Evan informed Caroline, "Your grandfather has been hospitalized."Caroline tightened her lips. "He got what was coming to him."Evan asked, "Aren't you considering returning to the family?"Caroline smiled bitterly and retorted, "Why would I want to go back? Have you forgotten how he nearly killed me?"Evan smirked, saying, "It's probably for the best not to return. Especially since Neil has resigned, and the Xanders' future is uncertain."Caroline raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Resigned?"Evan asked, "Didn't your brother tell you anything?"Caroline frowned. "What do you mean?"Evan explained, "Neil secretly transferred many crucial contracts, leaving the Xander Group a mere shell."Caroline's heart sank. ''Grayson would be livid if he knew about Neil's actions. It would be fine if Grayson were to berate him, but he would be sent to prison if Grayson were to sue him!' Caroline hurriedly reached for her phone to call Neil.Evan questioned, "Are you trying to call him? Are
The maid promptly returned with the children as Caroline and Evan reached Villa Rosa.Caroline stepped out of the car. She was taken aback by the sight of Liora in a pale yellow gown draped with a vibrant red scarf. Liora usually dressed casually, but she looked like a princess today, a striking transformation after just a few days apart. The children noticed Caroline's gaze and beamed at her, exclaiming, "Mommy!""Mommy, you're here!"Liora rushed to Caroline and nestled in her arms. "I missed you, Mommy."Caroline leaned over to pick up Liora, but Evan interjected, "Your clavicle injury isn't fully healed."Caroline's arms hung in uncertainty as she apologized, "I'm sorry, Lia, I can't carry you yet.""It's okay, Mommy. Do you like my outfit?" Liora asked, her head held high, eyes sparkling."It's beau—""Quit being so vain. You check yourself in the mirror every morning," Tyler quipped from behind.Liora glared at Tyler and retorted, "I'm just vain, but you blackmailed
"Caroline, you should know very well that your apology is not what I want," Evan said. Caroline's heart was racing. "I don't understand what you mean."Evan's eyes gleamed with a smile. "Now that we've resolved Daniella's situation, you should see that there's no connection between her and me, then or now."Caroline lowered her gaze and took a sip of water. "Evan, do you think Daniella's acting alone in all of this?"Evan furrowed his brow. "What do you mean?"Caroline continued. "If Daniella was on her own, I'd have exposed her right from the start yesterday.""So you're saying someone else is involved?" Evan asked.Caroline nodded. "I can't be sure, but it's just a hunch.""Do you have a plan?" Evan inquired.Caroline remained silent, already carrying out her plan and awaiting the outcome.-Meanwhile, Daniella had moved back to International Residence. She couldn't muster the courage to leave her home, as the bodyguards stationed at her door prevented irate internet user
After ending the call, Daniella quickly texted Casey the address for International Residence.Half an hour later, a knock at the door startled Daniella. She struggled to open it but threw herself into his arms upon seeing Casey. "I'm scared, Casey." She sobbed.Casey casually patted Daniella's back and suggested, "Why don't we talk inside?"Daniella nodded eagerly, leading Casey into the house. They settled on the sofa, with Daniella leaning on him. "Casey, what should I do next?" she asked."You can't do anything right now. I think it's best for you to stay out of the spotlight," Casey said as he wrapped his arm around Daniella's shoulder.Daniella nodded, listening intently to Casey's plan."It's not easy to handle Caroline. Maybe you should consider changing your approach," Casey proposed.Daniella sat up straight. "What do you mean by changing my approach?"Casey replied, "That's something you'll need to figure out on your own, Ella."Daniella shook her head in dismay. "I
"Did he agree to go? He probably doesn't enjoy crowds, right?" Caroline asked, puzzled."At first, he didn't. But he agreed after Alex told him you'd be joining!" Paige chuckled.Caroline said, "You acted without consulting me."Paige replied, "Yikes, what do you mean by acting without consulting? We're going on vacation after Mardi Gras!""Okay…"Caroline ended the call and entered the villa. Liora rushed over and asked with excitement, "Mommy, are you going on a holiday?"Caroline gently touched Liora's nose. "Yes, your godmother is pregnant and invited us to celebrate.""Pregnant? Is she having a baby?" Liora tilted her head in confusion.Caroline nodded. "Yes, she's carrying a baby in her womb. You're going to be a big sister, Lia!""Really? I'm going to be a big sister?" Liora jumped up in excitement."Yes. I'm visiting the hospital tomorrow." Caroline led Liora to the living room, holding her hand.Tyler turned and asked, "Are you going to see the doctor about Axel?"
Axel tightly pressed his lips together, tears filling his eyes upon hearing Caroline's words."It's okay, Mommy. I made it through," Axel reassured her, wiping away Caroline's tears with his hand.Caroline held Axel's hand and confessed guiltily, "I blame myself for not noticing your condition, for feeling helpless when you were in pain during your treatment. I'm so sorry, Axel..."Caroline wept as Axel recalled the pain of his bone marrow extraction and treatment.Axel embraced Caroline tightly and whispered, "No need to apologize, Mommy. I don't want you to be sad because of me. I've worked hard to recover so I can see you happy. Please don't cry, Mommy. It makes me sad, too."Tyler and Liora also shed tears as they witnessed the emotional scene.Liora wanted to join the hug, but Tyler stopped her. She said through her tears, "Don't stop me from hugging Axel...""Don't touch Axel with your dirty hands," Tyler reminded Liora after drying his own tears.Liora retorted, "My hand
Paige and Alex stayed for a while before they departed.Axel hadn't been discharged from the hospital yet, even after coming out of protective isolation. Caroline suggested staying back to keep him company.Evan took on the responsibility of looking after Liora and Tyler.After Evan left, Caroline met with Axel's attending physician. "Dr. Webber, can we travel with the child?"Richie replied, "He's recovering quickly, so a trip should be fine. However, it would be best to have a doctor accompany you."Caroline was relieved and asked, "Will he be discharged tomorrow?"Richie said, "It would be nice to have him home for Lundi Gras. After all, he's been in protective isolation all by himself for a month."Caroline replied with gratitude, "Thank you."When Caroline returned to the room, she found Axel already asleep. She gently caressed his face, and he slowly opened his eyes as if he sensed it.Caroline stopped her movement and said, "I'm sorry for waking you, Axel."Axel shook
Caroline said, "You can come with us. I'd like to spend Lundi Gras with Axel as well."Caroline stood up and announced, "I'm going to the restroom."As she walked past Evan, he reached out to grab her arm, pulling her into his arms before she could react. He held her tightly, not intending to let her go.Caroline's eyes widened in shock, and she blushed, exclaiming, "What are you doing? Let go of me. Our child is here!""Caroline," Evan whispered against her neck, sending a shiver down her spine.A numbing sensation overwhelmed her, and Caroline pushed at him. "Let go of me before you talk."Evan spoke gently, his deep gaze fixed on her. "Let's be together."Caroline was stunned, her body stiffening at his words. Her heart raced, and she struggled to find her words, thinking, 'Should we? The timing doesn't seem right, but I can't find a good reason to reject him.'While Caroline pondered, Evan continued. "You don't have to give me an answer now, but I hope you'll consider my pr