Chapter 111 Mom, Why Are You Here?
She looked up. Caroline was already coming down the stairs.
"Ma'am! What are you doing down here?" Kenna stepped forward, instinctively reaching out to stop her.
But Caroline's eyes had already found the living room. Isabella sat on the sofa, perfectly composed.
Caroline's face lit up with pure joy. She lifted her skirt slightly and hurried over, dropping to her knees beside Isabella's chair. She grabbed her mother's hands, looking up with trembling excitement.
"Mom! You came! I've missed you so much! I wanted to visit you and Dad, but I haven't been feeling well."
Isabella flinched at the sudden affection, her first instinct to pull away.
But when she looked down and saw the genuine happiness on Caroline's face, she stopped. Her brow furrowed.
Could Celeste have been telling the truth?
Was her memory truly scrambled?
Had even her feelings reverted to how they used to be?
Isabella's mind was racing. She forced a stiff smile and squeezed Caroline's hands, softening her voice. "Silly girl. If you miss us, you should come home. Your father's birthday is coming up. He wants you there. He's been asking for your cake—the one with blueberry filling."
Caroline nodded eagerly, eyes bright. "Yes! I remember Dad loves that! I'll make him a huge, beautiful cake. Big enough for all the guests!"
Isabella's frown deepened as she watched Caroline's unguarded joy.
Damon was severely allergic to blueberries. He never touched anything with them.
And he hadn't celebrated his birthday since Edith died.
She really didn't remember any of it.
Isabella pushed down her doubts and stood, pulling Caroline up with her. "Come with me. We need to get you a proper dress. You can't show up to the party looking like this. You'll embarrass the Neville family."
Caroline's smile faltered. She looked down at her simple linen dress, then thought of Alexander's warnings. Her fingers twisted together nervously.
"But... Alexander doesn't like me going out. If I leave with you, won't he be angry when he gets back..."
Isabella's expression hardened. Her voice sharpened. "Are you planning to wear that to your father's birthday? The Nevilles have a reputation in Grandhaven. There will be important guests. What will people think? That we don't take care of you? That the Hamiltons can't afford to buy you decent clothes?"
Caroline shrank back, her shoulders hunching. She spoke quietly. "No, Mom, I didn't mean that. It's just Alexander said..."
"I already called Alexander!" Isabella cut her off impatiently. "I got his permission before I came. Now let's go."
Hearing that Alexander had agreed, Caroline's tension melted. She let out a long breath, her smile returning.
She stood quickly and looped her arm through Isabella's. "That's wonderful! Should we leave now?"
Kenna watched from the side, her heart pounding.
She remembered clearly—after Edith died, Alexander's relationship with the Nevilles had turned ice cold. They only interacted when business or family obligations forced them to.
Would Alexander really agree to let Caroline go out with Isabella? Let her attend the birthday party?
She stepped forward, blocking their path. Her voice came out urgent. "Did Mr. Hamilton really approve this?"
"Kenna!" Isabella whipped around. "Are you accusing me of lying to my own daughter? Or questioning whether a mother can take her daughter shopping? Or maybe you're questioning Mr. Hamilton's orders?"
Kenna froze, lost for words.
Caroline quickly tried to smooth things over. "Kenna, it's fine. Mom's just taking me to buy a dress. We'll be back soon. Don't worry."
Isabella was already done with the conversation. She grabbed Caroline's wrist and pulled her toward the door. "Come on. Stop wasting time."
Caroline stumbled but followed obediently, turning back to wave at Kenna with a smile.
Kenna watched helplessly as Isabella half-dragged Caroline out the door and into the waiting black sedan.
The car pulled away. Kenna's unease grew with every second.
She rushed back inside and grabbed the phone, her hands shaking as she dialed Alexander's number.
No answer.
She tried Liam next.
Turned off.
Kenna paced frantically, sweat gathering on her forehead.
Finally, she called a security guard she knew well and spilled everything in a rush.
"Something's wrong. I can feel it. You need to reach Mr. Hamilton. Or send someone to follow them. Please!"
The guard sounded conflicted. "Without Mr. Hamilton's orders, we can't leave our posts. And we definitely can't tail Mrs. Neville. Besides, Mr. Hamilton flew overseas today for a deal. He's probably on the plane right now. His phone won't work."
"Then what do we do? We can't just sit here!" Kenna's voice cracked. She was close to tears.
"I'm afraid something's going to happen to Mrs. Hamilton."
The guard was silent for a moment, weighing his options.
"Don't panic. I'll try to get a message to the airline. See if they can reach Mr. Hamilton. You keep watch on your end."
Kenna hung up, her mind spinning. All she could do was pray.
In the car, Caroline was busy planning her father's birthday cake. What design should she make? What kind of surprise?
But when she glanced out the window, the scenery started to look familiar—too familiar, and wrong.
This wasn't the way to the shopping district.
"Mom." She looked at Isabella's cold profile, confused. "Aren't we going to the mall? This road... it looks like we're heading to the old estate."
Isabella's fake warmth had completely vanished.
She shot Caroline a sharp glance, her tone cutting. "Be quiet. Look at yourself. You'd be an embarrassment at any store. I had the boutique send dresses to the house. You'll choose there."