Chapter 135 Chapter 135
“Ma'am, Mr. Wolf is back.” As soon as the maid announced their arrival, Caroline immediately felt a hostile gaze piercing her.
She looked up and saw Sheila sitting on the sofa, acting as if she belonged there. The look she gave Caroline was cold and sharp.
Next to Sheila sat a middle-aged woman, dressed in discreet but obvious luxury. She appeared to be in her forties, with fair skin and an elegant temperament. At first glance, it was clear that she was a lady of prestigious origin, and her features were very similar to Nicholas's. Caroline correctly assumed that this was Mrs. Wolf, her husband's mother.
On the central sofa, occupying the position of honor, was another figure.
She was an elderly lady with impeccably combed white hair. Despite her advanced age, she exuded a vibrant energy and natural authority. Her face was ruddy with health and her eyes sparkled with cunning. It was obvious that she had lived a life of privilege and command, cultivating a noble temperament that set her apart from everyone else.
Without needing any introductions, Caroline knew: this was the Matriarch of the Wolf family, Nicholas's grandmother.
Faced with this imposing sight, all the psychological preparation Caroline had tried to build up on the way collapsed. Her nervousness returned with full force.
Instinctively, she squeezed Nicholas's hand.
Sensing her tension, Nicholas squeezed her hand back, gently massaging her sweaty palm with his thumb to calm her. With a protective posture, he led her to the center of the room.
“Mom, Grandma,” he said, his firm voice echoing in the silence.
He pulled Caroline closer, brushing his arm against hers, and announced, “This is Caroline, my wife. We've already obtained our marriage certificate. I brought her here today so you could meet her.”
There were several seconds of absolute silence.
The air in the room seemed to freeze. No one spoke, and Sheila clutched the hem of her dress, her eyes burning with jealousy.
Nicholas, however, didn't seem concerned about their shock. He remained calm and turned to his wife.
“Carol, this is my grandmother.”
Caroline followed his gaze and focused on the matriarch of the Wolf family. She took a deep breath, trying to control her heartbeat, and forced a sweet, respectful smile onto her lips.
“Hello, Grandma,” she greeted her, her voice soft.
The lady narrowed her eyes and looked Caroline up and down. Then, from bottom to top. The scrutiny was slow and detailed, evaluating every inch of the girl.
Caroline held her breath.
Then, slowly, a smile of satisfaction appeared on the matriarch's face.
She was a neat, clean girl with a pure aura. Very pleasing to the eye. The lady, who secretly valued beauty highly, had already felt an immediate liking, but upon hearing the sweet “Grandma,” her smile widened.
“Good girl,” said the old lady, waving her hand. "Come here, child.
Let me take a closer look at you.“
Caroline turned and looked at Nicholas, seeking permission and reassurance.
”Go,“ Nicholas encouraged her, stroking her head affectionately and whispering just loud enough for her to hear, ”Grandma likes you. Don't be afraid."
The matriarch of the Wolf family liked her?
Caroline let out an internal sigh of relief. It was as if she had passed the most difficult part of a job interview. Relaxing her shoulders, she let go of Nicholas's hand and walked slowly toward the elderly woman.
As soon as she approached, the old lady grabbed her hand. The matriarch's skin was soft and warm. She examined Caroline's face again, nodding approvingly.
“My, what a beautiful girl.”
Mrs. Wolf touched Caroline's cheek, marveling.
“Your skin is incredibly good... so clear and soft. No one in our Wolf family has skin like that.” The lady laughed, delighted. “Now that you've married Nick, you can help improve the rough genes of this family.”
Caroline blushed violently at the direct compliment.
She realized that the matriarch was genuinely friendly. The image of a “stern aristocrat” melted away, and Caroline felt a wave of affection, remembering her own grandmother.
Her nervousness disappeared, replaced by a natural sweetness. Caroline smiled and held the lady's hand with both of hers.
“Grandma, your skin is also very fair and well cared for,” Caroline said sincerely. “And you look so young and full of energy! If Nicholas hadn't introduced me, I would have thought you were his aunt, not his grandmother.”
It was an obvious compliment, but it worked like magic.
The lady laughed loudly, radiant with happiness. She patted Caroline's hand affectionately and turned to her grandson.
“Nick, look at your wife! Where did you find such a charming and precious daughter-in-law?”
Seeing that his grandmother was already won over, Nicholas smiled, relieved and proud.
“Since Grandma likes her so much, shouldn't we give her a welcome gift?”
“You impatient brat,” grumbled the old lady, but her eyes sparkled with love. “Do you think your grandmother doesn't know what to do? Don't worry, I won't deprive your wife of anything. I've already prepared everything.”
The lady signaled to the butler.
She had prepared that gift years ago, saving it for the day her grandson finally found someone. She feared that day would never come, given Nicholas's disinterest in women. But now... the wait had been worth it.
The lady sighed with contentment. Her grandson had impeccable taste. He had chosen a wife who was a delight to the eyes.
In the Wolf family, it was a poorly kept secret that the matriarch was obsessed with beauty. To please her, one only had to be handsome and kind. And Caroline, with her angelic face and sweet manners, had won her highest approval without making any effort at all.