Chapter 127
The research facility blazed with emergency lights as Arthur's car screeched to a halt outside. His usually composed face had darkened to something terrifying.
"Are all volunteers accounted for?" he demanded.
Connor remained impassive. "Yes, Mr. Windsor. Our staff responded quickly, evacuating both volunteers and critical data at the first sign of fire. No casualties."
Just as he finished speaking, Sophia came running from another direction, coughing and covering her nose.
Connor tensed internally but maintained his concerned facade. "Ms. Griffith, what's wrong?"
Sophia wiped away tears forced out by the smoke. "Caroline... Caroline is still inside. She didn't make it out."
"Who did you say?" Arthur's expression transformed instantly, storm clouds gathering across his features.
"I'll ask you once more—who didn't make it out?"
He almost doubted his own hearing.
Sophia gave Arthur a strange, searching look before stating firmly, "Caroline. Volunteer #99, Caroline Hamilton. Late-stage ovarian cancer. Her room was locked when I found it—only a key could open it."
Arthur swayed on his feet, momentarily blinded by shock.
The next second, he lunged toward the burning building, his face twisted with desperate resolve.
"Tell everyone—spare no effort in the rescue. I want her alive or I want proof she's dead."
Sophia startled at his intensity.
What madness had possessed Arthur now?
If they mounted a full-scale rescue, Caroline's staged death would be exposed. How could she prevent Arthur from discovering the truth?
Before she could formulate a plan, a slender figure came stumbling toward them.
"Arthur! Is Caroline... is she okay?" Heidi clutched Arthur's wrist, looking ready to collapse.
"Tell me this isn't real," she pleaded. "Caroline was always so healthy—how could she possibly have cancer? And she hates me so much... why would she ever volunteer for a Windsor Group experiment? This must be some mistake, right?"
Arthur's determination began to waver.
"Does anyone have Caroline's complete file?" he asked.
Connor spread his hands apologetically. "Mr. Windsor, we couldn't retrieve the volunteer records. We only had time to save the experimental data."
Which meant they couldn't confirm whether the person who died in the fire was truly Caroline or just someone with the same name.
Perhaps it really was just a coincidence.
Arthur collected himself, noticing the red stain spreading across Heidi's chest. His expression softened.
"You're still injured. You should be resting in the hospital."
Heidi shook her head, biting her lip. "I'm fine. This is all my fault. If I hadn't needed saving, Caroline wouldn't have gotten angry..."
As Arthur continued soothing her, the onlookers exchanged meaningful glances.
Watching this scene, Sophia suddenly recalled a rumor circulating among Sovereign City's elite.
Arthur had been secretly married for seven years and had twins with his wife, yet felt nothing for her.
When the White family's daughter returned from studying abroad, Arthur finally discovered true love. Completely captivated by Heidi, he had allegedly forced his first wife to quietly disappear.
Sophia had dismissed it as tabloid fiction. Yet here was proof it might actually be true.
How blind could Arthur be? Heidi's facade was so transparent, yet he couldn't see through it. Sophia could only shake her head in disbelief.
Within minutes, Heidi had cried herself into a pain-induced faint. Arthur carried her to the hospital, instructing his team to continue firefighting efforts before he left.
Sophia rolled her eyes. Now he wanted to save her? Too late!
Fortunately, Caroline hadn't placed any hope in Arthur. Otherwise, the disappointment might have killed her.
---
After taking Heidi to the hospital, Arthur returned to the office to handle the aftermath of the fire.
The data transfer and equipment replacement required extensive planning, keeping him working until late into the night. The name "Caroline" from the fire seemed all but forgotten.
When his car finally pulled up to the mansion, the entire building was dark.
Arthur paused before entering.
He remembered how, no matter how late he returned, there had always been a light left on especially for him.
That light had burned for so long that he'd forgotten who had always waited for him in the darkness.
Pushing open the door, Arthur removed his suit jacket and sank exhaustedly onto the sofa, closing his eyes.
Hearing footsteps approach, he didn't even look up. "Caroline, I need massage."
A long silence followed.
Minutes later, he heard a small stool being placed beside him. Soft, small hands began to press against his temples with earnest concentration.
Arthur's eyes snapped open. "Layla? What are you doing up?"
Layla lowered her gaze. "Daddy, where's Mommy?"
Arthur briefly recalled the name from the fire, his expression growing grave before quickly regaining composure.
"She's busy with work. She'll come see you in a few days. If you and Logan are bored, you can visit Ms. White."
"No! Not Ms. White," Layla protested, her lips trembling as tears spilled down her cheeks.
"Daddy, I want Mommy. Please don't call Ms. White. She's mean to me and Logan now. We don't like her anymore."
She could never forget Heidi's twisted expression when Logan had suddenly fallen ill—as if they were stealing something from her, as if she despised them.
Arthur's face hardened. "Layla, who taught you to say such things?"
"Who do you think would teach a child to say such things?" Isaac's voice boomed from the doorway. "She may be young, but she's not stupid. Once certain people achieve their goals, they no longer bother with pretense."
Arthur's lips tightened. "Grandfather, Heidi isn't like that. She only wants what's best for the company."
Isaac dispensed with pleasantries and cut straight to the point. "For the company's benefit, she wants to become Deputy General Manager? Using her relationship with you to make decisions behind your back?"
Arthur pressed his lips together, unable to refute the truth in Isaac's words.
"Arthur, when Caroline asked for divorce, I didn't interfere. But I will not allow the Windsor Group's foundation to be undermined by a woman's schemes."
"If you continue following her lead and allowing her to abuse power, I can and will revoke your position as CEO."
This had been part of Isaac's careful planning. Fearing that Arthur's youth and inexperience with too many shares might undermine his authority, Isaac had initially withheld direct ownership.
When Layla and Logan were born, Isaac had transferred his shares directly to them.
Now the twins controlled more shares than Arthur himself, giving Isaac full authority to remove Arthur from his position if necessary.