Chapter 94
In her room, Caroline was completely absorbed in her work when a knock sounded at her door as twilight settled over the horizon.
She opened it to find Layla's fluffy head peeking in. "Mommy, dinner's ready."
"Alright," Caroline replied, tidying her desk before heading downstairs.
Heidi looked surprised to see her. "Caroline, you're home too? Perfect timing—let's eat together. Arthur made delicious lemon chicken today. You should try some."
She smiled with contentment, acting every bit the lady of the Windsor household while politely welcoming Caroline.
From where she stood, Caroline could see Arthur arranging dishes beside Heidi. He didn't look at Caroline, but the gentle expression he gave Heidi was one he'd never shown her.
Caroline lowered her gaze as she sat down, inadvertently missing Arthur's thoughtful glance in her direction.
Tiffany, seated nearby, couldn't hide her displeasure. "It's bad enough you don't come home for days, but now you can't even read the room? Heidi and Arthur cooked dinner—can't you at least help serve?"
Caroline's expression remained calm as she rose to bring over the other dishes prepared by the housekeeper, deliberately overlooking Arthur's lemon chicken.
Tiffany's face twisted with anger, but before she could speak, Heidi took her arm and sat down beside her.
"Auntie, Caroline's been so busy lately. She must be exhausted," Heidi said. "Did you know? Caroline isn't just knowledgeable about neuronal repair—she's also researching cancer treatments. She made quite an impression at Mr. Barnes' lecture today."
Hearing this, Irene gave Caroline a somewhat appreciative look. "I didn't realize you were so accomplished. Even understanding cancer research. That's good—women should have their own careers."
Tiffany snorted contemptuously. "What use is an empty reputation if a woman can't even manage her own home? If she's really so capable, why hasn't she developed a targeted cancer drug like Heidi has?"
At the mention of Heidi, Tiffany's smile never faltered. She took a diamond-encrusted bracelet from a wooden box and placed it directly on Heidi's wrist. "Heidi, Arthur's company overcame its crisis thanks to your help. You're our family's greatest asset."
Caroline's gaze faltered momentarily. She remembered that bracelet—a Windsor family heirloom only meant for the lady of the household.
Despite Caroline giving Arthur twins, Tiffany had never once suggested giving her the bracelet. Yet now, she was openly presenting it to Heidi. Had Tiffany given up even pretending?
Heidi looked delighted for a moment, then somewhat embarrassed. "Auntie, I only did what I could. I don't think it's appropriate for me to accept such a valuable gift."
She immediately moved to take it off, but Tiffany stopped her. "Heidi, you deserve this bracelet. You have talent and ability, and you help Arthur's company progress. That's far better than certain people who have some skills but help outsiders, using all their tactics against their own family's company."
Heidi's cheeks flushed slightly, but she cast a careful glance at Caroline. "Caroline, is it alright if I accept this bracelet?"
Tiffany's face hardened. "Why are you afraid of her? Since when does she have any say over Windsor family possessions?"
"I just don't want to upset her..."
Caroline set down her utensils, suddenly finding every dish nauseating.
She smiled faintly. "Windsor family matters have nothing to do with me. There's no need to ask my permission."
The moment the words left her mouth, Arthur's expression cooled, his deep gaze fixed intently on her. But she didn't spare him a single glance.
Heidi smiled. "In that case, I gratefully accept."
Caroline lowered her eyes, a strained smile briefly crossing her lips as the food in her mouth seemed to lose all taste.
With Isaac away at their suburban villa due to his recent illness, there wasn't a single person to speak up for her. Everyone seemed pleased with the scene unfolding before them.
Caroline ate in silence, appearing indifferent. She didn't care about the bracelet symbolizing the lady of the Windsor household. What she wanted was to divorce Arthur as soon as possible, then develop a cancer treatment to cure her illness.
This thought reminded her of the Windsor Group's new targeted drug that had just been released. She wondered if she could try it and see its effects.
Meanwhile, Layla and Logan happily complimented Heidi's bracelet and served her food. It had become a competition between them—who could please Heidi more, and they were making quite a commotion.
Caroline glanced at them briefly before looking away. Their behavior lacked proper etiquette, but she couldn't be bothered to discipline them.
Layla noticed this. Remembering how Caroline had looked displeased when she'd served food to Heidi before, Layla decided to serve Caroline as well. "Mommy, this chicken is especially delicious. Daddy made it himself."
Since her first chemotherapy session, Caroline had been taking medication that required her to avoid spicy, stimulating, and cold foods. Chicken, in particular, was strictly off-limits.
Caroline declined her offer. "Thank you, Layla, but I'm not feeling well lately. I can't eat chicken."
Layla could hardly believe it. She didn't understand the rejection, and her eyes immediately welled with tears. "Mommy, are you angry? I'm sorry. Next time I'll serve you first. Please don't be angry, okay?"
In her mind, Caroline had never refused her before, and certainly never refused anything Arthur had made. Caroline's rejection now must mean she was upset that they had served Heidi first.
Afraid Caroline might make things difficult for Heidi, she was quick to admit her mistake.
But this very statement made Caroline appear like a cruel mother. Suddenly, she found herself the center of attention, with even Arthur looking at her.
Tiffany began to mock her, her face cold. "What do you mean you're not feeling well? You're rejecting your own child's concern—do you even remember you're their mother? It's just chicken. How can you not eat it?"
Tiffany dumped most of the chicken from the plate into Caroline's bowl.
Caroline set down her utensils. "I haven't been feeling well lately. Cold meat makes me nauseous. Please enjoy your meal."
With that, she went upstairs.
Tiffany was furious. "Who does she think she is, giving me attitude like that!"
Beside her, Heidi's gentle voice offered soothing words. Under her calming influence, the family soon resumed their cheerful dinner, seemingly unconcerned about Caroline's feelings.
Back in her room, Caroline felt a dull pain beginning to spread from her abdomen throughout her body.