Chapter 183
Just when Heidi thought she couldn't escape the situation, Arthur finally spoke.
"I know you didn't mean it. I've seen how good you are to the children. After my divorce hearing tomorrow, you can move in."
Heidi's red lips parted in disbelief. Did this mean he was willing to marry her?
Her heart leapt with joy. Forgetting that Arthur had overheard her earlier outburst, she leaned against him emotionally. "Arthur, you're so good to me. I knew you weren't lying. Everything you said was true—you will marry me!"
She pressed herself against his chest adoringly. Arthur patted her back briefly before releasing her. "You've had a long day. Go rest now."
"All right. Arthur, will you...?" Heidi blinked coyly.
"I'll stay and check on Logan. He is my son, after all."
Arthur dispelled her hopes.
"Okay." Heidi felt a little disappointed but didn't dwell on it. After all, he wasn't divorced yet, so their relationship wasn't entirely proper. It didn't matter—once Arthur was divorced tomorrow and she moved in, she would be the rightful mistress of this house.
She'd like to see anyone call her a homewrecker then!
The thought made her lips curl into a smile as her steps lightened. Even when passing the irritating housekeeper, she felt less resentment, merely giving the woman a sidelong glance before sauntering away.
When she became Arthur's wife, her first act would be to fire that troublesome housekeeper. After that, no one in the Windsor family would dare oppose her!
"Mr. Windsor, Ms. White doesn't genuinely care for Logan!" The housekeeper reported the moment Heidi left. She couldn't understand why Arthur would keep Heidi around despite her behavior. Was this really good for Layla and Logan?
Even if he was eager to find the children a stepmother, surely he could find someone better than Heidi?
Arthur noticed her concerned expression. "I know what I'm doing."
The housekeeper wanted to say more but, seeing Arthur's cold expression, finally sighed and said nothing further. It wasn't worth it—Arthur had his own ideas, and saying more would only make her unwelcome.
"I'll stay here until the boy recovers."
The housekeeper remained, looking at Logan's small face with heartache. Poor Logan—so young and already without a mother, and now facing a stepmother who was hardly a good person.
Once Heidi married into the Windsor family, the children's lives would surely become miserable. She sighed softly.
---
Arthur hadn't lied to Caroline.
Just as he'd said, when the lawyer presented evidence of his affair with Heidi, he admitted it without hesitation.
He accepted all of the plaintiff's statements and demands, agreeing to every condition without question.
For the judge, this made for an unusually straightforward ruling.
Most people, when facing divorce proceedings, would fight over money or try to establish who was at fault. But Arthur remained remarkably calm, as if he had already foreseen the outcome.
As the judge's gavel fell, declaring their marriage officially dissolved, the matter was finally settled.
Caroline sat in a corner. She had deliberately dressed to be inconspicuous today. Hearing the judge's pronouncement, she felt her entire body relax.
The marital cage that had troubled her for years, that had nearly buried her entire life, was finally broken.
She would never again be confined to the Windsor family as that selfless, disrespected housewife. She had her own career now, her own life.
Caroline exhaled deeply.
Arthur left the defendant's seat, passing right by her.
Caroline instinctively shrank back, afraid he might notice her.
Her concern was unnecessary. He didn't spare her a glance, walking out with heavy but determined steps, more silent than usual.
When most people had dispersed, Caroline left her observer's seat. She hadn't gone far when she spotted Arthur's black Maybach parked nearby.
Her heart skipped a beat. Just as she was about to detour around it, someone stopped her.
"What a coincidence, Dr. Q. You're here today as well."
Caroline turned, forcing a dry laugh.
"Yes. Didn't you mention your divorce hearing was today? I came to see it. Surely you don't mind public attendance?"
She asked first, eliminating any chance of him questioning her.
Arthur shook his head. "Within the rules, anyone can observe."
Caroline found this strange. Arthur had always been cold, unsociable, and extremely concerned with his reputation. Why was he suddenly so agreeable?
Whether it was her embarrassing him yesterday or her comments today, he showed no displeasure. It was beyond her expectations.
"I'm divorced now," Arthur repeated.
"Mr. Windsor, I just came from inside. I heard the judge's ruling myself." Caroline pointed toward the courthouse, puzzled by his statement.
Surely he couldn't still be thinking she might become his children's stepmother? She didn't even want to be their birth mother anymore—how could he expect her to be their stepmother?
"Good. I hope the ruling is as you wished." A fleeting smile crossed Arthur's face.
Caroline felt goosebumps rise on her skin. Had he discovered something?
She laughed nervously. "Mr. Windsor, don't blame this on me. When we met, your wife was already dead. This has nothing to do with me. If you're sincere, why not give the divorce decree to your unfortunate ex-wife? Maybe she'll be happy to see it in heaven."
Her tone was mocking—she had intended to ridicule Arthur. To her surprise, he seemed to take her words seriously, nodding after careful consideration.
"You're right. But how can I give it to her so she'll see it? I'm afraid if I try and she doesn't see it, it will all be for nothing."
Was Arthur actually considering this? Caroline felt a chill run down her spine.
"That's between you and your ex-wife. What does it have to do with me?"
She thought Arthur must have gone mad. She turned to leave but felt his firm grip on her wrist.
"Regardless, Dr. Q, you were present today as a witness to this event. How about this—come with me, and we'll deliver this decree to her together. With you as witness, perhaps she'll be happy in heaven, just as you said. What do you think?"