Chapter 360

Chapter 360

"How could I be?" With her doubts cleared, Caroline shook her head.

Arthur had been so easygoing lately, she'd almost forgotten—he was the president of the Windsor Group. In Sovereign City, his power was immense.

Solving problems for a minor actor like Blake was nothing to him.

"Anyway, thank you again for this." She'd wanted to say if Arthur ever needed help, she could return the favor—but remembering his position, she swallowed those words.

With Arthur's status and resources, when would he ever need her help?

As long as she stopped asking him for favors over and over, she'd already be doing him a favor by not causing trouble.

"About what I mentioned before—have you thought it over?"

"What?"

Caroline looked up. Arthur was watching her. "This New Year's, I'd like you to come to my house and spend some time with Grandfather."

"Grandfather's health has deteriorated significantly. He's been thinking about you constantly."

"I already agreed to that." Caroline nodded. Isaac had been the only one in the Windsor family willing to stand by her when everyone else looked down on her. Even without Arthur asking, she remembered his kindness.

"Before, I just wanted you to visit him. But now I'm hoping you can stay at my house longer—stay through the holiday before leaving." Arthur shook his head, explaining.

Caroline frowned. "Is it that urgent?"

"Yes... Grandfather's condition suddenly worsened."

"How?" Caroline's eyes widened. "Hasn't he always been in good health?"

She immediately felt anxious. Isaac was such a good person—how could this happen?

"They found a tumor in his brain. Surgery doesn't have high success rates. And with his age, he's very resistant to treatment, so..." Arthur had only received this news recently. After careful consideration, he still hoped Caroline would go back with him.

"Okay, I'll go with you!" Caroline didn't hesitate. After agreeing, she carefully added, "But no matter what kind of tumor it is, as long as he's willing to accept treatment, there's definitely a chance."

"He's not willing." Arthur sighed. "You know his personality—no one can persuade him."

Caroline fell silent too.

Isaac had always been a kind elder in her mind. She'd just finished resolving Blake's situation and hadn't even had time to feel relieved before this news left her emotions in turmoil.

Though she was no longer a Windsor family daughter-in-law, she didn't want to lose Isaac like this.

"I remember he's always liked you very much. If you could go and talk to him, he might agree." Arthur looked at Caroline with a bitter smile. "Of course, I'm not forcing you. Everything depends on your wishes. If you don't want to, I won't pressure you."

Caroline shook her head. "He's helped me so much. Now that something's wrong, I can't just stand by. When do we go back?"

New Year's wasn't far away now.

According to the original plan, she would've just made a brief appearance at Windsor Manor. But now, she genuinely cared about Isaac's condition.

"Going back on New Year's Day itself is fine. That way, you won't have to force yourself to face people you don't like." Arthur remembered the conflicts between Caroline and Tiffany and Elsie. He couldn't choose to antagonize his relatives, but he could prevent contact.

Caroline thought for a moment. "Could we bring your grandfather here instead?"

That way she wouldn't have to see those relatives and could stay with Blake.

"I'll have to ask, but he might not be willing." Arthur hadn't considered this option but nodded quickly. "I'll let you know."

Caroline agreed. "Okay, I'll wait to hear from you."

After parting with Arthur, Caroline immediately returned home.

She told Blake everything had been successfully resolved. Blake had already heard from his agent and knew Arthur had put in considerable effort. Looking at Caroline, he felt guilty. "I'm sorry, Caroline. It's because of me that you have to keep dealing with him."

"It's fine." Caroline shook her head.

Blake pressed his lips together. "But he treated you so badly before, Caroline. I don't want you having contact with him anymore."

He was afraid Caroline would get hurt again.

Caroline stayed silent for a long moment before speaking. "What happened before is in the past. Don't bring it up anymore."

Arthur had indeed done many things that hurt her before, but now...

Blake heard the wavering in Caroline's words and stared at her. "Caroline, has he convinced you?"

"He did so many terrible things to you back then. How can you forgive him?"

"I haven't, I..." Caroline tried to explain, but Blake had already jumped to his feet, gripping her shoulders. "Caroline, don't be fooled by his act! The wrongs you suffered, the pain you endured—his little favors now don't make up for any of it!"

"Uncle Blake, do you really hate Daddy that much?" Layla emerged from the inner room, looking at the agitated Blake.

Her clear, childish voice stopped Blake cold. "I..."

"Mommy, if you hate Daddy too, Logan and I won't keep asking to see you anymore. That way Mommy won't have to keep facing Daddy and won't be unhappy. Logan and I don't want Mommy to be unhappy." Layla looked up at the two adults, trying to be brave.

Hearing her daughter's obedient, gentle words, Caroline felt a bitter ache in her chest.

"That's not it. No matter what happened between Daddy and Mommy, Mommy has always loved you both. You can come see Mommy anytime." She pulled Layla into her arms. Blake looked guilty too. "Layla, that's not what I meant."

"I know Daddy did wrong things, but I don't want Mommy to be unhappy either."

"If Mommy only has to see Daddy because of us, then Mommy doesn't have to worry about us all the time."

"Logan and I just want Mommy to be happy—whether we're there or not."

Being held by her, Layla's voice came out muffled, her small hands clutching Caroline's clothes. Caroline's eyes reddened.

This was Layla and Logan, whom she'd raised herself. They were so kind, so understanding.

Apart from that period when they'd been deliberately misled by Heidi, even now—caught in the middle of their parents' unfortunate marriage—they held no resentment. They were even willing to let her go.

"You're Mommy's children. How could Mommy ever bear to give you up? Don't say things like that anymore. You're my children—that will never change." Caroline held Layla close, speaking gently.

"Then does Mommy hate Daddy?" Layla persisted.

Caroline paused. "...No, I don't hate him."