Upon hearing that Caitlin had returned, Sebastian immediately perked up, his attention fully focused. The sound of high heels grew louder and closer, and he knew for sure that it was Caitlin coming back.
Sitting up straight and exuding an air of authority, he thought to himself: Apologize to her? Not in a million years.
Beatrice smiled warmly as Caitlin walked in, “Caitlin, you’re back!”
“Beatrice, Molly,” Caitlin greeted politely, her gaze briefly meeting her son Bruce’s. The two exchanged a knowing look-silent understanding between them.
Molly spoke up, “We know about what happened with Howard’s transfer, and we agree with you. Beatrice says what you did was the right thing.”
“That’s right, Caitlin. Thank you for standing up for Howard,” Beatrice added, hoping Caitlin wouldn’t be upset over what Sebastian had said the previous night.
Molly, acting as the peacemaker, suggested, “I think Howard should stay with Caitlin. She’s thoughtful and caring-no one is better suited to take care of him.”
“Exactly,” Beatrice agreed.
They both turned to Sebastian, who remained stone-faced, clearly displeased.
Molly urged, “Come on, Sebastian, say something!”
Sebastian’s response was sharp. “There’s nothing to say. I have my reasons for not letting Howard stay with Caitlin. Don’t try to change my mind!”
His stance was clear. Howard was going to be raised by his biological mother, no matter what, and that was the end of the discussion. As for Caitlin, he didn’t trust her-she was unreliable and he didn’t want her influencing his son.
“Ugh, you’re so stubborn!” Molly muttered in frustration. She understood that Sebastian was waiting for the return of their mother, Camellia, but what if she never came back? Was he really going to wait for her forever?
“Forget it, Beatrice. It’s all right. As long as Howard is healthy, it doesn’t matter who he stays with.”
Caitlin’s words made Beatrice feel more and more that she was a kind, understanding person-someone who was always looking out for others. She couldn’t help but feel sorry for her, having to put up with such an obstinate man like Sebastian.
At that moment, Marcus entered, announcing, “Dinner is ready.”
Beatrice smiled, “Since you’re all here, let’s eat together.”
At the Vanderbilt Family’s dining table, Caitlin was seated beside Sebastian. Bruce sat between Beatrice and Molly, while Grace, Hazel, and Megan with the other children took their places.
Beatrice took the lead, “Let’s start!”
Quinton and Kyle immediately began eating, while Megan and Xylia helped the children with their food.
Looking at little Howard, who was still not eating, Beatrice asked, “Howard, what would you like to eat? I’ll serve you.”
Molly joined in, “Howard, do you want this? You have to eat something!”
Bruce remained motionless, causing the adults to worry.
Sebastian, growing impatient, ordered, “Howard, eat! Did you hear me?”
Bruce simply folded his arms and gave him an indifferent glance.
Molly added, “Howard’s just picky. He either eats what you make or what Caitlin makes. If it’s from the family chef, forget it.”
Caitlin, overhearing, said gently, “Howard, come on, don’t be picky. Just eat.”
Bruce, as usual, only listened to his mother, and when Caitlin spoke, he finally picked up his chopsticks and started eating heartily.
Molly couldn’t help but laugh, “Oh my, Howard isn’t picky about food, he’s picky about people! He only listens to Caitlin.”
Beatrice watched with joy as her grandson ate well, nodding with approval, “Caitlin really knows how to handle him.”
Her praise caused Megan and Xylia to exchange eye rolls. They knew Caitlin was just a contract wife, and sooner or later, she’d be kicked out of the Vanderbilt Family. What was there to celebrate?
Caitlin continued to feed Sebastian, who didn’t seem to mind, though Molly didn’t like her brother’s attitude.
“Sebastian, you’re not blind, your arms aren’t broken. Can’t you eat by yourself? Why make Caitlin do it?” she asked with irritation.
Sebastian defended himself, “She said she wanted to help me. It’s not like I forced her.”
Molly sighed. Her brother didn’t understand what it meant to appreciate a woman. Any woman who ended up with him was bound for a lifetime of misery.
She silently hoped Caitlin would break free soon, so Sebastian could be left alone as a “single dog.”
Caitlin remained silent, focusing on feeding Sebastian, and only then began to eat herself.
Just as they finished dinner, Marcus hurried in with urgent news. “Beatrice, Mr. Vanderbilt, the police just called. Peter is dead!”
“What?” Beatrice exclaimed in shock. Everyone else looked equally surprised.
“Peter is dead? But I thought the investigation wasn’t finished yet. How could he die?” Molly asked, stunned.
Sebastian furrowed his brows, and Caitlin fell silent. If Peter was dead, that meant the trail from the previous poisoning incident was cut off. They would have no chance of finding the real culprit now.
“I’m not sure of the details,” Marcus replied.
Sebastian made a decision, “I want to go and see for myself.”
Molly, always quick to point out the obvious, remarked, “What are you going to see? You can’t even see anything!”
Sebastian turned his head towards her. Though his eyesight hadn’t fully recovered, his presence alone intimidated her. She immediately shrank back.
“I’ll push Mr. Vanderbilt,” Caitlin said, ready to act.
She too wanted to see what had happened, so preparations were made. A van was arranged for Sebastian’s wheelchair, and Xavi would accompany them.
At the New York Police Station, Caitlin pushed Sebastian into the lobby, where they ran into Felix. He greeted her, “Miss Caitlin!”
“Hello, Felix,” Caitlin replied, nodding.
Sebastian recognized Felix’s voice, and his mood darkened. It dawned on him: Caitlin must have been coming here to find Felix.
He cleared his throat, annoyed, and made his presence known.
Felix turned and saw Sebastian, remarking, “Mr. Vanderbilt, you’re recovering well! Last I heard, they almost issued a death notice for you, but now it’s like a miracle!”
“Of course! Even if I, Sebastian, wanted to die, the King of Hell wouldn’t dare to take me!” Sebastian responded with his usual bravado.
“By the way, are you here about Peter’s case?” Felix asked.
“Yes, we heard Peter’s dead. What happened exactly? Can you show us the details?” Caitlin inquired.