Chapter 157 Chapter 157
If Nicholas hadn't intervened and given his firm opinion, Caroline wouldn't have known how to respond to Elisabeth.
Panic ran down her spine. She really hadn't thought about a public wedding.
She wasn't even twenty yet. The idea that the world would know so early that she was already a married woman terrified her—especially before her graduation.
Although there was no shame in being Mrs. Wolf—in fact, half the women in the country would kill for that title—Caroline felt she needed to protect her identity.
Not even her best friend, Tania, had any idea she had gotten married.
After all, Caroline had declared countless times that she would be an independent career woman, that marriage was out of the question before she consolidated her professional empire.
But now... she had shot herself in the foot.
The most surprising thing was that she never told Nicholas why she didn't want to get married now. And yet... he guessed. He read her like an open book and protected her.
Elisabeth, noticing her hesitation, nodded sympathetically.
“It's true, she's still very young, just a girl. Marriage can wait. Anyway, this is a private matter between the two of you, I won't interfere.” The matriarch frowned slightly.
“But I'm worried that Carol feels disadvantaged or hidden in this situation. Every woman dreams of her big day.” “It's okay, Grandma. I don't feel that way,” Caroline quickly assured her, touched by the elderly woman's genuine kindness. She felt a warmth in her chest, as if Elisabeth were her blood grandmother.
“I'm already immensely grateful that you're all so kind and welcoming to me. That's more than enough.”
“That's good, my dear.” Elisabeth patted her affectionately on the head. “But now you're officially the daughter-in-law of the Wolf family. Even without a huge wedding, we should have a presentation banquet.”
The lady smiled conspiratorially.
“We just have to invite the closest people, the inner circle. What do you think? I have such a beautiful and dear daughter-in-law, it would be torture for me to have to hide her from the world like a secret. I want to brag a little!”
Before Caroline could respond, Elisabeth added:
"Besides, how about asking your family when they would have time to have a meal with us? We need to formalize the union between the families.
Caroline's smile faltered.
Elisabeth's requests were reasonable and traditional.
But... the Ford family.
Caroline felt a bitter taste in her mouth. She had never thought of introducing the Ford family to the Wolf family. The difference in class and character was abysmal. Her family was complicated, self-serving, and now, with Claire and Edward's betrayal, the situation was a minefield.
However, she couldn't find any valid or polite reason to reject the matriarch's request. If she refused even that, she would seem unreasonable and disrespectful.
She hesitated, biting her lower lip, and looked to Nicholas for help.
Nicholas, sensing her discomfort and knowing exactly how toxic the Ford family could be, squeezed her hand under the table.
“Grandma just wants to invite a few close friends to this banquet, that's no problem,” he replied, taking control with his calm voice. “Just let Carol and me know when you have everything organized. We'll come.”
He paused deliberately.
“As for the official dinner between the two families... Carol's family is going through a turbulent time. We'll let you know when they have time. No rush.”
Once again, he saved her.
“Very well, then it's settled!” Elisabeth clapped her hands, satisfied.
Minutes later, at the entrance to the mansion.
Cecille and Elisabeth stood by the illuminated marble fountain, watching the taillights of the black Rolls-Royce disappear into the darkness of the winding road.
Elisabeth sighed, reluctantly looking away. The house suddenly seemed emptier without the vibrant energy of her grandson and new daughter-in-law.
She turned slowly, her eyes, which had been gentle, becoming sharp as razors. She stared at Cecille, who was also looking at the road, but with an expression of barely concealed relief.
“Cecille,” called the matriarch, her voice grave. “What happened to you today?”
Cecille shuddered, snapping out of her reverie.
“What do you mean, Mom?”
Elisabeth looked at her coldly. “Do you have something against Carol? I saw how you acted at dinner.”
Cecille turned pale. The shock showed on her face, and she tried awkwardly to regain her composure.
“Mom! Why would you think such a thing?” She forced a nervous laugh. “What could I possibly have against Carol? She's my son's wife... I only want what's best for them.”
Elisabeth narrowed her eyes, unconvinced. The matriarch's silence screamed that she knew exactly what her daughter-in-law was thinking.
Elisabeth didn't look away. Her eyes, hardened by decades of leading the family, fixed on her daughter-in-law like lasers.
“You really have nothing against her?” The matriarch's voice was calm but dangerous. “Then please explain to me: why did you refuse the soup Carol served you with such respect?”
She took a step forward, closing the space between them.
"Cecille, don't think I don't see what you're doing. You're trying to assert your dominance, trying to show ‘who's boss’ to a girl who's just arrived. But let me ask you: do you know your own son? Do you really think he'll tolerate you treating his wife like trash?" Cecille straightened her posture, her wounded pride evident in her voice.
“What can he do? I'm his mother. He owes me respect.”
Would Nicholas really turn against the woman who gave him life because of a stranger?
Elisabeth frowned, her expression turning stern.
“And you think that title gives you immunity?” The matriarch let out a dry laugh. “Don't blame me for not warning you.” Given your son's temperament, angering him will only serve to destroy what little relationship remains between you.
Elisabeth sighed, shaking her head at her daughter-in-law's blindness.
"Don't you see? He waited his entire life to find a woman he could touch and love. He doesn't just like her, Cecille; he worships her. He spoils her to the point of serving her food in front of everyone. If you think you can mistreat her and get away with it just because you're his mother, you're sorely mistaken.
The old lady pointed a finger at Cecille's chest.
"If you want to continue being part of your son's life, you'd better start treating your daughter-in-law with dignity. Even if you hate her, swallow that feeling. Don't show it in front of Nick.“
”Didn't you see how cold he was today?“ Elisabeth continued, relentless. ”Even an old woman like me noticed the change in the atmosphere. He distanced himself from you the moment you disrespected his wife. Do you think he doesn't feel your venom?"
Cecille's expression darkened visibly.