Chapter 17
788 Words
Caroline's pov
"Caroline," Margret said gently, setting her teacup on the table. Her gaze drifted to my bare wrist before a faint crease appeared between her brows. "Where is the Harrington bracelet?"
My heart skipped a beat.
Instinctively, I looked down at my empty wrist.
The bracelet.
I swallowed the huge lump on my throat.
I swallowed hard.
Tears blurred my vision before I could stop them.
Margret's expression immediately changed.
"My dear," she said softly, reaching across the table to hold my hand. "What happened?"
I lowered my head.
"Cerene took it," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.
Margret's eyes widened.
"She stole it?"
I nodded slowly.
"When she pushed me out of the window..." I paused, forcing myself to steady my breathing. "I lost consciousness for a while. When I woke up... it was gone." I said simply.
I let out a shaky laugh.
"I don't know whether she took it before or after she pushed me, but I know she has it." I did not want to say the full details because It wasn't the right time to reveal it to Margret's fragile heart.
The warmth disappeared from Margret's face.
She slowly stood up, her elegant features turning cold.
"That's enough," she said firmly. "I'll call the police immediately."
She reached for the phone on the side table.
My eyes widened.
"No!"
Margret stopped and looked back at me.
"Caroline?"
I quickly pushed myself upright despite the pain shooting through my ribs.
"Please don't."
Her brows knitted together.
"She tried to kill you," Margret said, unable to hide the anger in her voice. "She stole from you. Why are you stopping me?"
I lowered my eyes.
"Because she's still my sister."
The words tasted bitter.
"After everything she's done?" Margret asked in disbelief.
I nodded.
"I know Cerene better than anyone."
I sighed quietly.
"Her health has always been fragile. If she's arrested... if she ends up in prison..." My voice cracked. "She won't survive it."
Margret stared at me for several long seconds.
I knew what she was thinking.
That I was foolish. Maybe I was.
But no matter how much Cerene hated me, I couldn't bring myself to send her somewhere that would destroy her.
"I'll get the bracelet back myself," I said, lifting my head with quiet determination. "I promise you."
Margret slowly put the phone back down.
"And what if she refuses to return it?"
"Then I'll find another way."
Silence settled between us.
I took a slow breath before continuing.
"There's something else."
Margret nodded for me to go on.
"I don't want anyone knowing about the inheritance."
She looked surprised.
"Not yet," I added quickly. "If people find out you've left everything to me, your business rivals and Peter's enemies will start looking for me. They'll see me as a target before I even understand what I've inherited."
I smiled weakly. "I need time. Time to recover, think and time to learn."
Margret's eyes softened.
For a moment, she simply watched me.
Then a warm smile spread across her face.
"You really are different," she murmured.
I blinked.
"Most people would be celebrating after inheriting the Harrington fortune," she continued with a quiet chuckle. "You, on the other hand, are worried about protecting your sister, hiding your wealth, and avoiding unnecessary attention."
I smiled faintly.
"I've never cared much about money."
"I know."
Margret reached over and affectionately patted my hand.
"That's exactly why I chose you."
Emotion tightened my throat.
No one had ever looked at me the way she did.
It was like I am staring at a mother I never had.
Margret leaned back in her chair, her smile growing thoughtful.
"If we're keeping your identity quiet for now," she said, "then there's no reason to waste this time."
I looked at her curiously.
"What do you mean?"
"I want you to come here every week."
I blinked.
"Every week?"
Margret nodded.
"Yes."
She smiled knowingly.
"If one day you're going to take over everything I've built, then you should start learning how it all works now."
I stared at her in surprise.
"You'll attend board meetings as an observer. You'll meet my executives, study our investments, learn how negotiations are handled, and understand every branch of the Harrington Group."
She paused before adding with a teasing smile, "You can't inherit an empire without first learning how to rule it."
I couldn't find the words.
Me?
Running an empire?
The very thought felt impossible.
Seeing my stunned expression, Margret laughed softly.
"Don't look so frightened," she said warmly. "No one is born knowing how to lead. They learn."
She squeezed my hand reassuringly.
"And from today onward, Caroline, I'll make sure you do too."
- Writer
