Chapter 5
Dennis Webb's private life was anything but pristine. With the aid of a private investigator generously funded by Caroline Webb, uncovering evidence of his nights of debauchery and infidelity was no Herculean task. Armed with this dirt, Caroline confidently arrived on time for the shareholders' meeting.
Just as she was about to enter the elevator on the first floor, she noticed Dennis was already inside. Caroline paused, feigning a moment of hesitation, before heading towards another private elevator. As she anticipated, Dennis, basking in his own self-importance, followed her.
"What are you doing here? Ah, you're standing in for my useless uncle, aren't you?" Dennis sneered as the elevator doors closed, leaning in too close for comfort. "Enjoying my uncle's company? You'll regret it soon!"
"I'll soon replace him as the head of the Webb family, taking everything from him... just like you taught me!" Unexpectedly, Caroline recoiled, clutching her collar defensively, retreating to the corner like a startled rabbit. "You're speaking to an elder, you know."
Dennis laughed, oblivious to Caroline's behavior, and went on. "I'll prove I can take everything from the Webb family without your help!"
As Dennis inched closer, Caroline suddenly wore a mysterious smile and softly asked, "Do you boast like this in bed too?"
Dennis froze, rage flashing in his eyes like a feral animal. He raised his hand as if to strike Caroline, but she swiftly dodged aside, shielding her right cheek as if she had been hit.
Just then, the elevator arrived at a stop, and Caroline, feigning fear, glanced at Dennis, then hurried out, still clutching her cheek.
"Don't get too full of yourself, you little snake! I saved your skin; you'll thank me eventually!" Dennis fumed, left alone in the elevator, pounding the advertisement panel until his anger subsided. Unbeknownst to him, the modified security camera captured everything.
…
At the Webb family shareholders' meeting, Caroline attended on behalf of Simon Webb. However, the family elders paid her little heed. With whispers about Simon Webb's declining health circulating, eyes were on Dennis Webb as the likely heir.
Dennis delivered his speech smoothly, while Caroline feigned meekness, waiting until Dennis reached the crescendo of his address—
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm concerned that young Mr. Webb may not be suitable for this role," Caroline stood up suddenly, eyes wide with feigned innocence. "Young Mr. Webb suffers from severe bipolar disorder, which could jeopardize the Webb family's future."
Dennis retorted arrogantly, "Who do you think you are? Shut up!"
In the next instant, the large screen behind him flickered and displayed footage Caroline had prepared: Dennis pushing Caroline in front of the press, Dennis attacking Caroline in the elevator, Dennis's furious outbursts, his eyes wild and bloodshot—
The room went eerily silent.
"I don't mind suffering a little," Caroline dabbed her eyes as if shedding tears, "if young Mr. Webb berates me, I can endure it."
Dennis's eyes blazed with rage, about to lash out, but his father's stern cough halted him. A voice from the crowd admonished Dennis: "How can this happen? No matter what Caroline did, she's still your aunt—you can't lay hands on your elder!"
"If Dennis does indeed have psychological issues, we might need to reconsider the heir—"
Caroline wiped away her pretend tears, a subtle smile gracing her lips, and added another twist: "Psychological issues are one thing, but my main concern is how young Mr. Webb's unsavory private life might tarnish the Webb family!"
The screen switched again, showing images of Dennis with various women.
"That's rubbish! I'm a man; it's only natural to have relations. What's wrong with a bit of affection? Who cares if someone exposes it!" Dennis shouted.
Caroline looked him in the eye, "Do you know who sent me these photos? Someone handed me the evidence of you with those women, hoping the Webb family would try to hush it up!"
"In one video, you're with my sister! I can't believe your nerve. My sister is only 22 but looks much younger. How could you lie and take advantage of her?"
Dennis's mind went blank, unable to process Caroline's implications. A nearby voice pressed him further, "Dennis, tell us the truth. Did you ever... cross a line?"
Dennis shouted his denial, "No way! I didn't. She's making it up, don't trust her!"
Caroline put on a sorrowful expression, sitting back down, "I'm not here to meddle in Webb family affairs, but I've warned you of the consequences..."
With the Webb family's eyes set on leadership and Dennis's scandal hanging over him, his suitability was now in question. Without Caroline's support, Dennis looked about as useful as a paper tiger!
In the ensuing hours, Dennis's family plans began to unravel. Dennis sat, pallid and seething, longing to get his hands on Caroline.
As his father was overcome by a heart attack and called for help, the meeting was put on hold.
Caroline left, feeling victorious. As she exited, she was startled to see the family doctor rushing past. What on earth was happening with the Webbs?
Chapter 6
Caroline Webb felt an unfamiliar fear mixed with rage overtaking her. Trembling, she couldn’t help but glance backward subconsciously—
She recognized the faces of the private doctors and the entire medical team engaged in the emergency treatment all too well. In her previous life, this very group had pretended to be benevolent doctors and nurses, deceiving her into believing that Dennis Webb was her savior. They had tricked her into signing the donor agreement, ultimately taking her eyes!
Had the Webb family employed them as their private team the whole time?
She had thought her death was orchestrated solely by Dennis and Josie, but now she realized there were far more potential culprits lurking in the shadows. Was the entire Webb family involved in her murder?
Faces from the past, both familiar and despised, flickered through Caroline's mind. How many of them had blood on their hands?
Was anyone truly innocent?
Could it be… Simon?
A sudden ring jolted Caroline from her thoughts. With trembling hands, she answered the call, and another shock hit her: Simon was awake.
How could Simon be awake this early?
From her past life’s memory, he was supposed to remain in a coma for another three months!
As she traveled back to the Webb family estate, nestled against the majestic backdrop of the Alps, Caroline tried to organize her chaotic thoughts. Her priority was to appease Simon; she needed to maintain her position as Mrs. Webb until her revenge was complete.
For now, Josie and Dennis were manageable, and Caroline planned to dig deeper to uncover just how many members of the Webb family were involved in her past life’s murder. She intended to make them all pay.
Despite her mental preparation, Caroline hesitated at the bedroom doorway before stepping in, where Simon’s deep gaze unexpectedly met hers.
Even in a wheelchair, dressed simply in black pajamas, Simon exuded authority, every movement reminiscent of a monarch.
He was indeed awake. His nearly perfect face, with refined features and deep, languid eyes, bore an unspoken command.
Oh no.
His look made it clear: he did not like her!
Caroline remembered well. She had once aided Dennis everywhere to repay a debt, and even before marriage, she hadn’t been friendly to this uncle. Simon, it seemed, held a grudge!
As she deliberated on what to say, Simon suddenly moved, slowly raising his arm toward her.
Caroline widened her eyes, hesitating before tentatively placing her hand over his—
Simon’s warm, dry hand gradually closed around hers, holding it tightly, gently rubbing a few times.
Then, he spread her slender fingers and intertwined them with his.
Was he… seeking comfort from her?
“You—”
“Well, well, Mrs. Webb, you’re back? It seems you and Mr. Webb share quite the connection. He just woke up and is already eager to hold your hand.”
Doctors and nurses entered with medical instruments, conducting a full check-up on Simon. They explained, “Mr. Webb is awake but not fully recuperated.”
“What does that mean?” Caroline asked.
She soon found out.
Though Simon had opened his eyes and could move, he wasn’t like a healthy person. He resembled more an eight or nine-year-old child, communicating through gestures, unable to speak or think as he used to, much less work.
He seemed to trust and rely on Caroline. Throughout the examination, Simon clung to Caroline's hand, intertwining their fingers, his eyes fixed on her, making Caroline blush.
Once the doctors and nurses left, Simon gently tugged her hand, wanting her closer.
Caroline's heart raced as she leaned in and was promptly pulled into his embrace!
Simon’s strong arms encircled her waist, his face nestled against her soft blouse, the tip of his nose brushing against her stomach in a gesture that was both dependent and affectionate.
Caroline’s face turned crimson, the quiet bedroom now echoing only her pounding heart.
“Do you… like this?”
Caroline waved their interlocked fingers in front of Simon.
He nodded slowly, like a big, loyal dog unwilling to let go of something precious.
Caroline felt a secret thrill. Simon, of all people—the one regarded as an adversary. Even in her previous life’s high moments, she never dared to imagine what sort of incredible woman could marry him.
And now—
“Could you… call me sister?”
Simon looked up, his deep black eyes reflecting unexpected emotion. He moved his lips and hoarsely murmured one word at a time: “Sis… ter.”
Caroline suddenly recalled Josie’s words before she died in her previous life: Simon Webb was willing to give her half of the Webb estate.
On impulse, she asked Simon, “If everyone wanted me dead, and half of the Webb estate could save me, would you do it?”
Simon nestled closer, hugging her even tighter, “I want you, only you.”