Chapter 69
Caroline had left Zenith Technologies hours ago. Budget negotiations weren't her strength, but she refused to accept "too idealistic" as legitimate grounds to dismiss her life's work.
When Alton called about the company situation, Professor Gabriel Barnes overheard. Minutes later, Caroline's phone lit up with Alton's name.
"Caroline, the professor wants to see you."
Her hand tightened around the phone as silence stretched between them. Since filing for divorce, Gabriel was the person she most wanted—yet feared—to see.
When she married Arthur years ago, her mentor had strongly disapproved. She proceeded anyway, eventually losing contact with him.
"Alright," she finally answered, her voice barely audible.
As she approached Celestial University's entrance, a sudden, crippling pain seized her abdomen.
Using her last reserves of strength, Caroline pulled over and doubled over, vomiting acidic fluid streaked with blood that stained her pale lips crimson.
She'd been pushing herself beyond limits, constantly monitoring data in the laboratory despite her doctor's explicit warnings to manage her emotions and avoid overexertion.
The emotional turbulence of recent days had finally overwhelmed her body's weakened defenses.
"Caroline?"
A cool male voice startled her from behind.
Looking up, she found Arthur in an impeccably tailored dark suit, his elegant bearing unmarred by the furrow in his brow.
"What's wrong with you?"
Caroline froze momentarily, wondering if she was hallucinating. Confirming it was indeed Arthur, she composed herself with practiced efficiency.
"I'm fine." She retrieved water from her car and took a measured sip, instantly reconstructing her dignified demeanor. "Thank you for your concern, Mr. Windsor."
Arthur's frown deepened, his manner cooling as he regarded her with unmistakable scrutiny.
Caroline noticed immediately, smiling bitterly at his obvious suspicion that she was somehow following him.
"Logan says he wants your BBQ Glazed Ribs," he said abruptly. "Remember to pick them up after work today."
"I don't have time," Caroline replied.
Arthur's face hardened with irritation. "You're their mother. This is your obligation."
Caroline fell silent. She had sent the divorce petition, yet Arthur hadn't responded—seemingly ignoring the entire matter.
"Layla and Logan aren't just my children," she finally said. "You have paternal obligations too. I'll set aside one day each week to be with them. I'm not responsible for other times."
The twins spent most of their time in kindergarten now. They might miss their mother, but she wasn't irreplaceable.
If they needed to adjust eventually, better to establish clear boundaries now.
"I'll see them on Friday," she conceded, offering her maximum compromise.
Seeing Arthur's cold expression, Caroline had nothing more to say. She returned to her car and drove into the campus, leaving him standing there.
Minutes later, Arthur and Heidi also entered the university grounds.
"Professor Barnes is known for his high standards," Heidi fretted, smoothing her carefully selected outfit. "What if he doesn't accept me?"
Arthur reassured her gently. "Your achievements in medicine are exceptional. He has no reason to refuse you."
Heidi smiled, confidence restored. She had prepared meticulously for this meeting, determined to secure Gabriel Barnes as her mentor.
---
At the faculty apartments, Caroline rang the doorbell with trembling fingers.
Alton opened the door, momentarily startled by her bloodless complexion. Mindful of the professor and his wife inside, he partially closed the door behind him.
"Caroline, what's happening to you? You look terrible," he whispered urgently.
Caroline opened her mouth, but no word came out. She didn't want them to worry about her health.
Gabriel appeared, opening the door fully with a stern expression. "Give me your hand," he commanded.
Caroline closed her eyes briefly, knowing concealment was futile, and extended her hand.
Gabriel wasn't just accomplished in clinical medicine; he also had expertise in alternative diagnostic techniques.
His fingers pressed lightly against her pulse point, his gaze focused and penetrating. After a moment, he withdrew, his expression grave.
"How long has it been?"
Caroline lowered her eyes. "Almost a month since diagnosis."
Gabriel's face darkened as he admonished her sharply. "No treatment, ignoring medical advice, pushing yourself to collapse—are you trying to die?"
"I don't want to die," Caroline said softly. "I want to live."
She wanted to live and accomplish so much more. She had intended to keep her condition secret—if not for today's sudden flare-up and the unsettling encounter with Arthur disrupting her composure, she might have maintained her facade.
Gabriel snorted indignantly, turning away to hide his reddening eyes before retreating to his study.
Still confused, Alton whispered as they entered, "What illness is it?"
He sensed this was the burden Caroline had been reluctant to share.
"Ovarian cancer," she replied, pressing her lips together before adding quietly, "Late stage."
Those final two words hung with crushing weight, making it difficult to breathe.
Alton remained remarkably composed. "When you're feeling stronger, we'll run additional tests. Cancer research is my specialty, remember? With the professor's help, I've made decent progress these past years."
He attempted a lighthearted smile. "A little cancer? No problem."
Caroline burst into unexpected laughter, the heaviness in her heart momentarily lifting. Alton was typically refined and serious—his deliberate attempt at humor was exactly what she needed.
As they moved further inside, Professor Barnes's wife intercepted them with tea.
"Caroline! It's been so long," Zoey Windsor smiled warmly. "I'll make you ravioli—you always loved my ravioli, didn't you?"
She turned toward the kitchen, but Caroline caught her arm, eyes unexpectedly welling with tears. "Mrs. Barnes, please don't trouble yourself."
"It's no trouble at all. I'm delighted you've come to visit."
After brief pleasantries, Caroline sat in the living room sipping tea.
Gabriel and Alton were deep in conversation in the study while Zoey prepared food in the kitchen when someone knocked at the door. Caroline rose to answer.
She pulled the door open and froze.