Chapter 57 We Have Met Before
Caroline pushed against the sofa to rise, but the sharp stab in her ankle made her draw in a sharp breath. The movement faltered, a fraction too slow.
Alexander didn't pause. He was already striding toward the entrance.
She clenched her jaw, forcing herself upright, limping after him as fast as she could.
The man he was going to meet was tonight's most important target—Andrew Ford, head of the Ford Group.
Alexander's smile flicked on like a switch as he approached. "Mr. Ford, good evening. Welcome to Grandhaven." He extended his hand.
"Mr. Hamilton, a pleasure." Andrew's grip was firm, his eyes scanning Alexander with a measured appraisal. "I've heard you're a man of remarkable talent. Seeing you now, I can say the reputation is well earned."
"You flatter me," Alexander replied smoothly. He shifted slightly, sliding an arm around Caroline's waist, pulling her in close.
"Mr. Ford, allow me to introduce my wife, Caroline Neville."
His tone was warm, the gesture natural—anyone watching might think they were a devoted couple. But Caroline felt the subtle pressure of his hand, a silent warning. Tonight, there could be no mistakes.
She lifted her head, meeting Andrew's gaze. She offered a practiced smile, though no sound came. A fine sheen of sweat formed along her hairline.
Alexander's voice carried the explanation. "Forgive us, Mr. Ford. My wife has been ill with a sore throat and can't speak at the moment."
Andrew nodded, reaching out to shake her hand. But as his eyes settled on her face, his expression froze, a flicker of shock flashing in his gaze.
"You... you're—"
Before he could finish, a syrupy female voice cut in from behind.
"Mr. Ford! I can't believe I'm seeing you here—I'm so thrilled!"
Heads turned.
Celeste was smiling brightly, dressed in a soft pink dress, moving quickly through the crowd.
Caroline's body went rigid, her heart plunging. Why was she here? Had Alexander arranged this, bringing Celeste into the same room to remind her of her place... to humiliate her? Or was there another reason?
Fear surged, draining what little color remained from her face. She tried to step back, but Alexander's arm held her firmly in place.
She glanced at him—and saw a faint crease in his brow as he looked at Celeste. No anger, but definite surprise.
He... hadn't expected her either?
"Mr. Ford!" Celeste reached them, hand outstretched, her voice warm and eager. "I never imagined I'd meet you here! I'm Celeste—do you remember me? At Sacred Haven Orphanage, years ago, when you came to review the donation project? We even took a photo together!"
Andrew's surprise smoothed into politeness. He clearly didn't recall the name, but he had indeed funded Sacred Haven Orphanage. He took her hand lightly.
"Miss, hello. Sacred Haven Orphanage... yes, I did contribute. It's good to meet you."
Celeste's eyes lit up at the acknowledgment. She pressed on, her voice rising just enough to carry.
"Yes, Mr. Ford. Thanks to your generosity back then, I've come to where I am today. I'm now the adopted daughter of the Neville Family, under the care of Mr. and Mrs. Neville."
Caroline caught the intent immediately. Celeste was raising her own status.
Her brow furrowed.
In Caroline's experience, Celeste was always calculated—careful, deliberate, never rash. She had spent years mimicking Edith, never showing impatience.
This was different. Celeste sounded almost desperate, as if something had rattled her.
Her words lingered in the air, and the nearby guests began to stir.
Some of the old-family crowd exchanged looks, their murmurs drifting just enough to be caught.
"The Neville Family's adopted daughter? Isn't she the one... supposed to resemble Edith?"
"Resemble? Not in looks. Only in mannerisms—and that's clearly studied. If anyone truly resembles Edith, it's Caroline."
"And I heard Celeste came from an orphanage."
"They're kind people, but she's not the family's real daughter."
"Her being here... feels a little improper."
Celeste heard it too. Her smile faltered, a trace of embarrassment in her eyes.
Alexander caught every word. His face stayed composed, but his gaze cooled.
He stepped forward, subtly placing himself between Celeste and Andrew. "Mr. Ford, Celeste is indeed adopted, but she has a kind heart and is deeply committed to charity. I suspect she's here tonight to thank the orphanage that once helped her."
It was a neat deflection, a shield against the whispers.
Andrew, ever perceptive, understood the undercurrents. He inclined his head to Celeste, his smile polite but putting a subtle distance between them.
Then his attention returned to Caroline.
"Mrs. Hamilton," he said, taking a step closer. "Forgive my boldness, but... have we met before? Perhaps seven or eight years ago, near Grandhaven University's medical school?"
Caroline blinked, caught off guard. Seven or eight years ago? She had been studying psychology then, occasionally sitting in on lectures at the medical school. But she had no memory of meeting a man of Andrew's stature.
Her confusion was plain, but Andrew's expression only grew more certain as she searched her mind.