Chapter 72
A sharp pain pierced Caroline's heart before she swiftly suppressed it. Those who are favored can afford to be fearless.
"Mr. Windsor, you're too late," Alton interjected suddenly. "Zenith Technologies has already secured this project."
Arthur's brow furrowed as he persisted. "Zenith's scientific laboratory has been suspended. Their data is unrealistically optimistic and defies common sense. Their involvement could jeopardize the project's progress. Perhaps you should reconsider, Mr. Smith."
Caroline's eyes flickered with realization.
How did Arthur know about the laboratory suspension?
Was he somehow connected to the budget freeze?
She quickly composed herself. "Mr. Windsor, you clearly don't understand experimental science. What you call 'unrealistic data' represents thousands of experimental trials. Isn't dismissing results based on subjective opinion equally unrealistic?"
Arthur's gaze darkened as he fell silent, his penetrating stare fixed on Caroline with unmistakable intensity.
"Arthur only considers the patients' welfare," Heidi interjected smoothly. "He originally intended to assign this project to me—I researched Alzheimer's with my professor abroad. But with Caroline involved, I'm sure everything will be fine."
She blinked innocently, adding, "Caroline excels at experiments, but can she make executive decisions about the project's future?"
John looked to Caroline, awaiting her response.
Oakley arrived just in time. "Ms. Hamilton is the project's senior advisor. She has full decision-making authority."
John nodded, regarding Caroline with grandfatherly warmth. "I have high expectations for your system. Once developed, it will save countless lives."
With those words, the oppressive gaze finally shifted away from Caroline.
She exhaled quietly, feeling dampness on the back of her gown. "Rest assured, Mr. Smith. The neuroscience laboratory will dedicate all resources to this project. We won't disappoint you."
With the agreement secured, Oakley summoned Gavin to handle follow-up details.
Looking at Caroline, Oakley recalled his friend's phone call minutes earlier, practically accusing him of poor judgment.
He had wanted to explain that the budget freeze was decided by shareholder vote, but now Caroline had secured government cooperation.
Such talent and connections—he had nearly lost her.
Mentally cursing Billy a hundred times, he maintained an outwardly dignified smile. "Ms. Hamilton, you've accomplished something remarkable."
Caroline shook her head modestly. "This is everyone's achievement, not mine alone."
After brief pleasantries, Alton excused himself to discuss details with John, suggesting Caroline relax in the reception hall.
Observing their interaction, Gavin felt a wave of concern. Was Alton trying to recruit Caroline away from Zenith?
"Ms. Hamilton," he asked casually, "are you and Professor Brooks well acquainted?"
He recalled Alton accompanying Caroline to the symposium.
Caroline pressed her lips together. "We're friends and former schoolmates."
This was their agreed-upon story. Caroline wanted recognition through her own merit, not her connection to Gabriel.
"I see." Gavin nodded, enlightened.
Longtime friends—that explained everything.
Being career-focused, Gavin quickly seized the networking opportunity and drifted into another conversation.
Caroline, remembering Alton's instructions to wait for him, found a quiet corner to rest.
Minutes later, an invitation appeared before her.
"Caroline, this is for Grandmother's seventieth birthday. She hopes you'll attend. Your mother... misses you."
Caroline tightened her grip on her wine glass, her knuckles whitening.
She didn't need reminding about her grandmother's birthday.
But her mother—that was someone she had no desire to see.
Heidi frowned at Caroline's silence. "Caroline, regardless of everything, you're blood relatives. Grandmother mentions you often. How can you be so heartless?"
Her disapproval of Caroline's coldness was evident.
Arthur appeared beside them, gently replacing Heidi's champagne with water. "How are you feeling? Tired?"
Heidi smiled. "I'm fine. Grandmother just wants to see Caroline, but she refuses to visit. Arthur, could you please persuade her?"
That penetrating gaze returned to Caroline, filled with contemplative scrutiny.
Caroline suddenly accepted the invitation. "Thank you. I'll attend promptly."
Turning away, her heart pounded violently as fragments of memories flashed through her mind.
Caroline closed her eyes briefly. Some matters required resolution.
---
With Zenith's government partnership established, a temporary calm settled over Caroline's professional life.
Friday after work, she headed straight to the kindergarten.
At the entrance, she encountered Libbie who had already picked up Rena. The little girl immediately embraced Caroline.
"Ms. Hamilton, I won a prize on Children's Day. I want you to have it."
Caroline looked down at the small teddy bear Rena offered, her heart melting.
"Rena, this is your hard-earned prize. If you give it to me, you won't have it anymore."
Rena nodded solemnly. "When you're alone, Teddy will keep you company."
Something in Caroline's carefully composed heart cracked open. She hugged Rena tightly.
"Then I'll gladly accept Teddy. Thank you, Rena."
After Rena and Libbie departed, Caroline continued inside.
Most children had already left. She spotted Logan and Layla walking toward the exit.
Seeing Caroline, both children appeared startled. Logan spoke first.
"Mommy? Why are you here?"
Caroline stiffened momentarily, her smile cooling. "Who were you expecting?"
Logan pouted. "Ms. White, of course!"
He had plans with Heidi to visit the arcade today. His mother's unexpected appearance had ruined everything.
Caroline had anticipated his answer, but hearing it still wounded her.
She forced a smile. "Logan, didn't you want BBQ Glazed Ribs? I came specially to make them for you."
Logan remained displeased. "Who wants that? You don't even show up for our birthdays. I don't like you anymore."
Layla nudged him, signaling him to be kinder. This was their mother, after all.
She stepped forward and hugged Caroline. "Don't be angry, Mommy. Logan really misses you, but you were too busy even for our birthday. We were both sad."
Since they were old enough to remember, this was the first birthday Caroline had missed.
Caroline felt no anger. She was simply fulfilling her maternal obligation now.
Releasing her expectations somehow made everything easier.