Chapter 54
The next morning, the first thing Caroline did after arriving at the company was write her resignation letter and deliver it to Human Resources.
"Caroline, leaving such an excellent company as the Windsor Group—where are you going for better opportunities?" Heidi approached Caroline's workstation with a coffee cup, her voice perfectly calibrated to reach the entire office. Her tone carried undisguised mockery.
Caroline ignored her, continuing to pack her few personal belongings.
Seeing no response, Heidi's smile deepened. "I've heard it's Mr. Bennett's company? Top-notch in the industry, no doubt, but you couldn't achieve results at the Windsor Group, and now you're reaching for the stars? It won't look good when you can't keep up and come crashing down."
Several whispers of agreement rose around them, with anticipatory gazes fixed on Caroline.
"Heidi," Caroline finally looked up, her eyes as calm as still water, "my affairs are not your concern."
"I'm just worried about you..."
Before she could finish, the office door opened and Arthur walked in.
The mockery on Heidi's face instantly transformed into concern as she quickly approached him. "Arthur, Caroline is insisting on resigning, and I can't talk her out of it. Her going to Gavin's company doesn't seem prudent, does it?"
Arthur's gaze passed over Heidi and settled on Caroline, carrying a hint of displeasure.
"Why try to keep her?" Arthur's voice was cold.
He walked up to Caroline, looking down at her. "Your wings aren't strong enough yet, but you're eager to fly?"
Caroline stood up, holding her small box of personal items, calmly meeting his gaze.
Arthur twisted his mouth with derision. "If you're so eager to leave, then go ahead." He paused, enunciating each word clearly for everyone to hear. "Just know that once you walk out that door—never come back."
Caroline, box in hand, didn't spare him even a glance as she turned to leave.
Everyone expected her to look back, to cry, to beg.
But she didn't.
She walked away resolutely, her back perfectly straight, until she disappeared through the doorway.
A deathly silence fell over the office.
Heidi walked to Arthur's side, her voice light. "Arthur, don't be angry. Caroline is probably just acting on impulse."
"Aren't you busy today?" Arthur finally moved, turning his head, his gaze softening. "Since she's decided to leave, I won't allow her to have any connection with the Windsor Group from now on."
Hearing Arthur's words, Heidi didn't object. "All right, I'll get back to work then." She turned and left, her steps light.
Arthur's brow showed a trace of irritation as he stood before the large floor-to-ceiling window, watching Caroline get into a taxi below.
In the past, whenever Caroline managed to see him, she would linger regardless of circumstances, just to improve their marital relationship. Now she seemed completely indifferent.
Arthur frowned slightly. Was she throwing a tantrum? Giving up her job at the Windsor Group for Gavin?
His eyes darkened as he picked up the internal phone and dialed the HR Director directly.
"From today onwards, the Windsor Group will never employ Caroline, including any subsidiaries or affiliated companies."
The HR Director on the other end was momentarily stunned before quickly acknowledging the order.
---
The next morning.
Unlike the oppressive atmosphere of the Windsor Group, Gavin's "Zenith Technologies Ltd" was located in a new complex with an open, vibrant environment.
As soon as Caroline walked into the lobby, she saw Gavin waiting for her personally. He wore a casual shirt and frameless glasses, looking more like a scholar than a CEO.
"You're here?" Gavin smiled as he approached. "I thought Mr. Windsor might give you trouble. Didn't expect it to go so smoothly."
"Mr. Bennett," Caroline smiled too, with genuine relief, "you overestimate me and underestimate Mr. Windsor's magnanimity."
Her words were cleverly phrased, carrying a hint of self-deprecation while glossing over Arthur's unwillingness to keep her.
Gavin understood immediately and laughed heartily. "Magnanimity? In our field, what matters is precision, not magnanimity. Come, let me show you your new 'battlefield'—everyone's been looking forward to your arrival."
He led her inside, with young staff members greeting him enthusiastically along the way, creating a warm, harmonious atmosphere.
"We don't have many rules here," Gavin explained as they walked. "Everyone's a tech enthusiast, and the only rule is to let your skills speak for themselves. I believe in you, Caroline."
He stopped in front of a spacious, bright private office and opened the door. "This is yours. If you need anything, just let me know."
The sensor doors of the neuroscience laboratory slid open silently, spilling out cold white light mixed with the crisp scent of disinfectant and new metal equipment. Gavin took large strides, his dark gray suit jacket fluttering slightly.
He turned sideways and gestured inside with a sweep of his hand, the motion as decisive as drawing a boundary.
"Ms. Hamilton," his voice resonated in the spacious corridor, "this entire floor will be under your management from now on."
He grinned broadly, with the satisfaction of a boss delegating important responsibilities. "Equipment lists, personnel structure, project schedules—my secretary will deliver them to your office in ten minutes. If you need people, money, or anything else, come directly to me to sign the forms."
"I have only one requirement," he stopped and turned to face Caroline, the playfulness in his eyes fading, replaced by complete trust and gravity, "make our laboratory the best in the country."
Caroline's gaze swept across the gleaming floor, rows of high-tech equipment still covered with dust cloths waiting to be unveiled, and the faint movements of white-coated researchers visible through distant transparent glass partitions.
"Feeling pressured?" Gavin raised an eyebrow.
Caroline shook her head, her fingers unconsciously touching the ID badge newly hung around her neck, still cool to the touch. The hard plastic edges pressed against her fingertips.
Technical Chief Advisor Caroline Hamilton.
These words weighed heavily on her heart, yet also served as a key that unlocked a long-sealed door with a click.
"Pressure is motivation." She looked up, her tone calm, but with a light dancing in her eyes.
Gavin clapped his hands together with satisfaction. "That's exactly the spirit I'm looking for! Come, let me introduce you to everyone—these tech enthusiasts need a capable leader to keep them in line!"