Chapter 140
In the end, Arthur refused to believe Caroline was dead.
"The man you gave up everything for doesn't trust you even a little," Becky said, unable to contain her outrage. "Did you ever regret it?"
Of course she did, Caroline answered silently.
Attending your own funeral while still alive—a surreal experience, to say the least.
As she approached the portrait to pay her respects, someone roughly shoved her aside.
"Get away from her!" Blake blocked her path, eyes red-rimmed with grief and anger. "My sister doesn't need your fake sympathy!"
He turned to Arthur. "And you! My sister doesn't need to see you. Get out!"
Peter Moss, the talent agent who had just arrived, grabbed Blake's arm in panic.
"Have you lost your mind?" he whispered frantically. "That's the CEO of the Windsor Group! How many lives do you think you have?"
Peter was beside himself. Blake had mentioned taking a simple vacation, then completely disappeared.
After frantically searching, Peter had found his client about to assault Sovereign City's most powerful businessman.
That was Arthur Windsor! The same man who had invested in Blake's last TV drama—someone they normally had to flatter just to get a meeting.
Blake struggled against Peter's grip. "I don't care who he is. He hurt my sister. He'll pay for it."
"Enough!" Arthur's voice cut through the room, cold and final.
"Alton, I don't know what you're trying to accomplish with this funeral, or what you hope to gain. It's none of my concern. I don't want to hear anything more about her."
With that, he turned and left.
Caroline pressed her lips together. In a way, Arthur had guessed correctly—she wasn't dead.
But the Caroline of the past was gone. Her hidden identity was meant to sever all ties with who she once was.
While Peter was busy calming Blake, Caroline approached Alton.
"Arthur's gone. Why are you still here?" Alton asked before she could speak.
"Alton, it's me," Caroline whispered, turning off her voice modulator.
Alton's pupils dilated in shock. Disbelief flashed across his face before understanding dawned and his composure returned.
"No wonder you seemed familiar," he said quietly. "It really is you."
"You brat," he added with a mixture of relief and frustration. "You had us all suffering!"
Caroline's expression grew somber. "It's complicated. I nearly died in that fire, but someone rescued me."
She briefly explained what had happened, then glanced at Blake. "What's the story with that man who's been following you?"
She recognized him as the young man from the Eros Lounge—the one searching for his sister.
"He's your little brother," Alton replied, his expression complicated.
Caroline stared in confusion.
Meanwhile, Blake had finally placated his agent. Turning to see Alton speaking amicably with Dr. Q, his expression immediately hardened.
Nearby, Becky and Stanley watched the interaction with curious expressions. All eyes were on Caroline—some scrutinizing, others questioning.
Stanley broke the tension with practiced ease.
"You must be Dr. Q," he said smoothly. "I hear you just returned to the country and joined the Windsor Group's laboratory. They say you're exceptionally talented. Perhaps we could collaborate?"
Becky frowned and deliberately stomped on his expensive leather shoes.
Stanley barely winced. "The Powell family is hosting a gathering in a few days. I'll have an invitation sent to you. If you have time, perhaps you could join us?"
Caroline nodded, recognizing that Stanley was creating an opportunity for her to meet with Becky.
Satisfied with her response, he guided Becky away, significantly relieving the pressure.
Caroline wanted to reveal herself to her friend, but whoever had tried to kill her was still at large. She couldn't risk endangering those close to her—not yet.
"Alton, you know her?" Blake asked suspiciously.
Caroline returned his gaze, emotions churning. She had imagined many scenarios for reuniting with her brother—but never at her own funeral.
She opened her mouth but didn't know where to begin.
Alton noticed her hesitation. "Don't you have that international runway show coming up?" he said to Blake. "Go handle your work first. When you return, I'll explain everything."
Peter nodded eagerly. "Exactly, Blakey. Parivonne has been calling non-stop, and that director is waiting for your screen test. I'm at my wit's end."
"No way," Blake refused. "My sister just died a few days ago. I need time off to be with her."
Caroline smiled stiffly, deliberately ignoring the word "died." "So you're a celebrity? That's impressive."
Peter's expression immediately turned proud. "Our Blakey is the youngest actor ever to win Best Actor! He has countless fans—the most popular male actor in history. Most people never get to meet him."
Caroline fell silent. If her brother was a film industry star, she couldn't risk bringing negative attention to him. Revealing her identity would have to wait.
She subtly shook her head at Alton, who immediately understood.
"Blakey, go take care of work," he urged. "Your sister would be heartbroken if she knew you were neglecting your career because of her."
After much persuasion from both men, Blake finally left, albeit reluctantly.
With the funeral hall still needing closure, Alton called his assistant to burn everything.
"What's your plan now?" he asked Caroline.
She replied gravely, "Someone at the research facility tried to kill me. Alton, I need your help."
Between the laboratory fire and being deliberately locked in the hotel rest room, all signs pointed to someone targeting her.
The only person with a clear grudge was Heidi—but Caroline wasn't sure who might be helping her.
Alton's gaze turned fierce. "Don't worry. Whatever you want to do, the professor and I will be your strongest support."
---
At the hospital, Arthur rushed back to the room as quickly as possible. Seeing the wound on Heidi's knee, concern filled his eyes.
"You've been through so much," he said softly.
Heidi shook her head, biting her lip. "Arthur, I'm sorry. I failed to take proper care of the children."
"You did your best. This isn't your fault."
Arthur turned to fix a stern gaze on Layla in the corner.
"Layla, apologize."
Layla pouted, her large eyes brimming with tears. "Daddy, I... I didn't do anything wrong."
Facing her father, she instinctively told the truth, believing he would take her side.