Chapter 49
Caroline gently traced the pattern on the dress, feeling a flicker of anticipation.
Perhaps this gala would be more than just an opportunity to showcase herself—it could be a chance to rediscover who she truly was.
"I'll take this one," Caroline said as she emerged from the fitting room.
After paying, Caroline left the dress shop with her purchase in hand. Checking the time, she realized it wasn't too late and decided to visit the jewelry store next door.
She knew that for an event like this, a beautiful dress alone wouldn't be enough—she needed the right accessories to complement it. Often, a well-chosen piece of jewelry could provide the perfect finishing touch, reflecting one's taste and status.
Entering the jewelry store, she was met with a dazzling array of pieces. Caroline's gaze swept across the displays until she was drawn to a necklace in one of the cases.
It was a light blue necklace with an oval-shaped sapphire pendant surrounded by tiny diamonds that sparkled brilliantly under the lights.
The pale blue gemstone would pair perfectly with her newly purchased dress.
"Could I see that necklace, please?" Caroline asked, pointing to it.
The clerk carefully removed the necklace and handed it to Caroline with a professional smile. "You have excellent taste, miss. This is a special custom piece that took a month of handcrafting. The sapphire's color is exceptionally pure, and the cutting technique is exquisite. It's perfect for important occasions, but..."
Caroline took the necklace, examining it carefully in her palm. The sapphire was indeed a beautiful color, like clear lake water, and the more she looked at it, the more she liked it.
The clerk's expression turned apologetic. "This necklace was specially commissioned by another customer who's coming to pick it up shortly."
Caroline's heart sank. Reluctantly, she insisted, "The person who ordered it hasn't arrived yet, right? Could you possibly ask them if I could borrow it for just one night? I really love this necklace. If they're not in a hurry, I could use it and return it immediately, or I could even pay a premium to buy it."
The clerk hesitated. "I... I can't make that decision myself." She looked uncomfortable. "Perhaps you could wait and speak directly with the customer when they arrive?"
Caroline nodded. "Alright, I'll wait."
She silently hoped that whoever had ordered the necklace might be willing to accommodate her request.
At quarter past eight, the store door opened. Caroline looked up and was startled.
The person who walked in was none other than Heidi.
Heidi was clearly surprised to see Caroline there too. A flash of surprise crossed her face before she quickly regained her composure.
She walked directly to the counter and said to the clerk, "Hello, I'm here to pick up the sapphire necklace I ordered."
The clerk glanced between Heidi and Caroline, looking uncomfortable. "Ms. White, this lady also loves the necklace you ordered. She was wondering if she could borrow it for one evening."
Heidi's gaze fell on Caroline. "What can I do, Caroline? I need this necklace urgently, as you might understand."
Heidi wore a smile that was both gentle and distant. "With accessories like these, they're most valuable when they make their first appearance."
She didn't continue, but Caroline understood her meaning: Heidi didn't want to wear something after she had already been seen in it.
Caroline's face instantly paled, her fingers tightening around the necklace in her hand. She hadn't expected Heidi to say something like that and didn't know how to respond.
"I really love this necklace," Caroline's voice trembled slightly, but her eyes remained determined. "I can pay double the price, or name your price—if you're willing to let me have it."
Heidi looked troubled. "Caroline, you probably don't know the price of this necklace. I don't think it's something you can afford."
Caroline paused. Initially, she had simply thought the necklace was beautiful and was prepared to stretch her budget for it. But now, with Heidi's comment, it seemed the necklace was extraordinarily expensive.
She was curious though—how could Heidi afford something so valuable? And what important occasion required her to make such a statement with this particular necklace?
"In that case, I won't covet what belongs to someone else," Caroline said with a slight smile, picking up her bag and leaving the store.
She believed that even without the necklace, she could still make a stunning impression at the gala.
---
The next day, Caroline was dressed and ready in her pale blue gown, arriving early at the entrance to the gala.
"Caroline?"
A familiar voice with a hint of amusement came from behind her.
Caroline turned and found herself meeting Alton's gentle gaze. Her former senior colleague was wearing a dark gray suit, his eyes curving into crescents behind gold-rimmed glasses. "It is you. I didn't expect you to arrive so early."
Caroline relaxed a bit, her nervousness dissipating at the sight of Alton.
Around them, the gazes of several guests were drawn their way, with murmurs of admiration reaching her ears.
"Who is that young lady? She has such presence," asked an elegantly dressed woman to someone beside her.
"That dress is perfectly cut—makes her waist look tiny and her legs long," a young man agreed, his eyes fixed on Caroline.
Caroline acknowledged them with a slight nod, the tips of her ears turning pink. Having just moved from domestic life to a professional career, she wasn't yet accustomed to being the center of such attention.
"This is a reception hosted by the medical school's partners—full of VIPs in there," Alton said with a smile, helping Caroline deflect the attention. His gaze swept over her bare neck, and his Adam's apple bobbed slightly.
"Are you doing alright? Your friend Becky told me that Arthur never deserved your sincerity."
Alton and Becky had grown up together. Caroline frowned inwardly, surprised that Becky would be so indiscreet.
Caroline forced a smile. "Alton, don't worry about me. I'm doing fine as I am."
Before she could finish, a hearty laugh interrupted their conversation.
Gavin approached in a royal blue velvet suit, the ruby cufflinks at his wrists particularly eye-catching under the lights. "Ms. Hamilton, it's been a while!"
He walked up to Caroline and handed her a glass of champagne. "Guess what good news I've brought?"
Caroline accepted the glass, her fingertips pausing momentarily. "Has your startup succeeded?" she ventured.
"Indeed." Gavin snapped his fingers, his tone full of pride.
"The company registration is in its final stages—just need talent now. It's thanks to you that I could get into this gala."
He paused, looking at her sincerely. "I've already drawn up plans for the neuroscience lab and I'm planning to network and scout for talent. Are you interested in becoming our technical director?"