Chapter 154: Setting Up a Meeting

“What?” Caroline was utterly taken aback by Diana’s sudden call and unexpected question.

“You just need to tell me—do you like him? If you do, I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure you and Frederick end up together,” Diana declared.

She was at her wit’s end after being provoked by Jane.

“I…”

Truthfully, Caroline’s heart was nearly bursting with joy. She had long yearned for Frederick, dreamed of being with him, and had spent years carefully hiding her feelings from Diana. Now, she no longer needed to pretend, and the elation threatened to make her jump for joy.

“Caroline, be honest. If Frederick is destined to marry someone in his life, I hope it’s you.”

“I know your family background is far removed from the Hawthorne family’s. It’s an uphill battle to imagine Frederick marrying you.”

“But it’s not impossible. You’re Anna’s sister, and just like her, you’re kind and pure-hearted. I genuinely want Frederick to be with someone like you.”

Diana paused, her voice growing more uncertain. “But right now, my father is pushing for Frederick to get engaged to Claire. I don’t know why he’s doing this or if the engagement will actually lead to marriage.”

“If it does, me saying this to you now might make it seem like I’m asking you to play the role of the other woman, and that makes me deeply uneasy. It’s not fair to you.”

“But I can’t bear the thought of Frederick being with Claire. Can you understand how I feel, Caroline? After all, Anna saved my life, and Claire is the one responsible for her death.”

“If Anna were still alive, she would have been Frederick’s wife. Now, to think Claire might take her place—it’s unbearable. Every time I think about it, I feel sick.”

Diana’s voice wavered with emotion, utterly unaware of the truth. She had always assumed Caroline was simply a shy, dutiful girl who had stayed quietly by Frederick’s side, relying on his sponsorship for school these past four years. Diana’s heartfelt plea came from a place of genuine concern.

What she didn’t know was that Caroline had long harbored forbidden feelings for Frederick. In fact, she had already begun weaving her web, attempting to lure him into her grasp.

Caroline’s heart leaped with delight as she listened to Diana’s words. Naturally, she decided to play along. “Diana, do you really think that’s possible for me? Honestly, I’ve never dared tell you this, but I’ve always thought Frederick is a good man.”

“Over these past four years by his side, I’ve often wondered what kind of woman would eventually become his wife. I even envied Anna back then.”

“But I never expected that in the end, it would be Claire who would get engaged to him. Diana, in this, you and I share the same feelings. I’d rather die than see Claire end up with Frederick.”

“Since you’ve already brought this up, I won’t shy away from it. Tell me what you want me to do, and I’ll do it.”

Caroline feigned modesty, carefully crafting an image of someone too humble to entertain grand hopes, yet deeply infatuated with Frederick.

“That’s wonderful, Caroline!” Diana exclaimed, clearly relieved. “Don’t worry, leave this to me. Even though I’m currently grounded and can’t leave the house, as long as I have my phone, I can still contact people outside.”

“With my status as the eldest daughter of the Hawthorne family and the network I’ve built over the years, setting up a meeting between you and Frederick won’t be a problem. Just wait for my good news.”

She hesitated for a moment before adding, “Oh, one more thing. If it comes to it, and I arrange for you and Frederick to… well, spend the night together, would you be okay with that? I know it’s a big psychological step to take.”

“But given the situation, this seems like the fastest and simplest way.”

Diana’s tone was filled with earnest concern, genuinely thinking she was persuading Caroline. She even took the time to ensure Caroline wouldn’t feel uncomfortable with the idea of sharing a bed with Frederick.

“Everything will be as you arrange, Diana,” Caroline replied.

But the mere thought of sharing a bed with Frederick sent a surge of exhilaration through her. She could barely contain the heat rising within her, already picturing the scene in her mind. Yet, over the phone, she maintained an air of modesty.

“Alright, Caroline. I know this might be difficult for you, but thank you for going along with it,” Diana said, her tone comforting, like that of a protective older sister.

The call ended, and Caroline set her phone down, unable to contain her excitement. She paced back and forth, her heart pounding wildly in her chest.

“Lord, please let this work. Let Diana’s plan succeed so I can truly and completely become Frederick’s woman,” she murmured, clasping her hands together in fervent prayer.

The cool morning breeze brushed against her skin, finally reminding her she was still outside. Earlier, upon hearing about Frederick’s engagement to Claire, she had stormed out in anguish.

But now, triumph bubbled inside her. She smirked, reveling in the thought. Perhaps before Frederick and Claire could even announce their engagement, she would already have claimed him.

Lost in her self-satisfaction, Caroline let her guard down completely, oblivious to the sharp eyes observing her. Nearby, an elderly woman had been sitting quietly, unnoticed. She had overheard every single word of Caroline’s conversation with Diana.

As Caroline turned to head back toward the villa, the old woman rose from her seat, pulling off the mask that concealed her true face.