Chapter 14 Who Cares If She Replies or Not
Caroline left Leopold's house, her mind filled with thoughts about whether there was any possibility between them.
If she were to admit liking Leopold, Caroline felt things were moving too quickly—she had just broken up with Atticus, and she suspected her attraction to another man might simply be an attempt to forget her previous relationship. Yet if she claimed not to like him, she couldn't deny looking forward to their time together.
Later, as she slipped under her covers, Caroline noticed a WhatsApp message from Leopold.
Leopold: [Did you get home safely?]
Caroline replied: [Home safe.]
Leopold: [Good.]
His simple "good" left Caroline unsure how to respond. Continuing the conversation might suggest she was interested in him, but Leopold had already made it clear they were just friends. So, she chose not to reply.
Any form of initiating contact meant wanting to develop a relationship.
She slept deeply and peacefully that night. When she drew back the curtains the next morning, warm dawn light flooded the room, enveloping her in comfort.
She posted a photo of her window view—sunlight, plants, and the city awakening.
The caption was simple: [Good morning.]
After posting to her social media, she went to freshen up. When she returned, she found numerous notifications.
Many people had liked and commented, but Leopold's "good morning" reply caught her eye immediately.
Caroline hesitated, wondering whether to respond. The thought of replying to dozens of messages seemed exhausting, so she decided against replying to anyone.
Before heading out, Caroline opened her social media again and posted a general response: [Received all your messages. Everyone's up so early today.]
Leopold was about to start driving when he noticed Caroline's profile picture pop up on his feed. He quickly opened it, only to be disappointed.
A group reply.
Leopold tossed his phone onto the passenger seat. Who cared if she replied or not?
He decided to give Caroline the cold shoulder. During this period, the hotel entered its recruitment phase. Leopold had brought in a team of efficient staff to handle the transition during the initial trial operation. Key positions had already been filled with carefully selected personnel, while interviews for the remaining positions were underway.
As the year drew to a close, the pace quickened across all industries. While Leopold was busy revising plans with the publicity company, Caroline was equally occupied. Department leaders had assigned responsibility areas, ensuring the safety of power equipment and facilities and a smooth electricity supply during the holidays. For an entire week, she traveled between various towns and villages.
One day, she was inspecting work in Rosewood Town, home to numerous businesses. The journey alone took considerable time, and by the time she finished her inspections, darkness had fallen. Manager Xander White suggested dining in town, and as they got out of the car, he pulled Caroline aside to share some words.
"Caroline, I'm retiring in a year. I submitted a report to my superiors the day before yesterday about stepping back. Have you thought about moving up?"
Caroline understood Xander's meaning. Through her connection with Elijah, Xander was somewhat of a mentor to her.
"Mr. White, I appreciate your trust and consideration, but I don't have the seniority."
"This isn't about seniority anymore," Xander said, glancing at those entering the restaurant before lowering his voice. "From what I hear, the secretary plans to implement competitive recruitment based on ability, not seniority. I think you have a chance. Among the middle management, you understand the technical aspects best, and your operational capabilities and decision-making skills are top-notch, especially after how you handled the Emberfall City incident. Both the chairman and the secretary were impressed. I think you should prepare. Given my friendship with your father, I'll put in a good word for you before my reassignment."
Caroline smiled faintly.
She had always disliked leveraging Elijah's connections in her professional life, which was why she chose to start from the bottom after graduation. Her current position was the result of her own hard work.
Now, Caroline needed to consider another issue. "From what the secretary implied, does he already have candidates in mind?"
"Including you, there should be three people," Xander replied. "He didn't specify who."
Three competitors meant her chances were still significant.
After contemplating, Caroline nodded. "Mr. White, please don't mention the competitive recruitment to my father yet. I want to try on my own."
"Child, why not use your connections and resources?" Xander worried for her. "If someone else seizes the opportunity, you'll have nowhere to turn."
Caroline laughed. "It won't be that bad."
Xander gestured vaguely at her. "Think about it. And remember, don't mention what I've told you to anyone else."
"Understood, don't worry," Caroline assured him.
With Xander stepping back, anyone he helped promote would remember his favor, essentially making Caroline part of Xander's future network and resources.
By the time she returned to Seaside City, it was nearly nine o'clock. Exhausted from her busy day, Caroline planned to shower and go straight to bed. Just as she emerged from the bathroom, she received a WhatsApp message from Leopold.
Leopold: [Ms. Tudor, pardon the intrusion, but the hotel is planning to order some plants, and we couldn't find a sales point nearby. Do you have any recommendations?]
Having just completed her inspection in Rosewood Town, Caroline knew of a large nursery there.
She replied: [There's a place called Sunflower Garden in Rosewood Town. You might want to check it out.]
Leopold: [Do you know them personally?]
Caroline: [Not personally. I just conducted a safety inspection there today.]
Leopold: [Tomorrow's the weekend. Do you have time to accompany me to take a look?]
Concerned she might refuse, he added:
Leopold: [Since you oversee their electricity, your presence might get me a discount.]
Caroline smirked but agreed nonetheless.
Caroline: [I can accompany you, but I can't guarantee a discount, and I'm not skilled at negotiating. Just so you're prepared.]
They agreed on a time, and Leopold would pick her up.
The rural visits had been exhausting, and Caroline fell asleep shortly after getting into the car. Leopold noticed, turning up the heat and lowering the navigation volume to avoid disturbing her.
Over an hour later, as they passed the Rosewood Town boundary marker, they needed to take a small road to Sunflower Garden. The bumpy surface stirred Caroline from her sleep.
"Are we here?" She asked, stifling a yawn.
Leopold inquired, "Didn't sleep well last night?"
Caroline sat up straight, stretching her shoulders. "I've been conducting safety inspections in various towns all week. It's been a bit tiring."
Leopold paused, realizing why he hadn't seen her post on social media.
"You've been busy."
Caroline replied, "So have you."
The navigation was prompting them to continue straight, but Caroline suggested, "Turn right; there's a shortcut to Sunflower Garden."
Leopold turned off the navigation and followed her directions.
Yara, the owner's wife at Sunflower Garden, was surprised to see Caroline again. Yesterday's inspection had gone smoothly, so why was she back? Was she looking for issues to fine them? And the unfamiliar man with Caroline—he wasn't part of yesterday's inspection team. Her suspicions grew.
Taking precaution, Yara sent a worker to fetch the nursery owner, Kai Davis, from the greenhouse while she engaged with them.
"Ms. Tudor," Yara asked with a smile, "Did we miss something during the inspection?"
Caroline reassured her, "The inspection is complete. Don't worry. My friend is looking to order some plants, and I thought of your place."
Yara paused, then enthusiastically took Caroline's hand, ushering both of them inside.
"Come in, come in and sit down."