Chapter 96
After hanging up the phone, a smile brightened Caroline's face, bringing a radiant glow to her entire being.
Even one's own flesh and blood didn't necessarily return genuine love. From today on, she wouldn't worry so much.
All she needed to do was fulfill her maternal responsibilities during their weekly meetings. Once the divorce papers were signed, she would have no further connection to the Windsor family.
Back in her room, Caroline gathered her clothes for a shower.
Lost in thought, she didn't realize someone was already in the bathroom until she opened the door and was startled by the steam inside.
Through the misty vapor, Arthur turned to look at her. The defined contours of his abdomen were particularly striking, and even his captivating face, flushed from the heat, held a cold allure mixed with something mesmerizing.
Caroline felt her cheeks warming instantly.
"Sorry, this was an accident," she said, her earlobes reddening slightly as she quickly closed the door.
Her previously still heart suddenly pounded rapidly.
Undeniably, setting aside the fact that Arthur didn't love her, he was an exceptional man. In terms of looks, physique, and family background, he could be considered Sovereign City's most eligible man.
His capabilities were also extraordinary—he had led the Windsor Group to significant growth in just a few years.
Initially, she had been drawn to him, believing she could win his heart. But after years of effort, she had lost completely.
Love doesn't guarantee returns just because one gives their all. And the one factor she had set aside—his lack of love for her—was precisely the most fatal flaw.
While she was lost in these thoughts, Arthur finished his shower and emerged.
He seemed unbothered by their earlier awkward encounter. Instead, he thoughtfully eyed the medication she hadn't managed to hide.
"That's the targeted cancer drug developed by Celestial University's research institute. I've seen it before. You're taking this medication?"
Caroline's heart tightened, and she instinctively tried to hide the bottle.
But as she grabbed it, she realized that constantly hiding wasn't the solution. Being straightforward would avoid raising suspicion.
"Yes, it's from the research institute. I borrowed a bottle for study and haven't returned it yet." She added casually, "What? You don't think I have cancer, do you?"
Arthur gave her a meaningful look but said nothing more, gathering his clothes to leave.
Caroline pressed her lips together, seizing the opportunity. "You mentioned earlier that the Windsor Group's new targeted drug is effective for cancer treatment. Could you possibly..."
Arthur's deep, cold eyes turned to her. "You want it?"
"Yes, for research purposes."
"I'll have someone deliver it tomorrow."
With that topic concluded, Arthur didn't seem in a hurry to leave. "Heidi and I have plans tomorrow. You'll need to take Layla and Logan to their enrichment classes."
"Alright."
Even after he closed the door, Caroline wasn't sure if he had believed her explanation. But that wasn't her primary concern.
With access to the new targeted drug, she was one step closer to curing her cancer. She only hoped it would truly be effective.
---
The next day, Caroline woke up early despite it being a rest day.
Arthur hadn't returned to their room last night, and his car wasn't at home when she got up.
Considering his request for her to take the children to their classes, Caroline suspected Arthur wanted alone time with Heidi.
After the divorce, the two would likely announce their relationship soon.
Caroline didn't dwell on it. She prepared breakfast for the children as usual, still fulfilling her role as a mother wholeheartedly when with them.
She had just sealed the edges of the ravioli when the house assistant walked in with a leather envelope.
"Mrs. Windsor, Mr. Windsor had this delivered for you."
Caroline opened it to find the Windsor Group's latest targeted drug. Arthur was indeed efficient.
The divorce papers probably wouldn't take long either.
She considered calling her lawyer to withdraw the court filing, but after dialing, she hung up.
Going to court was her safety net—she didn't want to impact the Windsor Group, but she also didn't want complications to prevent the divorce.
Caroline asked the housekeeper to cook the ravioli while she went to wake the children.
When she opened their door, they were already coming out. Seeing her, Logan's expression soured.
"Mommy? Why is it you?"
Caroline paused briefly before explaining calmly. "Your dad has matters to attend to. I'll take you to your classes."
Logan said nothing but was clearly unhappy.
Layla, however, came over to hug Caroline. As they went downstairs, she looked around anxiously.
"Mom, where's Ms. White?"
"She's with your dad, helping him with something."
The children's mood visibly dampened. They barely touched their favorite mini ravioli, eating just two or three pieces.
Caroline noticed but didn't try to console them. She simply went upstairs to pack their things and took them directly to their enrichment classes.
---
When she arrived at the apartment afterward, Rena had already packed her things and was sitting patiently on the sofa.
Seeing Caroline, Rena immediately ran over and threw herself into her arms. "Hello, Ms. Hamilton! I missed you so much. Did you miss me?"
Caroline lifted her up and kissed her soft little cheek. "Of course I did. I'm here to take you camping. Let's go!"
"Yay!" Rena excitedly took a photo with Caroline and posted it online with the caption: [My Ms. Hamilton is the best in the world.]
Gavin emerged from the room carrying the tent, looking playfully troubled. "You little rascal. Just a moment ago, you were saying I was the best in the world. Now that Ms. Hamilton is here, you've forgotten all about me, haven't you?"
Rena made a face and pulled Caroline away. "Ms. Hamilton, you don't need to worry about Uncle Gavin. Mommy said he's just our labor today—we can boss him around as much as we want."
Caroline couldn't help but laugh. Looking up, she saw Gavin's expression of helpless affection.
"Let's go, you little troublemaker," he said with a smile.
Caroline certainly wouldn't let Gavin carry everything himself and helped with some of the load.
She had assumed Gavin was just there to deliver their gear, but she learned that Libbie had specifically asked him to accompany them for safety reasons.
Caroline realized this made sense. Whisperwind Prairie—their desitination—was on the outskirts of Sovereign City, and having a male companion would indeed be safer.
The drive took nearly two hours. As soon as they arrived, Rena ran wild across the grassland, where a group of Shetland ponies approached her affectionately, nuzzling her and making her laugh with delight.
Caroline was infected by her laughter. Together, they found the owner of a nearby stable and enjoyed horseback riding and archery.