Chapter 101 She is Carl's Wife
Seeing the caller ID, Ciara swiped to answer, her voice full of frustration. "Aunt!"
Stella immediately picked up on the distress in her voice. "Ciara, what's going on? Did someone mess with you? Spill it."
"I'm so mad right now. You have to back me up." Ciara shot a glare at Quinn, who was dancing, and clenched her teeth.
Stella responded, "Alright, I got your back. You're at the design exchange meeting, right? Where are you? Send me the address, and we'll grab coffee after."
"Okay!" Ciara replied.
Ciara felt a bit better, her anger starting to subside.
She thought, 'Carl, just wait. When I see Stella, I'm totally ratting you out!'
In the banquet hall, Carl and Quinn were the center of attention, everyone calling them the perfect pair. They looked like they were made for each other, and the media couldn't get enough.
For the press, this was big news: Carl, who usually stayed out of the spotlight, was now dancing with some unknown girl—a headline for sure.
Even though they didn't talk much, they seemed to be in sync.
After the banquet, Quinn didn't leave with Carl. As the host, Carl had to see off the important guests, especially someone like Christian, and there was even a business meeting later.
Rex stayed by his side, while Kelly drove Quinn home. Sitting in the back seat, Quinn held her belly with both hands.
She didn't feel anything yet, but knowing a new life was growing inside her was magical.
Quinn suddenly thought, 'Baby, mommy and daddy both love you.'
Steven would love the baby, but Quinn had no expectations for Winter. If Winter didn't love her own son, she probably wouldn't love her grandkids either.
Looking at the mother and baby store outside the car window, Quinn's face showed a hint of hope.
She believed things would get better.
Meanwhile, Ciara left the banquet and took a taxi to the coffee shop. When she saw Stella, she burst into tears. "You have no idea. This girl Quinn has been after me all night. She stole my spotlight and danced with Carl.
She's a newbie, but she's already in, flirting with Carl and other guys. With that innocent look, I can't figure out what scheme she's pulling to get close to him. It's really getting on my nerves.
She's totally my roadblock in Elegance Group. As long as she's around, Carl won't even notice me. How am I supposed to become Mrs. Ward like this?"
Stella listened to her rant, her mouth running non-stop. "What's her name again?"
"Quinn!" Ciara answered.
Ciara was fuming, recalling every moment of the night that didn't go her way.
After hearing the name, Stella fell silent.
"You have to help me. Find a reason to get rid of this scheming woman." Not getting a response from Stella, Ciara directly voiced her thoughts.
Stella sighed, took a sip of coffee, and looked helpless. "She's Carl's wife, legally married. How can I fire her?"
"What? No way, that can't be true. This is absolutely impossible." Ciara stood up in shock, her eyes wide and shaking her head repeatedly. Seeing her like this, Stella remembered her own reaction when she first heard the news at the hospital.
"I've already looked into it. It's true. As hard as it is to accept, it's a fact," Stella said, sipping her coffee with a cold expression.
Ciara felt a wave of desperation wash over her, her shoulders slumping as she collapsed onto the sofa.
If even Stella said it was true, it had to be. Ciara wanted to argue, but she couldn't find a reason, so she just swallowed her disappointment.
"Carlster is really... married?" she asked, tears welling up in her eyes.
When the mist cleared, she managed to steady her emotions.
"Ciara, this news is shocking to anyone. There has to be some hidden story behind it. You need to dig deeper. Know your enemy to win, right?" Stella said, revealing her true intentions.
With that, a spark of determination lit up in Ciara's eyes. How could Quinn be worthy of Carlster? There had to be a reason for their marriage! Carlster was so exceptional—how could he be interested in someone as ordinary as Quinn?
Stella continued, "Alright, don't be upset anymore. Pull yourself together. And remember, if you find anything, you must tell me immediately, okay?"
"Okay!" Ciara replied.
"Don't worry, stick with me, and you'll be Mrs. Ward in no time. Trust me," Stella assured her.
"Thank you. I'll put in the effort and dig deep into their marriage," Ciara replied, her confidence resurfacing.
Her face brightened as the gloom lifted, revealing new hope. Initially placed in Elegance Group by Stella to keep an eye on Carl, Ciara's role had now taken on a whole new level of importance.
Back home, Quinn had just finished her bath when Carl returned. He went straight to the study without a word. Sensing something was off, Quinn followed him. The atmosphere was tense, and seeing Carl typing away, she figured he wouldn't be sleeping anytime soon. She grabbed the medicine and went to the study, knocking on the door.
"Come in," Carl said.
Opening the door, Quinn asked, "Are you going to take a bath tonight? If not, I'll change your medicine."
"No, I already took a bath in the company's lounge this afternoon," Carl replied.
He got up and brought a chair for Quinn to sit on while she changed his medicine.
Carl held the mouse with his right hand, scrolling through complex data on the computer screen.
Following her routine, she began by cleansing the wound, followed by a gentle massage before applying the new medication.
However, this time, unlike before, the medication elicited a unique response. Rather than the usual coolness, it brought a warm sensation.
Sniffing, she caught a faint, special fragrance mixed with a hint of medicinal scent and something else. Inhaling it, Carl felt a refreshing sensation.
He subconsciously stopped his work and turned to look at her.
Quinn, in her pajamas with long hair cascading over her shoulders, exuded a gentle aura reminiscent of Lucy. Yet, upon closer inspection, their differences, especially her delicate collarbone, became evident.