Chapter 106 There's Still Someone Who Can Help
The moment Caroline collapsed, Alexander stopped caring about anything else.
He summoned the doctor at once and carried her upstairs to the bedroom himself.
Those men. The male servant. He gave a single order: execute them all.
The evidence Celeste had handed him? He did not glance at it twice.
Now, he moved like a man possessed. He stepped into Caroline's distorted memories, playing the role of a devoted husband.
What the hell was this?
What if Caroline's memory came back one day?
Or worse—what if it never did? What if she stayed confused forever, and Alexander never corrected her, never broke the illusion? What if he grew accustomed to playing this part?
No. That could not happen.
Celeste's hands curled into fists.
She would not let everything she had carefully orchestrated, everything she was so close to claiming, be destroyed by one delusional woman and a man who might be losing his mind right along with her.
She had to find a way.
If Alexander would not give up Caroline, then there was only one option left—remove her.
But kidnapping would no longer work. Especially now that Caroline barely left the house.
If she kept orchestrating kidnappings, Alexander would grow suspicious. He might even start questioning whether the previous incidents had truly been Caroline's doing.
If he traced it back to her, she was finished.
How could she get Caroline out of Ravenwood Manor without raising Alexander's suspicions?
Wait. There was someone else she could use.
A spark ignited in Celeste's eyes. She stood abruptly.
The bodyguard beside her tensed, watching her closely.
"Relax," Celeste said coldly, smoothing her dress. "I'm just going back to my room to rest."
The guard's eyes stayed locked on her. Only when she turned and headed upstairs did he ease slightly, returning to his post.
Caroline finished the meal Kenna had brought her. Finally, the hollow ache in her stomach faded, replaced by warmth.
She lifted the empty tray, intending to return it to the kitchen downstairs.
As she passed the staircase on the first floor, she heard laughter—light, cheerful voices drifting up from the stairs leading down to the servants' quarters in the basement.
Caroline paused, curious. She leaned over the railing, peering down.
She could just make out a few young maids gathered together, busy with something.
After dropping the tray off in the kitchen, she followed the sound of their laughter downstairs.
The basement level had a small courtyard. Midday sunlight slanted through a high window, casting warm light across the space.
A handful of young maids clustered around a portable gas stove, chattering and laughing. A small pot sat on the burner, steam rising from it. The air smelled sweet—fruit and wine mingling together.
"What are you making?" Caroline asked softly, stepping closer.
The maids jumped, spinning around. "Ma'am!"
"It's all right. Don't be nervous." Caroline waved them off with a gentle smile. Her gaze drifted to the pot. "I just smelled something nice. I was curious. What is it?"
One of the maids, seeing she was not upset, explained cautiously, "Ma'am, we're making poached pears in red wine."
"Poached pears?" Caroline blinked.
Another maid chimed in excitedly, "The pears get soft and sweet when you cook them. The wine soaks in, but most of the alcohol evaporates. It tastes really special. This is our first time trying it."
The scent from the pot grew richer, sweeter. Caroline's mouth watered.
She hesitated, then asked, "It smells wonderful… Could I try a piece?"
"Of course!"
The maids relaxed, clearly pleased by her friendliness. One of them used a clean fork to fish out a piece of pear, translucent and glistening. She blew on it gently, then set it on a small plate and handed it to Caroline.
Caroline speared the warm fruit and took a bite.
The pear melted on her tongue. The wine's richness blended perfectly with the fruit's natural sweetness. It was delicious.
Her eyes fluttered shut as she savored it.
"This is really good," she said sincerely. Then she could not help herself—she ate a few more pieces.
She sat down nearby, nibbling slowly, listening to the maids debate whether they should try poached oranges next. Apparently, that would bring out the citrus's brightness without the wine's usual tartness.
Watching their young faces, hearing their easy laughter, Caroline felt the weight in her chest lift a little.
She smiled.
It seemed Alexander, despite his cold exterior, was not harsh with the household staff. He even let them enjoy themselves in their free time.
That meant… he was not completely heartless, right?
The thought warmed her. But then her mood sank again.
She lowered her head, thinking quietly, 'If he can be this kind to the servants, then maybe… maybe one day he'll forgive me too. Maybe he'll stop blaming me. Stop finding me disgusting.'
Suddenly, Kenna's panicked voice rang out from the stairwell. "Ma'am! What are you doing down here?"
Kenna appeared at the top of the stairs. When she spotted Caroline with the maids, relief washed over her face.
Then she frowned, hurrying over. "You girls! How could you let Mrs. Hamilton stay down here? She's still recovering!"
The maids fell silent, lowering their heads.
"It's not their fault, Kenna," Caroline said quickly. "I came down on my own. I was curious. And their dessert is delicious."
Kenna sighed, her expression softening slightly. But she still looked Caroline up and down with concern. "Ma'am, I'm worried about you. You were sick not long ago. And you've barely slept these past few days taking care of Mr. Hamilton. Your body needs rest."
"I know. I'm sorry for worrying you."
Caroline turned back to the maids, giving them a playful wink. They smiled shyly in return, as if to say, "Next time we make something good, we'll call you."
Caroline's smile widened. She nodded, then allowed Kenna to guide her upstairs.
But as they reached the staircase leading up to the first floor, Caroline's gaze drifted downward.
She noticed the iron door leading to the second basement level. It was shut tight.