Caroline’s POV:
Adam’s face turned grim.
“Edward, you’re seriously going to kick me out of the Wilson Group?” he asked through gritted teeth.
My father broke into a sardonic laughter.
“I’m going to take all of your shares little by little until you have nothing left.”
“How dare you?” Adam grunted, clenching his fists.
“Just wait and see it all unfold.” After saying that, my father didn’t want to talk to that maniac anymore.
He turned his attention back to me and said, “Caroline, dear, let’s not waste another second here. We
should go to your party at once. It’s not good for the protagonist to be late.”
“Sure, Dad,” I replied.
Soon, Adam’s hateful voice faded away.
“Caroline, don’t take Adam’s words to heart. Today is your birthday. Just be happy for once,” Simon
said abruptly.
“That’s right, Miss Wilson! Don’t overthink like you always do. Adam probably just wanted to ruin your
birthday for you. Don’t fall for his trap,” Elena echoed. Upon seeing the worry in their eyes, I forced a
smile and nodded. I thought of how I was pelted with eggs at the gate of the company a few days ago,
and to this day, fear still lingered in my heart. But I tried to comfort myself with the fact that my father
was by my side.
With him, I felt like everything would be fine. Half an hour later, the car stopped at the dock. When I got
off the car, I felt the gentle sea breeze seep into my skin. Then, I saw a magnificent cruise ship ahead
of us.
It was illuminated by colorful neon lights. Seeing it left me stupefied.
“Isn’t it too grand?” I asked, letting out a sigh.
“What do you think? Do you like it?” asked my father. I nodded in agreement.
“Well, I’m glad you like it. Nothing’s too good for my beloved daughter!” he remarked.
“Caroline, would you do me the honor of letting me be your escort tonight?” Simon bowed slightly,
reaching his hand out to me. I put my hand in his, lifted the hemline of my dress, and followed him
aboard the cruise ship.
In the deck of the cruise ship, people were having drinks together and chatting. The atmosphere was
quite lively.
The moment I got aboard the ship, I heard all sorts of praises and cheers. All eyes were on me.
“Miss Wilson, you look so beautiful tonight!” Someone approached me and gave me a compliment.
“Seeing you makes me feel like the beauty of this banquet hall is subpar. God is quite unfair. You were
blessed in every way!” I nodded in response.
“Thank you.”
Some of Simon’s partners stopped him and they exchanged pleasantries. While he was talking to
them, I decided to go to the lounge. Suddenly, I heard another uproar coming from the banquet hall. I
glanced at the entrance and saw Samantha and Charles walking in, arm in arm.
She was wearing a graceful smile.
Somehow, they seemed like a perfect match. I felt a little uncomfortable seeing them together. ,
Seemingly noticing my gaze, Samantha looked back at me. I smiled awkwardly. All I wanted to do now
was to leave.
Samantha let go of Charles’ arm and strode towards me. “Caroline, you’re so beautiful tonight.” .
I didn’t answer. My eyes were focused on Charles.
“Caroline, please don’t be mad at me. Charles said that he really wanted to see you, so I brought him
here. I’m sorry for not asking you first,” Samantha explained apologetically
‘Charles wanted to see me?’ I asked inwardly,
Hearing her explanation made me feel even more awkward.
‘Have Charles and Samantha been talking about me?’ I wondered. ,
“It’s fine. The more the merrier, I guess,” I replied, glancing at Charles, “It’s so kind of you to think that
way.” Samantha sighed with relief.
“Anyway, I haven’t had dinner yet. I’ll go grab something to eat.”
Having said that, Samantha strutted away in her high heels.
“Mr. Moore, please help yourself,” I said, intending to leave.
“Don’t you want to see me? Are you so afraid of being alone with me?” Charles asked, frowning at me.
I paused for a moment and said, “You’re overthinking it.”
Charles stared into my eyes. When our eyes met, my palms began to sweat.
It took a moment for him to speak again.
“Happy birthday.” For a second, I was stunned. I put on a smile, tucked my hair behind my ear and
said, “Thank you.”
Right after I finished speaking, the banquet hall became dim. The spotlight focused on my father as he
beckoned me to come over. I breathed a sigh of relief, wore a smile, and walked towards him.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to my daughter’s birthday party. In the past, Caroline went through so
much trouble because of me.” My father’s eyes turned red and his voice became hoarse.
“Dad, there’s no need to think about that. We should just focus on this happy day. The important thing
is that I’m here now,” I replied, holding back my tears.
“You’re right. I shouldn’t talk about anything sad and we should just cherish the present.” He brushed
my hair affectionately He then turned to the audience and wore a stern expression.
“As my birthday gift to my beloved daughter, I intend to give her five percent of the Wilson Group’s
shares. From this day forward, anyone who tries to show hostility against Caroline will go up against
the Wilson family.”
The audience burst into an uproar.
I looked around and saw that Olivia’s face turned pale.
Seeing her reaction put a smile on my face.
‘It looks like she didn’t know about my Dad’s decision. And it seems like I overestimated her importance
to my Dad.’
Once the opening remarks were done, the dancing music was played in the banquet hall. Simon came
over, made a courtly bow, and held his hand towards me.
“May I have the owner of inviting you to the first dance tonight, Miss Wilson?”
Just before I could say yes, another hand appeared in front of me.
Upon seeing Charles’ face, I frowned.
‘What is he doing?’
Everyone around were looking at us.
I felt so embarrassed that I wanted to escape.
Suddenly, I heard a phone ringing. Simon glanced at his phone, seemingly conflicted.
“Caroline, I have something urgent to deal with. You…” •
“It’s fine. Go ahead and deal with that,” I replied, feeling relieved.
Simon glanced at me hesitantly before striding out. Soon, I felt more people gazing at me by the
second. I was put in a position that made it hard for me to refuse Charles’ invitation. With a faint smile, I
held Charles’ hand. While we were on the dance floor, he put his hand on my waist.. My body stiffened
for a moment and I felt so uncomfortable.
“You look absolutely amazing today.” The sound of his voice rang clear in my ears. It was as if he was
trying to please me. My heart began to race.
Simon’s POV:
As I walked out of the banquet hall, I answered the phone.
“Sir, the fireworks are ready,” said the caller. I checked the time and replied, “Set them off at nine
o’clock sharp right after Caroline finishes cutting the cake.”
After the phone call, I stared at the stars in the sky and smiled. Everything was going according to my
plan. Tonight, beneath the starry sky and the beautiful fireworks display, I planned to confess my love
for Caroline. hoped that she would happily accept me. Suddenly, Charles’ face appeared in my head
and it made me feel anxious.
I couldn’t allow anyone to ruin my plan. Thus, I hurried back to the banquet hall.
“Mr. Felix, I’ll empty the deck on the second floor later. I’ll be praying for your success,” Elena said as
soon as she approached.
“Thank you, Elena.” I nodded and hurried back to Caroline. But halfway to where I was going, someone
suddenly grabbed my neck from behind.
“Who are you?” I grabbed the person’s arms with both hands, attempting to pry them away. But before I
could do so a cloth covered my nose. It didn’t take long before I blacked out and collapsed.
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