Chapter 102
A resounding slap echoed through the room, instantly silencing everyone. Guests turned toward the commotion, eyes wide with shock.
Even Caroline was momentarily stunned by the blow.
Naomi stood with her face turned sideways, staring at Marsha in disbelief. Her perfectly made-up features twisted with rage.
"You dare slap me? After all these years I've spent taking care of you? Rushing you to the hospital when you're sick, personally arranging your room for your asthma, giving you a life of luxury—and you strike me? What gives you the right?"
Marsha swayed slightly, her face flushing an alarming red. Even her breathing became labored.
"You... you disgraceful woman!" She pointed at Naomi, her entire body trembling with anger.
"She is your daughter—your flesh and blood—and this is how you treat her? Using me as an excuse to pressure her into giving up her husband? Have you forgotten who your own daughter is?"
But Naomi remained unrepentant. "Caroline owes the White family everything!"
"The White family raised her, paid for her education, provided for her every need, even arranged a marriage for her. She's the one who disobeyed and ran away from that wedding, causing the family tremendous loss. All she's doing now is making up for her past sins. What's wrong with that?"
Each word from Naomi's furious outburst expressed her deep resentment.
Caroline's expression changed instantly. She stepped forward to support Marsha, then turned to Naomi. "Mom, please stop."
At this, Naomi's face grew even colder.
"You dare tell me what to do? You abandoned your fiancé, disappeared for years without contacting your family, didn't even tell us about your marriage—and now you have the nerve to criticize me?"
"You're nothing but a viper. I should have strangled you the moment you were born!"
Caroline's heart ached with the bitter pain of rejection, but her concern for Marsha outweighed everything else.
She patted Marsha's back gently. "Grandma, it's okay. Don't get upset. Breathe slowly. Please don't get worked up."
Marsha seemed calmed by Caroline's touch. Though she wanted to lash out again, one look at Caroline's pleading eyes made her hold back.
"I'm just glad you came. Seeing you again makes me happy."
Watching their display of affection, Naomi seethed with resentment but, considering it was Marsha's birthday, held her tongue.
As the birthday celebration began, Marsha kept Caroline close, even arranging for them to sit together.
Caroline's presence quickly drew attention from the other guests.
After delivering his gift, Simon let out a cold scoff. "What luck. Why do I have to see her everywhere I go?"
Noticing Caroline sitting beside Marsha, his eyes darkened. "What's her relationship with Mrs. Cook? They seem close."
Oliver gave him an exasperated look. "How would I possibly know something you don't even know?"
"Alright, I've wasted my breath."
Simon turned toward Clinton, about to speak when he saw him walking toward Caroline with a drink in hand.
Simon smirked. "Clinton claims to love Heidi so much, but the moment a new target appears, he's completely smitten."
Oliver didn't seem to share this view. He glanced over briefly before looking away, apparently uninterested.
Meanwhile, Clinton approached with a cold laugh.
"Caroline, you're truly shameless. How do you show your face everywhere? You dare crash the White family's birthday celebration for a free meal?"
Caroline's expression remained calm. "If you can be here, why can't I?"
"You—!" Clinton was seething. "This is the White family's celebration. Don't cause any trouble, or I swear you'll regret it."
Caroline merely smiled faintly, not even bothering to look at him as she turned back to continue her conversation with her grandmother.
Clinton was nearly apoplectic with rage but, mindful of the occasion, said nothing more. Still, his eyes remained fixed on Caroline, wary and hostile.
The White family had invited numerous guests, particularly from Sovereign City's elite circles. Nearly everyone of importance had come.
Caroline quickly understood why.
Heidi and Arthur's relationship had become quite public, and most representatives were likely here for Arthur's sake.
Soon after, Heidi arrived with Arthur and the two children in tow, looking every bit the picture-perfect family of four.
Arthur's appearance immediately drew attention, with many guests rushing to greet him.
He navigated the social waters effortlessly, responding appropriately to each person—neither too familiar nor too distant—until they reached Marsha.
Heidi approached with the children, offering a sweet smile. "Happy birthday, Grandma. This is our gift to you, from Arthur and me."
She presented a wooden box containing a pair of platinum bracelets studded with emeralds—the very ones Caroline had admired at the auction.
Marsha showed no sign of being impressed, her expression remaining cool.
Having lived in the White Villa for years, she had developed some affection for Heidi. When she'd heard Heidi had found someone she loved, Marsha had been happy for her and asked her to bring him to the birthday celebration.
But now, knowing Heidi had taken Caroline's husband, she had little warmth for either of them. "Thank you. Please, sit down."
Heidi and Arthur sat on Marsha's other side. The children seemed bored, so Arthur had someone take them away.
Caroline didn't even get the chance to introduce them as her children.
And the children acted as if they hadn't seen her at all.
After a moment, Heidi leaned toward Marsha curiously. "Grandma, could you show me the birthday gift Caroline gave you today? I heard it's calligraphy from Mr. Gareth Griffith"
Marsha looked confused. "What calligraphy?"
Hearing his grandfather's name, Oliver frowned. What did this have to do with his family?
Heidi's eyes widened in apparent disbelief. "Really? You don't know?"
She turned to Caroline. "Didn't you tell Mr. Griffith you were looking for a birthday gift for our grandma? That's why he gave you his calligraphy piece. You didn't keep it for yourself, did you?"
Several audible gasps rippled through the crowd.
Someone had dared to keep a gift that Gareth had intended for Marsha? The audacity!
Caroline, however, remained perfectly composed.
"You're right—Mr. Griffith did give me one of his calligraphy pieces. And no, I didn't give that piece to my grandmother. I gave her an ink painting I purchased separately."
Heidi's expression grew grave. "Are you suggesting that Mr. Griffith's work is inferior to some random painting you bought in a random store?"