Chapter 5
The grandfather clock in the corner of the ballroom struck seven times, signaling dinner time.
Caroline pushed the wheelchair through the bustling crowd, with Isaac's withered hand resting on the armrest.
The main table was already perfectly arranged, with silver embroidered tablecloths reflecting soft light under the crystal chandeliers.
Arthur and Heidi approached side by side. Arthur's black suit showed no trace of the wine spill, while Heidi held Logan's hand. Her other hand occasionally adjusted Arthur's tie, her demeanor so intimate she might have been mistaken for his wife.
"Great-grandpa!" Layla shot forward like a little bullet, reaching the wheelchair and looking up with her delicate face.
"I have so many good wishes I haven't said yet!" She cleared her throat and began reciting in her sweet voice: "I wish Great-grandpa a very happy birthday and many more years of good health, happiness, and peace!"
Logan immediately joined in, not to be outdone: "I drew a family portrait! I made Great-grandpa look like an immortal sage!"
Isaac laughed heartily, his wrinkles filled with joy as he patted both children's heads, repeatedly saying "well done."
Heidi stepped forward at the perfect moment, holding a bowl of soup. "Mr. Isaac Windsor, look how blessed you are—Layla and Logan so well-behaved, Arthur so capable. It's truly enviable."
Her voice was gentle as her gaze swept across the table of descendants, pausing briefly when it reached Caroline. "Unlike my family, which is always so quiet and empty."
Murmurs of agreement immediately rose around them. Several ladies who were friendly with the White family nodded. "Heidi is right. This is true family happiness, Mr. Isaac Windsor."
Heidi sat down with a slight smile, her ivory dress sweeping the floor, trailing a faint scent of gardenia.
Suddenly, as if remembering something, she looked at Caroline with apparent concern. "Speaking of family, I was talking with my stepmother on the phone a few days ago, and she mentioned Caroline."
Caroline's grip on her soup spoon tightened.
"My stepmother said that for Caroline's birthday last year, she spent a long time choosing a bracelet to send her, but it was returned."
Heidi sighed softly, taking a small sip from her teacup.
"I know my stepmother feels hurt. After all, Caroline is her biological daughter. How could she not think of her?"
Heidi looked at Caroline. "Caroline, is there some misunderstanding between the two of you?"
As soon as she finished speaking, the table fell momentarily silent.
Caroline lowered her gaze, her long eyelashes casting shadows beneath her eyes.
In the late autumn of her eighth year, Caroline's mother had led her by the hand to the doorstep of the White family mansion. Her stepfather, Owen White, sat on the living room sofa without even lifting his eyelids.
"Bring her in. Don't stand at the door looking unsightly."
His voice pierced Caroline's heart like an icicle.
Heidi, wearing a pink princess dress, clung to Owen's arm, whining, "Daddy, why does she have to live with us?"
"Be good, Heidi. From now on, she's your older sister."
Caroline's mother smiled ingratiatingly.
In the days that followed, Heidi always played the part of the obedient, sensible child in front of adults, only to throw Caroline's textbooks into flower beds or secretly add salt to her milk when no one was looking.
Owen always favored his biological daughter. When Caroline studied hard and ranked first in her grade, hoping for her stepfather's approval, all she received was a dismissive "What good is being good at studies?"
She had long grown tired of that home, that suffocating feeling of living under someone else's roof. It wasn't until she married Arthur that she finally escaped.
After marriage, she blocked all contact with her former family—the most complete severing of her past.
"I had no idea about this," said a lady seated nearby, covering her mouth with a handkerchief while her eyes scrutinized Caroline.
"Returning gifts from your own biological mother—how unfilial."
The subtle whispers buzzed like mosquitoes in her ears. Caroline's knuckles turned white from tension, and a thin layer of sweat formed on her glass.
She could clearly feel the strange gazes directed at her—gazes filled with contempt, speculation, and schadenfreude.
Words of rebuttal reached the tip of her tongue, but rationality quickly suppressed them.
Today was Isaac's birthday celebration. If she publicly confronted Heidi, it would damage the reputation of the entire Windsor family.
Isaac suddenly cleared his throat, his elderly voice carrying undeniable authority. "Let's eat. The food is getting cold."
He continued, "Today is a joyous occasion. Let's not discuss such unpleasant matters."
With those words, the murmuring at the table abruptly ceased.
Everyone raised their glasses. "Indeed! We wish Mr. Isaac Windsor health and longevity!"
"Cheers!"
Crystal glasses clinked with a crisp sound as the atmosphere warmed again, as if the previous incident had never happened.
Caroline silently took a sip of warm water, the flattery of the distinguished guests making her head spin.
Halfway through the banquet, Caroline excused herself to use the restroom.
She leaned against the carved railing, her fingertips cold. Her phone screen lit up with an academic conference schedule and some materials from Alton.
[There's still some time before the conference. The academic field has changed rapidly in the years you've been away.]
[These are some of the latest research findings and papers—hopefully they'll help you catch up.]
Just as she was about to reply, the sound of high heels clicking against the floor came from behind.
"Caroline, trying to sneak away?" Heidi leaned against the bathroom doorway, her red lips curved in mockery. "I understand. These occasions must be difficult for you."
Caroline ignored her and turned to leave.
"Don't be in such a hurry." Heidi stepped forward to block her way, taking out a bright red lipstick to touch up her makeup.
Her voice lowered but remained perfectly clear. "You've been so busy dealing with all those people, I bet you haven't had time to check on Grandma."
Heidi put away her lipstick, the vibrant red color making her presence even more imposing. "The hospital just called. Her asthma has flared up again. I hear it's quite serious this time."
She deliberately paused, watching Caroline's suddenly tense profile with growing satisfaction.
"It's strange, isn't it? Didn't you graduate from medical school? How is it you can't even treat your own grandmother? Were those diplomas all for show?"
"Or perhaps after years of taking care of those two children, you've forgotten all your skills?"
Caroline calmly raised her eyes, her gaze filled with unreadable emotions. "My affairs are none of your business."
"I just think it's a shame," Heidi sighed with feigned regret.
"The poor old woman lying in a hospital bed, while her granddaughter won't even show her face. But I suppose that makes sense. Even though Arthur doesn't like you, you're still officially his wife to the outside world. Why would you remember poor relatives?"
"I'll send the hospital fees on time." Caroline clenched her fist, her nails digging deep into her palm. She had long grown tired of being Mrs. Windsor.
"As for everything else, Ms. White, you need not concern yourself."
With that, she walked past Heidi directly toward the end of the corridor.
Her heart felt both confused and sorrowful. How much longer could this loveless marriage continue?