Chapter 50
Caroline was startled—this was indeed an excellent opportunity.
She had heard of Gavin's reputation in the industry—a man of exceptional ability. Working with him would certainly be a valuable learning experience.
Alton chuckled beside her. "Mr. Bennett's company is a golden ticket in Orchid City. So many people have tried everything to get in."
His eyes held encouragement as he looked at Caroline. "This is truly a rare opportunity. You should seriously consider it."
Caroline's fingers tightened around her glass. It wasn't that she didn't want to go, but she was an employee of the Windsor Group. Leaving so abruptly seemed inappropriate.
"I..." she began, but couldn't make a proper decision.
Gavin, sensing her hesitation, said, "No need to answer right away. Think about it. My door is always open for you."
Caroline smiled and was about to respond when a commotion suddenly erupted at the entrance of the ballroom.
All eyes turned toward the entrance, including Caroline's. When she saw the familiar figure, she froze.
Arthur appeared under the carved archway.
Caroline's gaze followed him involuntarily until she noticed Heidi at his side.
She wore an ivory mermaid gown that accentuated her curves, and around her neck hung the sapphire necklace, which swayed gently with her movements, reflecting a deep blue light.
So that was it. Heidi had rushed to collect the necklace yesterday for this event.
"Why is he here?" Gavin's voice was low. He knew Arthur rarely attended such gatherings. His sudden appearance with Heidi seemed deliberately calculated.
Arthur's gaze swept across the ballroom, noticeably pausing when it reached Caroline. He hadn't expected to see her here. In her pale blue dress, she looked softer than usual, yet also more distant.
A flicker of surprise crossed Arthur's deep eyes before quickly reverting to his customary coolness, as if he'd merely noticed someone of no consequence.
Clinton, standing beside him, also spotted Caroline and made no attempt to hide his disdain, his contemptuous gaze piercing like an icicle.
"Mr. Windsor gracing us with his presence—this gala must be quite significant," people murmured as they crowded forward with flattery.
Arthur was an investment powerhouse; securing his backing would solve all their project funding concerns.
Seeing Heidi, it was clear to everyone that her relationship with Arthur was far from ordinary.
"Ms. White has such exceptional presence—even that priceless necklace seems dimmed by comparison."
"That's a handcrafted piece, reportedly took six months to make. Including labor, it's worth over fifty million dollars."
The crowd buzzed with gossip.
"The jewelry designer said Mr. Windsor had it specially commissioned for his girlfriend. He even designed it himself."
The exclamations around them grew louder.
"Ms. White is so fortunate. They are like a match made in heaven."
"Indeed, they're such a striking couple."
These comments hammered at Caroline's nerves like tiny mallets.
Caroline had initially wondered how Heidi, despite being Design Director at the Windsor Group, could afford such an expensive piece of jewelry. Now she understood—Arthur had purchased it.
Caroline smiled bitterly. In their seven years of marriage, the most expensive thing Arthur had ever given her was probably just her engagement ring.
At this thought, Caroline unconsciously took several steps back.
"Ignore them," Gavin said, subtly positioning himself in front of her, sensing her discomfort and wanting to provide some security. "Let me introduce you to someone important."
Gavin led Caroline to an academic fellow. "Dr. Flores, I'd like to introduce you to a talent in neuroscience research." He gestured toward Caroline.
"Don't underestimate her—she was quite renowned in school. She published five core scientific papers in her sophomore year."
Ruben Flores raised his graying eyebrows. "Caroline Hamilton, right? Heard of you! I even read your thesis three times! Brilliantly written, especially your analysis of neuronal reconstruction mechanisms—very insightful."
Caroline's attention was immediately drawn back to academics, her eyes brightening as the earlier gloom dissipated. "You're too kind. I've always wanted to ask you about your research on Alzheimer's disease."
Ruben was intrigued by her question and began an enthusiastic discussion. The two conversed animatedly, with Gavin watching with a smile, occasionally adding comments. Seeing Caroline smile again, he felt relieved.
No one noticed Heidi approaching, champagne glass in hand, walking toward them in her high heels.
"Ms. White." Gavin suddenly stepped forward, blocking her path.
His face wore a standard business smile, but his tone conveyed unmistakable distance. "It's been a long time."
They had indeed been university classmates, but had barely kept in touch after graduation.
Recently, Heidi had suddenly contacted him about her art exhibition, enthusiastically inviting him to attend and mentioning she'd heard he was planning to develop his business in the area.
"I didn't expect we'd meet here. You didn't anticipate my presence, did you?" Gavin's tone was flat, revealing little emotion.
Heidi's smile faltered momentarily. She hadn't expected this attitude from Gavin.
At the art exhibition, she had mentioned to Gavin that she wanted to join his company. Although Heidi had majored in medicine in college, she had been working in design, which wasn't her true passion. She wanted greater opportunities for growth.
She had always assumed that, given their college connection, her move to his company was almost certain.
But placing all her hopes on Gavin alone was unrealistic. Hearing that this gala would be full of medical professionals, she couldn't miss the opportunity.
She smiled and said, "Gavin, I heard your company here is established. This gala is full of important figures—I thought I could help build some connections for our company."
Gavin had already made up his mind. His company focused on the medical industry. Although Heidi had studied medicine in college, she had changed careers after graduation. After so many years in design, her medical knowledge was likely outdated.
He worried Heidi wouldn't be able to contribute much, which was why he had never given her a definitive answer.
"Heidi, I don't mean to disrespect you," Gavin sighed. "But as you know, you haven't worked in medicine since graduation. It would be difficult for you to adapt to our company's operations."
Heidi's smile stiffened. She hadn't expected Gavin to refuse so directly. But she didn't show too much anger—after all, Gavin's company wasn't her only option.