Chapter 106
Alton knew perfectly well that even if his professor learned the situation, he'd only be proud.
"Caroline..." Before he could continue, Arthur cut him off. "Get in the car," he said coldly.
A black Pagani waited at the entrance, imposing and dignified.
Caroline knew Arthur wasn't inviting her, so she remained still. Heidi, however, calmly walked toward the vehicle, certain Arthur wouldn't let her be involved in any trouble.
But as Heidi approached, she noticed Arthur's gaze fixed on Caroline. Her heart skipped with apprehension.
"What? Do I need to personally escort you?" Arthur's voice was icy.
Caroline looked up in confusion, meeting his glacial stare. Her heart tightened, and she wordlessly got into the car.
As Arthur had implied, she didn't want to implicate her professor. Her mentor had done too much for her already—it was her own carelessness that had led her into this trap.
If charged with practicing medicine illegally, she would be barred from the medical field for life. She had failed her professor's expectations.
She silently took a seat in the back, her eyes warning Alton not to speak further.
Alton's heart ached. He quickly stepped forward, taking her hand and pressing medication into her palm. "Call me if you need anything. I'm always here for you."
The moment he finished speaking, the car window slowly rolled up, sealing Caroline inside.
Arthur entered from the other side.
Clinton couldn't contain himself. "Mr. Windsor, what Caroline did today was criminal. By taking her away now, aren't you betraying Heidi?"
Arthur scoffed. "Since when do I need your opinion on my actions?"
The door closed, and the black Pagani disappeared from view.
Heidi stood frozen, her eyes filled with shock and disbelief. Her fists clenched tightly as resentment and hatred became impossible to conceal.
Simon's words reached her ears. "Has Arthur lost his mind? Taking Caroline away at a time like this? What is he thinking?"
"Ms. White, since Arthur doesn't appreciate you, perhaps you should consider me?" he suggested. "Rest assured, I would never let you suffer such humiliation."
He deliberately flicked his hair, striking what he thought was a handsome pose.
Heidi quickly regained her composure. Arthur taking Caroline away wasn't about Caroline at all—with Alton's capabilities, he could have easily resolved the situation, though it would have required using Gabriel's influence.
By doing this, Arthur appeared to be helping Caroline, but was actually currying favor with Gabriel. This would increase Heidi's chances of becoming Gabriel's student later.
Understanding this, she smiled. "Thank you for your concern, Mr. Smith, but I trust Arthur. He's merely being considerate of Mr. Barnes's influence, nothing more."
Besides, Arthur and Caroline had been married for seven years. If he were attracted to Caroline's type, they would have been inseparable, and Heidi would never have had the opportunity to come between them.
Simon felt a twinge of disappointment. "Your devotion to Mr. Windsor runs deep, Ms. White."
Heidi smiled lightly and turned away, her expression unchanged as she continued entertaining guests.
Naomi anxiously pulled Heidi aside. "Heidi, you must secure Arthur quickly, or Caroline will take advantage. All our preparations will have been for nothing."
Heidi's smile cooled. "Ms. Cook, keep quiet about matters that don't concern you. I know what I'm doing. Just focus on your own responsibilities."
With that, she returned to her social duties, appearing unaffected by Arthur's departure.
But deep down, Heidi was furious. Regardless of his reasons, the fact that Arthur had chosen Caroline made her mad with jealousy.
Meanwhile, the black Pagani cruised along the road. The atmosphere inside was tense, so quiet that heartbeats seemed audible.
"Mr. Windsor, thank you for earlier," Caroline said.
Arthur sat beside her, his fingers tapping a steady rhythm on the seat. He glanced at her, his voice neither warm nor cold. "As Mrs. Windsor, your reputation cannot be tarnished."
Caroline smiled bitterly. She had already guessed this would be his reason.
The title of "Mrs. Windsor" was prestigious, and Arthur's company was at a critical juncture. He couldn't tolerate having a criminal for a wife, nor would he accept his children having a felon for a mother.
Her heart ached. The small hope that had recently kindled within her was extinguished once more. The pain in her abdomen intensified, causing her to curl inward.
Suddenly, a large truck veered in from the left, seemingly out of control, heading straight for their Pagani.
Caroline's already curled body began to fall sideways toward the door. She closed her eyes in fear.
In that critical moment, a strong hand gripped her slender waist, pulling her back into a solid, powerful embrace.
Caroline froze, her heart racing as she lay awkwardly against Arthur's chest, afraid to move.
Arthur had just saved her. Without his intervention, she might have suffered serious injuries.
But the fresh, sweet scent of gardenia cologne emanating from Arthur overwhelmed her senses, making her dizzy and causing her eyes to redden.
The pain in her abdomen grew stronger, and the fragrant cologne only intensified her nausea. It was a revulsion that went from psychological to physical.
This embrace had held Heidi for who knows how long, which explained why the fragrance had so thoroughly permeated Arthur's suit.
Arthur didn't seem to notice her discomfort.
She looked up at his stern face. "What happened?" he asked coolly.
The driver was clearly shaken. "I'm sorry, Mr. Windsor. That truck suddenly came at us, and I couldn't avoid it completely. I had to swerve quickly."
Despite the close call, there had been no real danger. The driver's reflexes and handling were impeccable.
Arthur's lips tightened, his furrowed brow imposing, but ultimately he said nothing.
The car started moving again, this time noticeably slower.
The driver had slowed down for safety reasons, but for Caroline, this made the journey excruciating.
She wanted to sit up, but Arthur's hand remained on her waist, and she didn't dare move.
She feared he would notice her distress, and worried the abdominal pain would worsen, causing her to vomit.
Arthur was too suspicious by nature; she couldn't risk showing any unusual symptoms.
But as the seconds ticked by, Caroline could barely hold on. Her body began to tremble slightly.
Then, Arthur suddenly spoke.
"What's in your hand?"
Caroline now lacked even the strength to speak. All her energy was focused on clutching the bottle of medication.