Chapter 4
Morning light filtered through a gap in the heavy curtains, casting a beam across the floor.
Caroline sat wearily on the edge of the bed, fingers gently tracing the phone screen displaying Alton's number. She had been hesitating for a long time.
Last night's dinner party remained vivid in her mind. How foolish she had been to abandon her proud career for her husband.
Caroline wondered if they would have respected her more had she not given up that opportunity back then.
Finally, she pressed the call button. She was done hesitating.
"Hello, Alton." Her voice carried a hint of hoarseness and an almost imperceptible weakness.
"Caroline?" Alton's gentle voice came through the phone. "Have you decided? Are you accepting my offer?"
Caroline took a deep breath, trying to make her voice sound normal. "Yes. It's just... my hands aren't as nimble as they used to be. I'm not sure if I can handle some of the more precise experiments."
"It's just an academic conference, no need to be so nervous. Besides, everyone gets rusty after being away from the field for so long."
Alton's reassuring tone boosted Caroline's confidence, making her chuckle softly. "Then I'll be counting on your help for next month's conference."
Alton keenly noticed something off about her voice. "That's no problem, but are you feeling alright? You sound weak."
Thinking of her cancer, Caroline could only force a light laugh. "I'm fine, just didn't sleep well last night. Don't worry, I can manage."
After hanging up, Caroline slowly leaned back against the headboard, the color gradually draining from her face.
---
Isaac's birthday finally arrived. Caroline dressed in an elegant outfit and made her way to the Windsor Manor.
Stepping into the ballroom, Caroline was momentarily stunned by the sight before her.
Crystal chandeliers sparkled brilliantly, illuminating the grand hall like daylight.
The room was filled with Sovereign City's elite and influential figures. The entire atmosphere was saturated with the scent of money and power—something utterly foreign to Caroline after seven years of focusing solely on family life.
Soon, Arthur approached with Layla and Logan.
"Mommy," Layla called sweetly, though she made no move to come closer.
"Grandfather must have told you," Arthur said, his gaze toward Caroline distinctly cold.
Caroline no longer expected anything, only hoping the evening would pass smoothly. Isaac, believing Caroline to be well-educated and socially adept, had requested she remain by Arthur's side as his wife.
Caroline forced a smile at Arthur and, after a moment's hesitation, reached out to take his arm.
Just as they reached the center of the hall, Heidi entered, wearing an elegant white evening gown.
"Ms. White!" The children's bright voices rang out as Layla and Logan excitedly ran toward Heidi like two happy birds.
Seeing this, Caroline couldn't help but laugh bitterly to herself.
Heidi smiled, crouching down to embrace the children. She looked up at Caroline with a polite smile. "What a coincidence, Caroline is here too."
She stood up, her gaze sweeping across the puzzled onlookers. "If you think about it, Caroline and I are practically sisters."
Everyone looked surprised, murmuring among themselves.
Heidi continued, "I believe Caroline's mother remarried into my family when we were young. So we're practically family, though Caroline has never been close to me. I wonder if it's because she doesn't like me."
Her slightly furrowed brow conveyed an unmistakable implication.
The room immediately filled with whispers, with many people now looking at Caroline with disdain and contempt.
"So that's how it is. No wonder they seem so different."
"Exactly. Ms. White clearly comes from good breeding."
"I heard Ms. White recently went on a business trip with Mr. Windsor and secured a major deal. She's so accomplished for her age."
Everyone chimed in, continuously praising Heidi and offering her toasts.
As Heidi was about to raise her glass, Arthur intervened. "She can't drink. I'll drink on her behalf." With that, he took the glass and downed it in one go.
The crowd then turned their attention to Caroline standing beside Arthur. Someone approached with a glass. "Ms. Hamilton, as Mr. Windsor's wife, surely you'll join us for a drink?"
Caroline had never been good with alcohol, but seeing the expectant looks around her, she knew she couldn't refuse.
She raised the glass and took a small sip. The burning liquid immediately triggered a wave of nausea, intensifying the pain in her abdomen.
Just then, Arthur spoke up. "If you can't drink, then don't. Take the children home and rest."
Heidi teasingly remarked, "Mr. Windsor, you really do care for your wife."
Arthur didn't look at Caroline, simply stating flatly, "The Windsor Group's interests are complex and not something a housewife can handle. She's better off at home taking care of the children."
His words pierced Caroline's heart like a needle. She clenched her fist, nails digging into her palm.
"Arthur, is that how a Windsor son speaks?" Isaac had somehow arrived at the entrance of the ballroom.
Seated in his wheelchair, he spoke sternly. "Caroline has raised the children wonderfully, which shows her capability. There's no reason to think she couldn't handle company matters."
Arthur opened his mouth to speak but was silenced by a look from Isaac.
As the guest of honor arrived, everyone raised their glasses and moved toward the entrance.
"Mr. Isaac Windsor, may you enjoy longevity!"
"Mr. Isaac Windsor, you look in great spirits today. We must toast to you!"
Amid the clinking glasses, Heidi turned slightly, maneuvering herself next to Arthur with a drink in hand. Somehow, she stumbled, and the crimson wine instantly soaked through his white shirt.
"I'm so sorry!" She hurriedly pulled out a handkerchief to wipe it, but Arthur gently brushed her wrist away.
"It's fine."
"Let me accompany you to get a spare shirt. I know where the cloakroom is." Her sidelong glance swept triumphantly past Caroline, who didn't even raise an eyelid.
Caroline really didn't want to deal with these petty games.
"Wait." Isaac slowly turned his wheelchair. "Isn't Arthur's wife right here? Why should an outsider run such errands?"
He nodded at Caroline. "Caroline, go with Arthur to change his clothes."
The smile on Heidi's face froze, her knuckles turning white as she clutched her handkerchief.
Caroline sighed, rising to follow Arthur.
The air in the suite felt like solid ice. He unbuttoned his jacket and tossed it carelessly onto the sofa. "You can go. I don't need your help."
Caroline knew Arthur disliked her, even loathed being around her. If not for Isaac's insistence, she wouldn't have come at all.
When they returned to the ballroom, Isaac patted Caroline's hand. "Caroline, push me over there to have a look."
The sound of the wheelchair rolling over the carpet was soft. Caroline gazed at Arthur and Heidi chatting happily in the distance, the divorce words nearly bursting from her lips.
"Layla and Logan were saying they wanted to give me a back rub yesterday," Isaac suddenly said. "Those two children have been raised well by you—much more considerate than Arthur was at their age."
Caroline's lips curved slightly. Then she heard Isaac ask, "You went back to the Hamilton Villa recently. Did something happen?"
Her grip on the wheelchair handles tightened, and she shook her head gently. "Nothing, just went back for a visit."
Caroline sighed resignedly. Isaac had been good to her. The divorce discussion could wait for another day.