Chapter 105
With her own mother testifying against Caroline, the situation had become dangerously complicated.
Unless Naomi relented, Caroline would face serious legal trouble.
Yet her expression remained composed as she lifted her gaze to Naomi.
"I want to sever all ties with you," she said coldly. "After Grandma wakes up, I'm taking her with me."
"Don't even think about it!" Naomi erupted with fury. "I gave birth to you, I raised you—if you want to sever ties, you can go die! As for your grandmother, don't delude yourself. I'll make sure you never see her again!"
Nearly insane with rage, Naomi turned to the police officers. "She performed surgery without consent—that's illegal. Take her away now."
Caroline didn't deny the accusation. Even if given another chance, she would still choose to save her grandmother.
As she was about to be led away, she suddenly felt someone watching her. Looking up, she met Arthur's cold, unfathomable gaze. His expression was distant, his emotions unreadable.
Caroline had initially thought of appealing to Arthur for help. She wanted to take her grandmother away and avoid jail time—and Arthur was the only person with enough influence to help her.
But seeing those cold, hawk-like eyes, her heart sank. Arthur wouldn't save her.
Perhaps this was exactly what they had wanted all along: they had provoked her grandmother, "forgotten" the medication, allowed Caroline to save Marsha, then had her own mother report her.
Too many coincidences could only be deliberate.
Caroline lowered her gaze and silently began walking toward the exit.
"Stop!"
Arthur's voice cut through the room, leaving no room for argument. No one had expected him to intervene.
Even Heidi was momentarily stunned, though she quickly understood his reasoning. Caroline was the mother of their children—if she faced legal trouble, it would inevitably affect them.
Heidi realized she had been too hasty, so focused on destroying Caroline that she had overplayed her hand.
She stepped forward and took Naomi's arm. "Ms. Cook, Caroline is your daughter. She saved Grandmother in an emergency—that can't be considered practicing medicine illegally."
As Naomi prepared to argue, Heidi's eyes signaled her to notice Arthur's displeased expression. Immediately, Naomi understood what she needed to do.
She quickly calmed herself down and forced an awkward smile. "Officers, I apologize for my emotional outburst. She is my daughter, and she only performed that procedure to save her grandmother's life."
The primary reason, of course, was that Naomi didn't dare offend Arthur.
In an instant, what had been a potential crime transformed into a family dispute. The police officers, after understanding the situation, still wanted to take Caroline in for questioning.
Arthur's brow furrowed slightly, seemingly dissatisfied with this outcome. "The Windsor Group's lawyers are on their way—"
Before he could finish, another voice—cultured yet distant—interrupted.
"We appreciate your kindness, Mr. Windsor, but that won't be necessary."
All eyes turned toward the entrance, where Alton strode in, his white suit lending him an air of refined elegance. His demeanor brooked no argument as he approached with purposeful steps.
Caroline's eyes reddened slightly. "Alton," she whispered.
He gave her a reassuring look, silently telling her not to worry.
Heidi noticed this exchange, hatred churning inside her as her lips curled into a mocking smile.
"Professor Brooks, you're certainly devoted to Caroline. Willing to defend her even for practicing medicine illegally? She may not appreciate your kindness—just last night she was in a tent with another man. Don't let yourself be deceived."
Alton glanced at her, his gentle voice suddenly laced with venom. "Thank you for your kindness, Ms. White. But next time, think twice before you speak; otherwise, you'll only make youself a fool—or maybe that's just what you are?"
Heidi was momentarily stunned before her expression twisted with rage. "Professor Brooks, your manner of speaking is inappropriate. It could affect the relationship between our families."
Alton rudely rolled his eyes. "That's interesting. I never knew there is such a relationship. And, Ms. White, I don't think you have the right to lecture me."
Heidi's face turned pale as she bit her lip, nearly in tears. "Arthur..."
But her distress seemed to go unnoticed. Even Arthur's attention wasn't on her—his gaze remained fixed on Caroline, something dark and unreadable flickering in his cold eyes.
Heidi's heart skipped a beat, her entire body suddenly alert.
She quickly changed tactics. "Professor Brooks, I'm only thinking of Caroline's welfare. Her situation is delicate, and she deliberately practiced medicine illegally. I'm just worried about her committing a crime."
She deliberately played the weak, but Alton refused to take the bait.
After learning the full story, he insisted on taking Caroline away. "My lawyers will handle any follow-up matters." He turned to Caroline. "I'm taking you out of here."
Caroline nodded slightly, gritting her teeth as she tried to stand. The emotional turmoil had triggered the pain in her abdomen again.
She knew she couldn't hold out much longer—if she stayed, her secret would be revealed.
In this room were her biological mother, her two children upstairs, and a husband who treated her as if she didn't exist. She didn't want any of them to know about her cancer.
Alton noticed her discomfort and reached out to help her up, but another hand moved faster than his.
Alton's face darkened. "Mr. Windsor, what do you think you're doing?"
Arthur had remained a bystander throughout Caroline's ordeal, and now he was suddenly playing the hero?
Arthur's expression remained cold. "I believe you have no authority to handle this situation."
Alton wanted to punch him, but concerned for Caroline's reputation, he restrained himself. "And who have the authority? You? Arthur, what exactly do you want?"
Arthur gave him a dismissive glance, his deep voice carrying an undeniable authority, though his tone remained deceptively considerate. "Professor Brooks, you're Mr. Barnes's student and represent him. Caroline's actions could be classified as practicing medicine illegally. If Mr. Barnes becomes involved, many people might use this against him."
He turned to Caroline with a cold smile. "Ms. Hamilton, you wouldn't want this incident to affect Mr. Barnes, would you?"