Chapter 112
"If someone has a lover on the side," Caroline shot back, "I think we all know who that might be."
Her gaze settled pointedly in the space between Arthur and Heidi, her meaning unmistakable.
Arthur's thin lips pressed into a hard line, his cold eyes bottomless and unreadable.
Caroline's mouth curved into a slight smile as she regarded him calmly. Their gazes locked in silent combat, neither willing to back down.
Tiffany burst into the room with both children in tow. "Did you hear that? Your mother is abandoning you! She's divorcing your father—probably because she has a lover!"
"That's impossible!" Logan immediately protested. "Mommy loves us more than anything. How could she abandon us? You're lying!"
He turned to Caroline, his face flushed with anger. "I get it now. You're just jealous because Ms. White was playing with us."
His voice rose accusingly. "Mommy, you're so selfish! You can have friends, but we can't? And now you're using divorce to get attention from us and Daddy!"
Tiffany made a show of sudden realization, clicking her tongue with exaggerated understanding. "So that's your game. No wonder you suddenly brought up divorce."
She crossed her arms smugly. "You think this will win Arthur back? This will only push him further away. Heidi is Arthur's partner and tremendously helpful to the Windsor Group."
Her voice turned threatening. "Let me tell you—if you go through with this divorce today, I'll make sure you never set foot in the Windsor Manor again."
Layla blinked her innocent eyes, tears gradually filling them. "Mommy, is Grandma telling the truth? Are you really using us to make Daddy stay away from Ms. White? That's so selfish."
Caroline swayed slightly, her pale face slowly forming a smile.
These were the children she had sacrificed everything to raise. This was the family relationship she had given up everything to maintain. And it was so fragile it could shatter at the slightest touch.
"Mr. Arthur Windsor," she said quietly, "when will you sign the divorce papers?"
Arthur finally glanced at her, his eyes cold and emotionless. "You'll receive fair compensation. Once the assets are transferred, my lawyer will contact you."
"Thank you for your cooperation." She turned away, her lips curving into a bitter smile. "Grandpa, I should go now. Please take care of yourself."
Isaac nodded, recognizing her resolve. "Caroline, remember—even after the divorce, you'll always be like a granddaughter to me."
Caroline left without another glance at the children, who were already asking Heidi to play with them, not believing their mother would actually go through with the divorce.
Everyone thought Caroline was playing a game of hard-to-get, but only Isaac truly understood that she genuinely wanted to divorce Arthur and leave the Windsor family.
It was the people in this house who had broken her heart.
He shot a disappointed glare at Arthur, who was staring out the window. "What are you looking at? She's gone. If you had any sense, you would have treated her right while she was here."
Arthur pressed his lips together, saying nothing.
He only found it strange that when Caroline walked away with such finality, he felt a sudden pain in his chest—as if something irreplaceable had just slipped from his life.
---
Caroline didn't return to her teacher's apartment but went to her small private flat instead.
As she entered the neighborhood, residents were gathered in small groups under the trees, enjoying the evening coolness.
When they spotted her, many faces changed instantly. Some held up their phones, comparing her to something on screen, their whispered comments growing louder as she passed.
"That's her—practiced medicine illegally and tried to kill her own grandmother. People like that belong in jail."
"Exactly! If she could harm her own family, what might she do to us if she snaps?"
"I heard she even abandoned her own mother. She's nothing but a viper!"
Caroline walked on as if hearing nothing, quietly heading toward her building.
Suddenly, several dogs began barking, startling the gossiping women who hurried away, cursing under their breath.
Faintly, she thought she heard someone calling her name. She assumed it was a hallucination from her chemotherapy, until a fluffy head suddenly appeared in her arms as she climbed the stairs.
"Ms. Hamilton, good evening!" A child's bright voice cut through her melancholy.
"Rena," Caroline brightened with surprise. "What are you doing here?"
The little girl pointed to a snow-white Samoyed beside her. "I brought Princess out to play."
Caroline stroked her hair gently. "It's getting dark. You should head home soon."
"I know. I'm a good girl," Rena replied with a serious nod.
Noticing Caroline's downcast expression, Rena spontaneously hugged her. Princess nuzzled against Caroline's leg as if sensing her distress.
"Don't be afraid, Ms. Hamilton," the child declared. "I'll protect you. If anyone says mean things about you, I'll let my Princess bite them!"
Caroline couldn't help laughing, gently ruffling Rena's hair. "You're so brave."
The little girl dug into her tiny purse and pulled out a handful of candies, solemnly offering them to Caroline.
"Ms. Hamilton, Mom says you must be feeling sad these days. So I'm giving you all my candy, hoping you'll be sweet and happy every day."
"Thank you, Rena." Caroline unwrapped one for her. "Sweet candy is meant to be shared, don't you think?"
"Yes!" The child beamed.
At her door, however, Caroline encountered an unexpected visitor.
"Mr. Bennett, are you here for Rena?"
Gavin's expression was complicated. He had been waiting for Caroline all day, thinking he'd missed her, and was relieved to finally see her. "Caroline, I was waiting for you."
Realizing he had something to discuss, Caroline invited both Gavin and Rena inside. "Please make yourself comfortable, Mr. Bennett. What would you like to drink? Tea?"
"Anything is fine," Gavin replied nervously.
With practiced grace, Caroline prepared tea for him, warmed milk for Rena, and even set out a special water bowl for Princess.
Gavin studied her intently. Caroline was always like this—thoughtful and thorough no matter the circumstances.
After a moment, he finally spoke. "Now that you've left Vanguard Enterprises Group, what are your plans? Will you continue your research?"
"I think I'll travel a bit," Caroline said with a faint smile that didn't reach her eyes. "I want to see the world."
And wait for the day her life would end, she added silently.
"That sounds good." Gavin seemed to relax a little and began making casual conversation. "By the way, did you know the Windsor Group and Celestial University have launched a collaborative cancer treatment experiment? They're testing new drugs and treatment methods."
Smiling, he added, "I heard they're currently recruiting cancer patients for the trials."