Chapter 111
8:00 PM, The Windsor Manor.
Walking into the familiar mansion gave Caroline an oddly surreal feeling. This time, she had come fully prepared.
As she entered, she deliberately glanced toward the garage. Arthur's usual car wasn't there—perfect. She could speak with Isaac first.
In the living room, Isaac was savoring his evening tea. His expression brightened noticeably when he spotted her. "Caroline, you're back! Come sit with me."
She took the seat across from him, naturally taking over the teapot and continuing the brewing with practiced grace.
"Have you been feeling unwell?" Isaac asked, concern etching his features. "You look thinner."
Caroline shook her head with a faint smile. "Just haven't been sleeping well, Grandpa. That's why I've lost some weight. How have you been?"
After brief pleasantries, she steered toward her purpose. "Grandpa, I came to discuss something important with you."
Noting her serious expression, Isaac set down his teacup. "Caroline, whatever it is, I'll help you."
She pressed her lips together, then spoke softly. "Grandfather, I want to talk about Arthur and—"
The front door burst open before she could finish, and Layla ran straight into Caroline's arms.
"Mommy! I can't believe you're here!" The little girl's eyes shone with excitement. "Did you come specially to see me and Logan? Will you stay home with us now? We've both missed you so much!"
The surprise in Caroline's eyes flickered briefly as she pushed her original topic aside.
She embraced Layla, placing a gentle kiss on her cheek. "How was school today? Made any new friends?"
At the mention of school, Layla immediately launched into stories about summer vacation and their enrollment in summer camp.
Caroline's hands faltered momentarily. "Then you and Logan need to be on your best behavior. Stay close to your teachers at camp."
"Don't worry," Heidi interjected, appearing in the doorway. "The camp is at the Windsor Group's resort. I've already arranged for people to look after them. They'll be perfectly safe."
Isaac's expression cooled instantly at Heidi's arrival. "Arthur, there's no need to bring company employees home."
Caroline lowered her eyes with a subtle smile. "Grandpa, Ms. White is our guest. Let's have dinner first."
At Caroline's unexpected mediation, Isaac reluctantly allowed Heidi to stay.
Heidi herself looked momentarily surprised—after their confrontation at the hospital earlier, she had expected Caroline to object to her presence.
The children ran to Caroline, one on each side, holding her hands. "Ms. White, now we can all play together!"
Caroline met this scene with a composed smile, seemingly unbothered by the children's obvious affection for Heidi.
---
After dinner, Heidi went upstairs to play with the children while Arthur retreated to his study.
Tiffany gave Caroline a contemptuous glance as the others dispersed. "Some people are mothers in name only. Even strangers make better parents!"
Isaac shot her a cold look. "If you can't speak properly, then don't speak at all."
Tiffany fumed silently, glaring hatefully at Caroline. If Isaac hadn't been present, she might have physically attacked her.
Instead, she could only stomp away on her high heels, the sound echoing through the marble foyer.
The hall fell quiet again. Isaac looked kindly at Caroline. "You were about to tell me something earlier?"
Caroline nodded. "Let's talk in the tea room, Grandpa." With the children still in the house, she didn't want them overhearing about their parents' impending divorce.
Once seated in the tea room, Caroline prepared tea for Isaac with elegant, flowing movements that clearly pleased him.
"Caroline, Arthur is fortunate to have you as his wife." He studied her face carefully. "I heard about the unpleasantness with the White family at the birthday banquet. Would you like me to intervene?"
Caroline hesitated. "That won't be necessary. Some things—some people—belong in the past. It's best to leave them there." Including Arthur, she thought silently.
She took a deep breath. "Grandpa, I want to divorce Arthur."
Outside the door, a vase shattered.
Before the tea room door could open, Tiffany's furious voice erupted. "Caroline, who do you think you are? You dare to ask for a divorce from my Arthur? If anyone should file, it should be him!"
Her voice grew more shrill. "Actually, a divorce would be perfect! My Arthur could have any well-bred young lady from a good family! Yes, divorce him! Do it now!"
Caroline's expression remained calm. At Tiffany's final words, she actually smiled. "I gave Arthur the divorce papers long ago. He's the one who's been stalling. Otherwise, we'd already be divorced."
Her voice cooled. "Instead of berating me, perhaps you should tell him to hurry up?"
"You—!" Tiffany began, but Isaac's stern voice cut her off.
"Enough! Be quiet!" His face darkened with anger. "I've warned you before—no one enters the tea room when I'm here. Have you forgotten?"
"Dad, she—"
"Out!"
Tiffany left reluctantly, shooting Caroline one last venomous glare before heading upstairs.
Caroline knew she was going to find Arthur. That was fine—she had come specifically to discuss divorce with the family and didn't want to drag things out.
The only person she felt she was letting down was Isaac.
She pressed her lips together and continued, "I'm sorry, Grandpa, but I don't love Arthur, and he has no feelings for me either. I don't want to waste any more time."
Isaac sighed heavily. "Arthur is the one missing out." He studied her face. "But are you sure you have no feelings left? What about your children?"
Caroline's smile turned bitter. The children? If she hadn't just defended Heidi at dinner, they would probably resent her even more than they already did.
She didn't want children who felt that way about her.
"The Windsor family will provide them with the best environment and education," she said quietly. "Arthur's future wife will surely love them too."
Perhaps they would even get their wish—having Heidi as their mother.
"Grandpa, thank you for your care all these years, but I'm exhausted in this marriage. I want to be myself again, without the constraints of family..."
"You find family a burden?"
That deep, cold voice cut through the air like a blade. Caroline could hear the subtle mockery in Arthur's tone.
She didn't know how long he had been standing at the door or how much he'd heard, but hearing his question brought her a strange sense of relief.
"Yes," she said simply, meeting his gaze. "I find family burdensome. I don't want to waste any more time. So, Mr. Arthur Windsor, please expedite the process. I'm eager to be divorced."
Heidi's gentle, puzzled voice chimed in from beside him, her eyes wide with calculated innocence. "Caroline, you're in such a hurry... could you have a lover waiting?"