Chapter 348

Chapter 348

Caroline wisely shut her mouth. It wasn't until she was sitting in Harlan's car that she finally asked the question from earlier, "Is that person's status very high?"

Harlan nodded. "You'd better not dig too deep right now. Once you've developed the medication, you'll have plenty of opportunities to interact with him later."

That was basically saying nothing at all. Caroline pressed her lips together and didn't respond.

Harlan sighed. "I'm not telling you more for your own good. Last time was my oversight—someone seized the opportunity. Thank God you're okay. Next time you're in danger, tell me. Don't try to handle it on your own. The person behind all this isn't someone you can resist."

Caroline nodded. "I understand."

"I'll get the equipment to you as soon as possible. If you have time, do as much research as you can. The sooner we have results, the better. Whatever you need, ask anytime. Don't worry about being a bother." Harlan smiled. "Right now, you're far more important than I am."

Caroline hadn't expected that simply accepting a pharmaceutical research project at Harlan's recommendation would make the people behind it value her this much.

Hearing his teasing tone, she pressed her lips together. "Okay. I will."

Harlan nodded. "I definitely trust you. Remember, after you go back, don't mention today to anyone. Just tell them you were with me discussing a project, understand?"

Caroline nodded. Harlan drove her back to the venue.

That old gentleman's time was extremely precious. Caroline had barely exchanged a few words with him, and now that she was being sent back, the banquet still wasn't over.

She thought of Becky. Walking inside, she didn't see her friend among the crowd. Becky must have gotten tired of waiting and left.

Caroline was about to head out when a voice sounded behind her. "Are you done with your business?"

Caroline turned around to see Arthur standing a short distance away. She nodded. "Yes, just finished and came back. Did you see Becky?"

"She went home with her family," Arthur replied, walking over to Caroline's side.

Just as I thought. Caroline relaxed. She'd have to find time another day to meet up with her.

"Heading home? I'll give you a ride."

Caroline was about to refuse, but then remembered that when Harlan's people came, she'd told Tim to leave first. Who knew Harlan would send her back?

The distance from here to her apartment complex wasn't short. Considering the responsibility she now carried, taking a taxi seemed unsafe. In the end, she accepted Arthur's invitation.

Seeing she didn't refuse, Arthur's lips curved upward. "Let's go, then."

They had just left when Oliver, who'd just received word and rushed over to join the excitement, only caught a glimpse of Caroline getting into a car. He was so frustrated he could grind his teeth. "How are they all so quick to make their moves? I haven't even seen her yet!"

Though today wasn't his only chance to see Caroline, tonight was the outstanding entrepreneurs' awards ceremony. He'd wanted to congratulate Caroline in person.

Being intercepted over and over like this made Oliver so angry he wanted to start cursing on the spot.

Arthur didn't care about any of that. He'd seen Caroline and gotten her into his car.

As for Oliver, what did he have to do with him?

"It's less than a month until New Year's. Do you have any plans?" Arthur asked once they were in the car.

Caroline answered without hesitation. "I'll spend it with my brother."

Arthur lowered his head. "The kids want to spend New Year's with you. Could you spare them some time?"

"And Grandpa. His health hasn't been great lately, and he keeps asking about you. If you could visit and send him your wishes, he'd be very happy."

Arthur's words didn't mention himself once. Everything he said was about people Caroline cared for.

Caroline hesitated for a moment. "All right. I'll make time."

Whether it was Isaac or the two children, they were people she couldn't let go of.

Hearing her agreement, Arthur's face finally showed a smile. "You don't need to prepare anything. I'll help you choose the gifts. You just need to show up."

His words reminded Caroline of when she used to celebrate Isaac's birthdays. She'd rack her brain picking out gifts, only to have Heidi steal the credit.

This year Heidi was in prison—she wouldn't have that chance.

And Arthur... She glanced at him.

She'd never imagined Arthur would take the initiative to handle such trivial matters.

It seemed that after the divorce, he'd changed completely.

He was no longer so high and mighty. Instead, he'd lower himself and participate in everyday life.

She didn't know if this change was good or bad, but from her current perspective, she certainly enjoyed the conveniences it brought.

She didn't refuse and nodded.

Arthur's gaze settled on her. Coming out of the banquet hall, she was still wearing only that evening gown, looking rather thin and exposed to the cold.

The car stopped. He took off his suit jacket and, as they got out, draped it over Caroline's shoulders.

Caroline turned to look at him in surprise.

Arthur spoke. "It's cold out. You're weak. Don't catch a cold."

Caroline's health had never really been good. Every season change or when the flu was going around, she'd get sick. Because she still had to take care of two children, she barely had time to rest. She'd long since gotten used to keeping cold medicine on hand.

But Arthur had never cared about this before. Why was he thinking of it today?

Facing her skeptical look, Arthur explained, "The housekeeper mentioned it. I'm sorry—I was too neglectful before."

He'd never denied being an inadequate husband. He had no intention of erasing the mistakes he'd made in the past. He just looked steadily at Caroline. "I'm not saying this to make you forgive me. I just want to give you the care you should have always had."

Caroline lowered her head. The hand gripping the suit jacket paused. "I don't need it anymore."

She'd already decided to break away from that family. The things Arthur was doing now—she no longer needed them.

A cold wind blew. Caroline instinctively clutched the jacket tighter.

The suit draped over her shoulders really was warm. It seemed to still carry Arthur's body heat, shielding her from the cold.

Arthur smiled. "It's okay. You may not need my concern, but at least my jacket can still block the wind for you. I'm content with that."

Caroline didn't know how to respond. She quickened her pace forward.

Arthur followed behind her, maintaining a distance of one step, his gaze never leaving Caroline.

Caroline's mind was a mess. The moment she stepped off the elevator, she hurried back into her apartment and locked the door behind her.

When she returned to her room to get ready for bed, she realized that in her rush, she'd forgotten to return Arthur's jacket.

She felt annoyed and tapped her forehead. How could she be so stupid? Forgetting something like this!