Chapter 62 Caroline, Come Keep Me Company
When Alexander returned to the lounge with Celeste, the room was empty.
Caroline was gone.
He paused at the doorway, frowning, then glanced at the attendant stationed outside.
"Mr. Hamilton." The attendant stepped forward immediately.
"About twenty minutes ago, Mr. Ford and Mrs. Hamilton left one after the other. Mr. Ford went back to the banquet hall to continue networking. Mrs. Hamilton... she didn't say where she was going. She left alone."
Alexander's brow tightened further, a flicker of irritation rising. She had sprained her ankle earlier, was wearing a long gown and heels that made it hard for her to move, and she didn't speak... where could she possibly have gone?
"Alex, maybe Caroline went to the restroom to touch up her makeup, or stepped outside for some air," Celeste suggested quickly, sliding her hand through his arm. Her voice was soft, almost coaxing. "We could wait for her... or I could go look?"
Alexander didn't answer.
By all logic, Caroline—having secured the cooperation deal—should have been at Andrew's side now, not disappearing without a word. He crossed to the window, looking down at the brightly lit banquet hall below.
It didn't take long to spot Andrew among the crowd. He was laughing with a cluster of political and business figures, his assistant standing close at hand.
So where was Caroline? Had she taken offense because he had chased after Celeste earlier, leaving her behind? Was this her way of sulking?
The thought sharpened his irritation. He tugged at his tie, a knot tightening in his chest.
"Alex?" Celeste's voice broke into his thoughts.
She could feel his distraction, and the unease she had just managed to bury began to resurface. Was he... waiting for Caroline? Worried about her?
"It's fine," Alexander said, pulling his gaze from the window. He sat down on the sofa and picked up the glass of whiskey the attendant had refilled. "I'll wait here. She should be back soon."
He said he would wait, but every few minutes his eyes flicked to his watch.
Minutes ticked by in silence. Caroline still didn't appear.
Celeste stayed beside him, her expression composed, though her thoughts churned. He hid his restlessness well, but she could feel it. He was agitated... for Caroline.
No. She couldn't let this continue.
She shifted slightly, leaning closer, pressing a hand to her temple with a faint sigh.
"What is it?" Alexander asked, glancing at her.
"It's nothing... just a bit dizzy. Maybe from the breeze outside earlier." She rested lightly against him, her tone gentle. "Alex, will we be waiting much longer? I'm feeling tired."
He studied her pale face, his voice softening. "We'll wait a little more. If she's still not back, I'll have Liam find her, then take you home to rest."
The words felt like a thorn under Celeste's skin. He wasn't going to take her away first—he would keep waiting for Caroline.
Caroline was in the way.
She lowered her gaze to hide the flash of malice in her eyes and murmured a quiet assent.
Adjusting her posture, she slipped her phone from her bag where he couldn't see, typed a quick message, then tucked it away again as if nothing had happened. She leaned back into his side.
At that moment, Caroline was standing by the fountain in the front courtyard of the banquet hall.
The night air was cool, carrying a restless chill. She barely felt it, her gaze fixed on the shifting reflection in the water.
In the rippling surface, she saw herself—dressed in an expensive gown, hair swept into an elegant updo, makeup flawless. In the shimmer of the water, her face seemed less worn, almost ethereal.
But Caroline only felt estranged from that image.
That wasn't her. The real Caroline had died five years ago on a cold pier, alongside Edith. What remained was a shell, rotting slowly under the weight of a murderer's name.
Tonight's poise was nothing but a fragile illusion, a dream dressed in silk... or perhaps a nightmare. It reminded her of what she had once had, and made the contrast to her present self unbearable.
Andrew had noticed her discomfort earlier but hadn't pressed. He had simply offered polite farewells before leaving. But she couldn't bring herself to return to the banquet hall. Every laugh, every courteous but distant glance felt like turning the lock on old memories, unlocking floodgates she couldn't close. Beneath the polished surface, she was in ruins.
And then there was Andrew's question... about Edith.
He had thanked her tonight, but if he asked about the Neville family later, he would learn Edith had died five years ago. The stories about her death varied, but they always circled back to Caroline.
What would Andrew think then? That she was a cruel fraud, unworthy of trust? That being saved by a woman like her was a stain on his honor?
If he canceled his cooperation with Alexander because of it, her position would crumble entirely.
No...
Caroline pressed her hands to her head, shutting her eyes against the thought. Andrew should never have praised her tonight. His gratitude was a fleeting comfort, but it was also a mirror—laying her flaws bare.
She looked down at her reflection again and gave a bitter smile.
The water rippled, distorting the image. For a moment, it shifted—her makeup gone, her face younger, bright-eyed, with a carefree smile on her lips.
It wasn't her. It was Edith.
Caroline's eyes widened, her breath catching.
"Caroline..."
The reflection spoke, its voice soft and chilling. "It's so cold in the water... I'm alone..."
Caroline went rigid, staring into the pool.
"Caroline, come keep me company. Please?"
The water's Edith reached out a hand, smiling sweetly, her eyes empty. "Come with me... just like before. We're twins. We're meant to be together... forever."