Chapter 103
From across the room, Simon raised an eyebrow at Oliver. "It's your grandfather's calligraphy they're talking about. Aren't you going to defend his honor?"
He was clearly trying to stir up trouble for Caroline, but Oliver had his own thoughts on the matter. His instincts told him Caroline didn't mean any disrespect.
Still, as the future head of the Griffith family, he needed to make his position clear. "Someone my grandfather admires wouldn't act that way. If she truly harbors such thoughts, the Griffith family will certainly not let it slide."
His voice wasn't particularly loud, but its quiet authority caught everyone's attention. Even Arthur gave him a long, measured look.
Meanwhile, Heidi continued her attack. "Or perhaps you used the artwork for something unsavory? Is that why you can't explain yourslef?"
Caroline rose to her feet, looking solemnly at Marsha. "I'm sorry, Grandma, but I couldn't give you that calligraphy piece."
Heidi's expression turned triumphant. She was about to launch into another accusation when Caroline continued with measured dignity:
"Mr. Griffith is a respectful elder, and I was deeply honored to receive his calligraphy. But precisely because it was his personal gift to me—his way of encouraging a younger generation—I couldn't possibly give it away. That would dishonor his intentions."
At these words, Oliver's expression softened slightly, an unusual feeling flickering in his eyes.
"My dear child," Marsha said warmly, "anything from you makes me happy."
Marsha didn't care whose calligraphy it was—she cared about who gave the gift. Just seeing Caroline was enough to make her content.
Heidi's face turned ashen with anger. Her multi-million-dollar emerald bracelets couldn't compete with Caroline's painting that cost a mere few hundred thousand dollars. The old woman was impossible to please.
What Heidi failed to notice was Arthur's gaze fixed on Caroline throughout the exchange.
His eyes held both surprise and delight, mixed with admiration and pride. But it was in Heidi's blind spot—she saw nothing.
Clinton, however, caught everything from where he stood.
He couldn't bear to see Heidi slighted, not even in the smallest way. If this hadn't been the White family's special occasion, he would have confronted Caroline without hesitation.
The atmosphere grew tense. Heidi hadn't expected Caroline to deflect her deliberate provocation so effortlessly.
As she prepared to speak again, she caught Owen's disapproving look and was forced to hold her tongue.
Owen was the consummate diplomat. He addressed Marsha with the utmost respect, calling her "Mom" with such sincerity that Naomi was visibly moved, her eyes reddening.
"Owen, having you as my husband has made me truly blessed," she said.
Owen returned her affection, presenting her with a newly purchased ruby ring.
The remainder of the birthday celebration passed relatively peacefully.
Many guests mingled, eager to forge connections with the White family and Arthur.
Arthur remained cordial with everyone, but never once looked at Caroline, which deepened Heidi's smile.
As for Caroline, she had come only to see Marsha. Now that she had, it was time to leave.
But Naomi suddenly blocked her path. "Caroline, your grandmother rarely gets to see you. You should return to the White Villa for a few days to keep her company."
Caroline paused, her calm gaze seemingly able to see through people's intentions. "What do you really want?"
Naomi's expression flickered before she composed herself. "At least you still have some filial piety. Come with me—there's someone you should meet."
Caroline didn't move. " I'm not going anywhere with you unless you tell me why."
Annoyance flashed across Naomi's face. "You remember Mr. Peterson? You stood him up at the altar years ago, yet he's still willing to marry you despite everything. You should be grateful."
Caroline smiled coldly. "That Baron Peterson? If he is so wonderful, why don't you marry him yourself? My divorce isn't even finalized, and you're already selling me to the next bidder?"
Naomi's face turned livid. "I'm your mother! Do you think I'd harm you? I'm only trying to secure a better life for you. Why can't you accept my kindness?"
"Kindness? You mean your kindness for Heidi?" Caroline's voice was quiet but cutting. "Your words sound nice, but your actions tell a different story. Why don't you and Heidi both marry him? That would perfectly showcase your touching mother-daughter bond."
Caroline gave her a dismissive glance. "I came today only for Grandma. I don't want to cause a scene at her birthday celebration. Don't push your luck."
Looking at Naomi's face, twisted with anger, Caroline suddenly realized that further words were pointless. You can never wake someone who's pretending to sleep.
She had severed the ties of kinship completely and turned to leave.
"Caroline Hamilton! Stop right there!" Naomi's cold voice halted her, her expression dark with fury.
"What do you think you're doing? Don't think you can use your grandmother as an excuse to escape responsibility. We haven't even addressed the damage you caused the White family!"
"If you have any filial piety, if you don't want your grandmother to suffer, then divorce Arthur quietly. I'll still see you as my good daughter!"
Caroline felt ice spreading through her veins. This was her birth mother—stabbing her in the heart again and again. Her face turned pale, her thin frame nearly buckling under the weight of it all.
In the next moment, Marsha suddenly rushed forward from behind and slapped Naomi hard across the face once again.
"You disgraceful woman! Shut your mouth! You—"
Before she could finish, Marsha's face turned purple. Her breathing became increasingly labored until she collapsed limply to the ground.
"Grandma!" Caroline's pupils dilated with fear as she rushed to Marsha's side.
But it was too late—Marsha's face was turning purple, her breathing increasingly difficult.
"The medicine! Where's her medicine?" Caroline's voice was frantic, almost shrill.
"Mom? Are you alright, Mom?" Naomi was startled by the sudden crisis.
Caroline grabbed her by the collar, her eyes fierce with desperation. "I'm asking you—where is Grandma's medicine? Give it to me now!"
She understood exactly what was happening: Marsha's asthma attack was causing severe bronchial muscle contractions and mucosal swelling.
Without immediate treatment, her grandmother's life was in danger. She needed that medication immediately.
Prompted by Caroline's urgency, Naomi finally seemed to grasp the situation. "Yes, the medicine. I need to find the medicine."
She frantically searched her purse, even dumping its contents completely, but the medication that should have been there was nowhere to be found.
Suddenly, Naomi remembered—she had played bridge late last night and was still groggy when she got up this morning. She had completely forgotten to pack the medication.
She didn't have it.
Naomi rushed over to Caroline, grabbing her arm. "Didn't you study medicine? Haven't you developed all sorts of medications? Do something and save her, now!"