Chapter 157: Enjoying a Peaceful Day

Frederick hadn't expected that, upon heading upstairs, he'd stumble upon Caroline raising her hand, about to strike two maids.

“Frederick? Did you just get back? Or are you heading out to work?”

Caroline was startled, immediately retracting her hand and scrambling to change the subject.

“I just got back,” Frederick replied calmly, his sharp eyes observing her closely. “I slept at the office last night after working late. I came home to grab a document I need. What were you just doing?”

In his memory, Caroline had always been gentle and soft-spoken, her demeanor quiet and unassuming. Yet, just moments ago, she’d lost her temper at the maids and seemed on the verge of physically lashing out. Was this really the Caroline he thought he knew?

“I wasn’t doing anything,” Caroline quickly replied. “Frederick, you have no idea how relieved I am you’re here. It’s them—they’ve been bullying me. Maybe it’s because they think you’re about to get engaged to Claire. They probably think I’m just in the way here.”

She walked over, clutching Frederick’s arm in a familiar gesture, her voice soft and pitiful as she sought his sympathy.

Over the past four years, Caroline’s delicate charm and pleas had never failed to sway Frederick. But Caroline had forgotten one crucial detail: Frederick was no ordinary man. To rise to the rank of General required sharp instincts and keen judgment. He was no longer the same Frederick who indulged her unconditionally.

In the past, Frederick had trusted Caroline completely. She was Anna’s younger sister, after all, and he’d always felt it was his duty to protect her. But now, having seen a glimpse of her true nature, he couldn’t help but harbor doubts. And for reasons he couldn’t quite explain, seeing Caroline behave like this now filled him with an inexplicable sense of irritation and aversion.

“Really?” Frederick stared at Caroline without blinking, still doubtful.

“Frederick, why are you looking at me like that? Do you not trust me? It’s really those two servants who have been bullying me. If not for that, would I have gotten upset with them?”

“What would I gain from causing trouble with two maids? And besides, ever since we were little, Anna had always taught me to be tolerant with others. In everything we do, we’re all equal. There’s no distinction between high and low, rich and poor. If they hadn’t gone too far, I wouldn’t have said those things.”

Caroline could feel Frederick’s doubt, but more than that, she felt an unfamiliar hostility emanating from him. Even the way he looked at her made her feel exposed, as though his gaze could pierce right through her, sending a wave of panic through her. In the end, she had no choice but to bring up Anna as a shield.

Frederick’s gaze softened slightly. He turned to the maids and instructed, “No matter who I’m with, whether we’re engaged or married, Ms. Beaumont is welcome to stay here for as long as she likes. She can stay here for a lifetime, if she wishes.”

With that, Frederick turned and left the room. Caroline didn’t even realize how cold and distant Frederick’s words were, or how stiff the “Ms. Beaumont” had sounded. She was too absorbed in the phrase “for as long as she likes,” feeling a sense of self-satisfaction.

She already had plans for tonight, and the thought of being with Frederick, of sharing an intimate moment with him, made her believe everything would unfold exactly the way she wanted.

After dinner, Claire went to the back garden, unaware of everything that was happening inside the villa or the plans Caroline and Diana had for the evening. Claire’s mind was focused on enjoying the peaceful world around her. Life had been unbearable in prison, and even after her release, it hadn’t been much better. Recently, Frederick had put her under immense pressure, but now, finally, her position had shifted. She deserved to unwind and relax.

For the rest of the day, Claire spent her time tending to flowers, sunbathing, cooking, and even baking. She made plenty of delicious bread and shared it with the staff in the villa.

Meanwhile, Caroline stayed in her room all day, waiting for the evening when she would go to the Eclipse Nightclub and sleep with Frederick. The villa was filled with laughter and joy, and Caroline could hear it, but it only fueled her bitterness.

“Claire, laugh all you want now. After tonight, I’ll make sure you cry your heart out,” she thought bitterly.