Chapter 133 Chapter 133
The black Rolls-Royce glided smoothly along the winding mountain road, isolating the couple from the outside world. But the luxurious silence did not calm Caroline's heart. As they approached the Wolf family mansion, her nervousness returned with full force, tightening her stomach.
She gripped Nicholas's arm tightly, her fingers digging lightly into the expensive fabric of his suit.
“I should have bought some gifts...” she murmured, her voice trembling with anxiety. “It's my first time at your house, and it's terribly rude to arrive empty-handed, isn't it?”
When she had suggested buying something earlier, Nicholas had just laughed and said it was unnecessary. But now, faced with reality, social panic struck her.
What do you give to a family that has everything?
Common gifts would seem ridiculous and cheap. And she definitely didn't have the bank balance to buy something rare or exclusive enough to impress the Wolf dynasty. The shame of looking like a freeloader consumed her. “It's not a bad thing, and you're not empty-handed. You're bringing yourself.” Nicholas noticed the tension radiating from her body. He sighed lightly, covering her hand with his to convey calm. “Carol, relax.”
You're going to your husband's house as a guest of honor, not marching into a war zone.
Caroline's mindset, however, was prepared for a battlefield. Her entire body was rigid, ready for impact.
“I already told you: no one is going to treat you badly,” he continued, his voice soft and persuasive. "My parents are open-minded. As long as I like you, they'll accept you. And as for my grandmother... well, you'll be treated like a queen.“ He smiled, trying to lighten the mood. ”The Wolf family hasn't had any girls for generations. My grandmother had two children, both boys. I'm her only grandson. She's always dreamed of having a granddaughter or a granddaughter-in-law. Now that you've joined the family, you'll be protected like a national treasure. They'll fight for your attention, believe me. How could they be hard on you?
“The Wolf family has no daughters?” Caroline blinked in surprise.
“No.” Nicholas nodded. “It's a boys' club. That's why your arrival is such an event.”
“Oh...”
Suddenly, Nicholas's expression changed subtly. He hesitated for a second, as if calculating the weight of his next words, before deciding to be transparent.
“By the way... I need to warn you about something. Sheila is there too.” Caroline stiffened. "As I said, our family has no daughters, but the Turner and Wolf families have been inseparable for decades. That's why my mother has always projected that desire onto Sheila. She treats her like her own daughter.“ Nicholas squeezed her hand a little tighter, seeking understanding. ”They have a very close relationship, so Sheila came to visit my mother as soon as she landed in the country. My dear, I'm only bringing you today because my family doesn't know you personally yet." But Sheila... she's been going to that house for over twenty years.
He looked into her eyes, serious.
“If you feel like they seem more enthusiastic or intimate with her than with you at first, I hope you won't take it personally. Just ignore it. Consider her as... a sister who grew up with us.”
Caroline's expression, which had been nervous, cooled.
Before, when she thought Sheila was just a childhood friend, it didn't bother her. But now... Now she knew the truth. She had seen the looks, felt the barbs. That woman didn't see Nicholas as a brother. She liked Caroline's husband.
The idea of meeting Sheila at her in-laws' house, acting like the “perfect daughter” and close to the family, made Caroline's stomach churn. She didn't want to see that woman.
It wasn't just jealousy. It was territoriality.
She hated the feeling of being placed side by side with a romantic rival, under the scrutiny of his family. It was a disadvantageous position.
But she couldn't say that.
After all, Sheila had arrived first. Twenty years of history couldn't be erased just because Nicholas had suddenly gotten married. She had no right to demand that he cut ties or expel his family friend. That would make her seem petty and insecure.
Caroline swallowed her discomfort and forced an understanding smile.
“Yes, I understand,” she said, with a docile obedience that hid her inner turmoil. “I'm not that unreasonable. I can understand the situation.”
Nicholas looked relieved, but he didn't notice the shadow in her eyes.
...
Half an hour later.
The car climbed the last bend in the mountain road, and the Wolf family estate revealed itself in all its intimidating glory.
It wasn't just a house; it was a monument to power.
In the distance, Caroline spotted the main mansion. What caught her eye most, however, was the entrance.
Two imposing bronze lions crouched on stone pedestals, guarding the path like eternal sentinels. Their empty eyes seemed to judge anyone who dared to enter.
The main gate, also made of solid bronze and carved with intricate coats of arms, glistened in the afternoon sun, exuding an aura of majesty and history that made Caroline feel tiny.
The Rolls-Royce slowed down and came to a gentle halt in front of the golden gate.
The war was about to begin.
The security guard in the gatehouse poked his head out as the vehicle approached. Nicholas lowered the window just enough to reveal his profile.
Upon recognizing his boss's face, the guard's posture changed instantly, becoming respectful and solemn.
“Mr. Nicholas.”
Immediately, the heavy bronze gates opened.
Caroline already thought the mansion where Nicholas currently lived was large enough. But it was only when the car drove through the gates of the Wolf family's ancestral home that she understood the true meaning of the phrase, “poverty limits the imagination.”
It wasn't just a house; it was an estate. The Wolf family estate resembled a private forest park.
The car drove along a paved road, and it took more than ten minutes just to reach the main residential area after passing through the gate.
Imposing trees, which seemed to touch the sky, lined the path, and classic pavilions could be seen dotting the green landscape. Caroline had the illusion of entering an ancient palace complex, isolated from time.
The architectural style of the ancestral mansion was deeply classical and majestic. It was evident that every plant and tree there was centuries old, exuding an aura of history and power.
It was a true “old money” house.