Chapter 37
After seeing Layla and Logan off, Caroline turned back to the villa and noticed Arthur's black leather shoes were no longer by the entrance.
She glanced at her phone to check the time; it was indeed time for work.
Caroline tiptoed through the living room and heard the sound of running water from the kitchen. Peeking in, she saw only Nina cleaning up the breakfast dishes.
"Mrs. Windsor, you're up. Mr. Windsor left for the office early," Nina said with a smile, wiping her hands. "He mentioned there's an important international meeting today."
Caroline nodded, her eyes drifting to the empty head chair in the dining room.
"Mrs. Tiffany Windsor also went out," Nina continued, polishing a glass. "She has a nail appointment with a friend and won't be back until dinner."
The large villa suddenly felt empty, with only the ticking of the clock breaking the silence.
Caroline was about to head back to her room when she noticed Isaac sitting on the patio, holding a clay teapot and staring out at the lawn.
She walked over and softly called, "Grandpa," gently placing a light blanket over his legs.
Isaac turned, a smile spreading across his wrinkled face. "Did you drop the kids off?"
"Yeah," Caroline replied quietly, feeling the teapot's temperature and realizing it had cooled. She got up to make a fresh pot of tea.
Isaac nodded, taking a sip. "Caroline, your tea is always the best. The doctor checked on me yesterday and said I'm doing fine."
He paused, his gaze settling on Caroline's lowered eyelashes. "This villa is peaceful, but it's too far from the city. It's inconvenient for you and the kids."
Caroline's fingers tightened around the edge of the blanket.
"I talked to Arthur before he left," Isaac said slowly. "We're moving back to Windsor Manor today. You and the kids should go back to your own place."
Caroline almost immediately felt a wave of relief, her tense shoulders relaxing.
The awkwardness of sharing a space with Arthur these past few days had been exhausting. The forced distance and careful breathing had worn her out.
Returning to her small apartment would at least give her some comfort.
"Are you sure it's not too much trouble?" she asked out of habit.
"Trouble? Not at all," Isaac chuckled, his eyes crinkling. "Windsor Manor is closer to your work and the kids' school. Plus, there are staff to help out, making it much more convenient."
He set down the teapot and patted Caroline's hand. "Don't overthink it. Do it for the kids."
Caroline lowered her head, hiding the fleeting relief in her eyes. "I understand, Grandpa."
"Oh, and one more thing," Isaac added, as if remembering something. "I told Arthur to have you visit the office today. He has a job lined up for you."
Caroline's head shot up, surprise flashing in her eyes.
Isaac's fingers tapped lightly on the armrest. "The first day will be tough, but you'll get used to it. It gets easier after the initial hurdle."
Caroline's fingers turned pale as she clutched the edge of her dress.
She had thought it would be a while before she started at the company, but the sudden news left her a bit bewildered.
Caroline quickly packed a few things in her room.
No matter what, this was her first step into the professional world. Even if it was Arthur's company, she needed to take it seriously.
When she arrived at the Windsor Group Building, she looked up at the towering skyscraper.
This had once been her dream destination, but now she was entering it under such different circumstances, her emotions were mixed.
The receptionist greeted her warmly. "You must be Caroline Hamilton. Mr. Windsor has already informed us. Your desk is right next to mine."
Caroline followed her to a small desk behind the reception area, stunned.
"I..." She opened her mouth to ask if there was a mistake but saw the employee card handed to her, clearly labeled "Receptionist."
A wave of indescribable emotion washed over her.
She took a deep breath, feeling a bit disappointed.
She knew she had to start from the bottom, but after spending countless hours studying the company's policies and analyzing reports, being assigned to the reception desk felt like a letdown.
Caroline took another deep breath. Maybe Arthur didn't understand her capabilities yet.
Sitting in the stiff chair, she opened her laptop and pulled up her resume and company analysis.
Staring at her impressive resume, she finally opened an email and sent it to the familiar address.
The email was straightforward, professional: [Mr. Windsor, here is my resume. I believe I am capable of handling a core position within the company.]
Not long after, her phone buzzed with a message from Arthur, containing just a few lines: [This is the Windsor Group's policy. Everyone starts from the bottom. Compared to cleaning or running errands, the reception desk is already the easiest.]
Caroline stared at the message for a long time, her fingers cold.
The receptionist, Jessie Wood, noticed her pale face and handed her a cup of warm water. "Ms. Hamilton, are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Caroline forced a smile, taking the cup. "I was just wondering, does the company really make everyone start from the bottom, no matter how qualified they are?"
"Don't take it to heart," Jessie whispered, leaning closer. "The Windsor Group does have that rule. Even the current sales manager started as a runner and was once brought to tears by a client."
She stuck out her tongue. "But there is one exception."
Caroline paused, not saying anything.
Oblivious to her reaction, Jessie continued, "The head of the design department—Heidi White."