Chapter 350

Chapter 350

Caroline didn't notice the undercurrents, only thinking that since Gavin and Lowell knew each other, the work ahead would go more smoothly.

"The office next to Mr. Bennett happens to be free. You can work there from now on."

"Since you two know each other, it'll be easier to coordinate."

For whatever reasons of their own, neither man contradicted Caroline's words.

Having finally solved a major headache, Caroline was in quite a good mood. After getting them settled, she went to meet up with Becky.

That night before she left, she'd left a message for Becky.

When Becky learned that Caroline had returned right after she'd left, she wouldn't let it go, insisting Caroline make time to hang out with her.

Caroline felt helpless. Unable to refuse, she agreed.

Today, having rare free time, she'd asked Becky out.

Though the wedding was approaching, Becky showed no awareness of being a bride-to-be. She was completely relaxed.

When Caroline asked how she wanted to prepare for the upcoming wedding, Becky just shook her head carelessly. "That's not for me to worry about. Stanley will take care of everything."

Stanley truly doted on her. Not only had he never let her suffer any grievances growing up, he indulged her completely—even taking care of the wedding so she wouldn't have to worry. He'd truly spoiled her into a little princess.

Seeing her best friend so happy made Caroline genuinely glad for her, but she still felt compelled to warn, "Even though he's treating you well now, don't trust him too completely. If he ever hurts you, you can always come to me."

She remembered when she herself was about to get married, Becky had held her hand and said something similar.

How had she responded back then?

"How could that happen? I'll be the one bossing him around. How would he dare hurt me?"

Becky held her head high proudly. Caroline seemed to see her younger self, but some things don't develop according to people's ideal expectations.

She smiled. "All right. But as your best friend, I need to make my position clear."

Becky grinned and squeezed her hand. "I know you're the best to me. Don't worry. If he dares make me suffer, I'll come running to you right away. I definitely won't take any crap."

Caroline nodded and confirmed once more—their wedding date was January eighth, just after the New Year.

Only one month left.

That's why Becky especially treasured her remaining single days.

Caroline kept her promise and genuinely spent the whole day with her before sending Becky home.

When they pulled up to Becky's house, before they could even get out, they saw a girl in a white dress covering her face as she ran out of the Powell family home, seemingly crying.

"Whose daughter is that?" Caroline watched the girl disappear from view, then turned to Becky. A relative of hers?

"My god, in this freezing weather, going out in just a dress? Isn't she cold?" Becky had also spotted the girl and couldn't help clicking her tongue, though her focus was different from Caroline's.

Caroline sighed. "So you don't know her?"

"No idea. You know my family situation—what relatives would we have?"

The Powell family had only had Becky, one daughter. Those relatives all wanted to divide up the family fortune. If they hadn't later adopted Stanley, those people never would have given up.

Even so, there were still shortsighted relatives constantly trying to mooch off the Powell family. Becky's parents strongly disapproved and immediately cut ties with those relatives.

The Powell family no longer associated with any relatives now. Even during holidays, aside from business partners, it was just their own household.

"Come on, it's been a while since you came to my house, right? Let's go in. I'll let you try the new tea my dad just got." Becky pulled Caroline inside, cheerfully calling out, "Dad, Mom, I'm home!"

As soon as the words left her mouth, she saw Becky's father Preston Powell sitting gravely in the living room, along with her mother Gemma Scott and Stanley across from them.

All three wore expressions and postures that seemed distinctly unusual. Even Becky stopped in her tracks, her smile fading. "What's going on?"

It couldn't be related to that girl just now, could it?

Thinking of that figure, Caroline felt it might not be appropriate for her to stay.

The three noticed their arrival and finally managed smiles.

Especially Stanley, who stood up directly. "Becky, you're back? Nothing's wrong at home. Are you hungry? I'll have someone prepare food for you."

He reached to take Becky's hand, but she dodged. Becky looked up at him. "Who was that girl who just left? What exactly are you all hiding from me?"

Faced with Becky's questioning, neither Preston, Gemma, nor Stanley responded immediately.

Becky didn't hesitate. She grabbed Caroline's hand. "Caroline, let's go!"

"Wait!" Stanley chased after them. Becky turned back. "Then tell me—what exactly happened?"

Stanley opened his mouth. "She... was actually an accident."

Through the three people's explanations, Becky finally pieced together the situation. Apparently, Stanley had been set up during a business dinner.

That girl had been sent to Stanley's bed.

Stanley claimed he knew nothing about it. The next day, he'd given the girl money.

Now today, she'd come saying she was pregnant and demanding Stanley take responsibility.

They hadn't figured out how to handle it when Becky came home, and she'd happened to catch the girl leaving.

Listening, Caroline felt utterly shocked.

Stanley had quietly done something like this, right when he and Becky were about to get married.

She could feel Becky's hand trembling as it held hers, even her voice shaking.

"Why didn't you tell me about this from the start?"

"Were you all planning to hide it from me together?"

"I hate deception most of all. Stanley, we're done! Go marry that girl!"

With that, Becky gripped Caroline's hand tightly. "Let's go!"

Caroline was pulled along outside. Tim was still waiting in the car. Seeing them emerge again, he looked surprised. "Ms. Hamilton, what's—"

"Let's head back." Caroline saw the tears streaming down Becky's face. After instructing Tim, she half-held Becky in her arms. "It's okay. You still have me."

She hadn't expected that right after blessing her best friend, something like this would happen.

Becky couldn't control herself anymore. She buried her head in Caroline's embrace and broke down crying.

"They all lied to me."

"Caroline, something this big, and it concerns me, but they didn't want me to know."

"They never let me get involved in company matters. Whatever happens at home, they hide it from me too."

"Do they think I'm just some useless person who can't do anything right?"

Becky had indeed been pampered and spoiled at home, never wanting for anything, but she wasn't stupid.

Beneath her carefree exterior, she had an extremely sensitive and fragile heart.

She often masked herself, thinking that way she could ignore all the gossip outside.