking as if having made a decision, "I... ran into Caroline in the lobby earlier."
The air stilled for a moment.
Arthur's arm around her waist suddenly tightened. His jawline went rigid, and the tenderness in his eyes vanished like ripples disturbed by a stone thrown into a lake.
"What did she come for?" His voice dropped several degrees colder, all previous warmth gone. "I've told her before—if she needs something, call me. Don't come to the office."
"Don't be angry." Heidi smoothed his furrowed brow, her warm touch slightly calming his mood. "She just stood in the lobby for a while. She didn't come up to see you."
She led him to the sofa and sat down, curling up beside him, her voice soft as a feather. "She said Mr. Isaac Windsor asked her to come to the company."
Arthur's brows instantly knotted together.
"She also said," Heidi paused, deliberately keeping her tone casual, "that she's part of the Windsor family, and that the Windsor family's assets shouldn't end up in the hands of outsiders."
"Is Grandpa worried about entrusting the Windsor Group to me? Is that why he sent someone to monitor me?" Arthur's brows remained tightly furrowed, his tone carrying an unmistakable chill.
"Grandpa was the one who initially kept Caroline away from the company, and now he's the one bringing her in. Caroline hasn't been involved with company matters for six years—her return now will only cause confusion."
He spoke calmly, but it was clear he didn't want to waste time training a newcomer during such a critical period for the company.
Heidi silently handed him a glass of warm water, looking at his tense profile, suddenly feeling somewhat weary.
"Arthur," she began softly, "actually, I don't mind whether she comes to the company or not, it's just..."
"It's just that I'm worried Caroline might embarrass you after she arrives."
Arthur gripped her hand, somewhat forcefully. "Don't worry. I'll speak to Grandpa tonight and make it clear that the company isn't a place she can come and go as she pleases. I'll also make it clear to her that this isn't a game."
Heidi looked at his serious expression and suddenly smiled, reaching out to smooth a wrinkle on his shirt. "I really don't mind."
She leaned against his shoulder, her voice as soft as a sigh. "As long as you know who's truly important to you, that's all that matters."
...
The sun gradually slanted westward, and as time passed, the café grew less crowded.
"So you're just going to stand by while Heidi parades around the Windsor Group like she owns it?" Becky stuffed a piece of matcha mousse into her mouth, complaining indistinctly.
"If it were me, I'd have smashed that stupid hydrangea in her face long ago."
Caroline stirred her latte, the foam tracing irregular arcs along the edge of the porcelain cup.
"And what would that accomplish?" she smiled faintly, though her eyes lacked warmth.
Caroline glanced at her phone—it was almost five o'clock. She needed to hurry to pick up the children.
"I've got to go. Layla and Logan are waiting for me. I can't be late."
Becky choked slightly, putting down her fork in frustration. "You're a glutton for punishment. You're planning to divorce without taking any assets, yet you're still taking care of the Windsor family's children."
"Think about how much you've sacrificed for those kids, and they don't even see it. Instead, they're happily getting along with Heidi. Doesn't that bother you?"
"Layla and Logan are good kids," Caroline's fingertips lightly tapped against the cup, her lips curving into a gentle smile. She paused, her voice dropping. "Besides, Grandpa's health isn't good. I can't let him worry about the children too."
Becky looked at her calm profile and suddenly felt helpless.
Seven years, and Caroline was still the same—suffering tremendous injustice yet always finding excuses for others.
"Oh, by the way," Caroline suddenly remembered something and took out her phone from her bag. "Could you keep an eye out for currently active experts in my medical field, especially those researching cognitive disorders? I've been away from academia for seven years and don't recognize many of the new faces."
"What do you need that for?" Becky raised an eyebrow. "Are you planning to return to medicine?"
"Yes," Caroline nodded, a glimmer of light flashing in her eyes. "I can't stay idle forever."
She checked the time and stood up quickly. "I really must go now. I need to pick up the children from school."
Becky watched her grab her bag and walk briskly out of the café, shaking her head in resignation.
Caroline got into her car and had just fastened her seatbelt when her phone began to vibrate.