Chapter 14 It's None of Your Business

Caroline gazed helplessly at his dignified and handsome face.

Unable to find a way to break through their discussion about money, she decided to shift the conversation to a different topic.

"Aren't you concerned that Daniella would be hurt or angry if she found out about all this?" she asked cautiously, studying his expression.

Regrettably, he replied with a stoic expression, "That's not your concern."

*

The next day at eight o'clock in the office, Caroline excused herself to use the restroom while Evan was in a meeting.

She accidentally bumped into Daniella, who was washing her hands.

Caroline quickly averted her gaze after glancing at Daniella, but Daniella smiled and remarked, "Ms. Shenton, you're quite dedicated. Coming to work even after being beaten up so severely."

Caroline's hand stiffened. Was Daniella present that night? Could it be that Evan rejected the call because of Daniella's presence?

With a composed expression, she replied, "Ms. Love, please refrain from meddling in my affairs."

But Daniella's smile only grew brighter. "Didn't Evan get angry at you?"

Caroline straightened her posture and regarded Daniella with a cold gaze. "What exactly are you trying to insinuate?"

Deliberately, Daniella took a tissue to dry her hands. "If my assumptions are correct, Evan must despise you now, doesn't he? After all, no one appreciates a woman who tries to settle a gambling debt with her body."

In that instant, Caroline understood the implications behind Daniella's words as she recollected the altered surveillance video. Daniella had set her up!

'How could she do that?! It's all because of her that I'm now subjected to such humiliation and surveillance. What a bitch!' The more Caroline thought about it, the angrier she became.

"Daniella, do you have a grudge against me?" Caroline demanded.

A smirk formed on Daniella's face as she stepped forward. "Of course, I have a grudge against you. You're attempting to snatch my man, Caroline. Can't you see how furious I am? You seem completely oblivious to it.

"Why would you dare pursue the man I desire? Seeing is how your family is nothing but a bottomless pit, do you really think any man in this world would genuinely give you his heart?"

Caroline suddenly found Daniella's arrogant behavior amusing.

She replied calmly, "What's the matter, Ms. Love? Feeling threatened by my abilities, academic qualifications, and appearance? Is that why you can only mock me by referencing my family?"

Hearing that, Daniella's face contorted into a hideous expression.

Caroline shot Daniella a disgusted side glance before heading out of the washroom. To her surprise, Daniella quickly followed and forcefully grabbed her hand.

Instinctively, Caroline pushed her away, and in the next moment, a scream pierced the air. Caroline swiftly turned around to find Daniella lying on the floor.

Struggling with pain, Daniella looked at Caroline with a pained expression. "Ms. Shenton, why would you do this to me?"

Caroline was at a loss for words.

What was Daniella trying to achieve?

Tears welled up in her eyes as Daniella continued, "I was concerned about you and just wanted to see your face injury. Why did you push me?"

Caroline let out a cold laugh. As she was about to respond, she heard footsteps approaching from behind.

"What is going on here?"

Upon hearing the cold yet familiar voice, Caroline's heart skipped a beat. She turned around to see Evan walking toward Daniella.

With tears streaming down her face, Daniella threw herself into Evan's arms. "Evan, my legs hurt so much."

"I know." Evan lifted her up and shot Caroline a chilling glare before heading toward the office.

Caroline's heart sank as she watched their retreating figures.

One of them was acting a role, while the other willingly believed it. Suddenly, she found herself cast as the unexpected villain in this twisted narrative.

As she walked into the office, two colleagues passing by couldn't resist mocking her.

"Ms. Shenton, you're getting what you deserve."

"I thought she was on her way up. Turns out, she's just a substitute for Ms. Love. How absurd!"

Caroline gave them a cold glance. "If your performance at the end of the month doesn't meet the required standard, I can make sure you leave anytime."

With her head held high, she walked back to her office.

*

After work, Reuben gave Caroline a ride back to Villa Rosa. Lily had prepared dinner for her.

As Caroline washed her hands and sat at the dining table, Lily smiled and said, "Ms. Shenton, you're so fortunate."

Caroline was taken aback and looked at Lily in confusion. "Me?"

Lily nodded and explained, "Yes, you. Mr. Jordan told me that you enjoy these dishes, so he asked me to cook them before you came home."

Caroline looked down at the dishes in front of her. They were indeed her favorites.

But what did it matter if they were her favorites? She had lost her freedom.

She ate a few bites casually, lacking appetite, and then prepared to head upstairs.

However, just as she reached the top of the stairs, Evan walked into the villa.