Chapter 42

Caroline had heard a lot about Eddy’s second uncle, but they’d never met before. Despite that, why was he so concerned about her?

“Um.. he didn’t explain why, did he?”

“No, he didn’t,” replied Mr. Sander., “Alright, thanks.” Caroline sounded slightly dejected because she’d been expecting more.

Upon hanging up, she opened her laptop and started scouring the internet for any information on Eddy’s second uncle.

The man had spent most of his life overseas, so there was barely any news about him at home. A moment later, she realized that even his name wasn’t mentioned anywhere.

Frustrated about her fruitless investigation, Caroline began brushing her hair. Then, she suddenly recalled what the journalists yelled the other day.

According to them, Eddy’s second uncle attended the auction …

Had he noticed Brie bullying her? Perhaps he’d decided to intervene personally because he wanted to protect his family’s reputation?

Caroline massaged her throbbing temples.

Since it was so difficult to figure out the answer, why not just ask him directly?

She pulled out her phone and gave Jude a call. “Grandpa.”

“Carrie!” The old man sounded like he was in a good mood today. “So you finally remembered to give this old man a call.”

“I’m sorry, Grandpa.”

“Hahaha, I like your honesty. Now tell me, what brings you to Grandpa? Ah! I’m going to lose this round…”

Halfway through his sentence, Jude began talking to himself. Confused, Caroline asked him,‘ What are you doing right now, Grandpa?”

“Haha, it’s nothing. I’m playing chess with Eddy’s second uncle at the moment. This kid’s smart! We barely started, and he’s already got me beat!”

His reply caught Caroline by surprise. So he was right next to Jude?

“Is that so? I heard he’s a tremendously talented businessman, but I’m surprised he’s equally good at chess. So when are you going to introduce him to me?”

Jude laughed heartily “Are you that keen on meeting him? Alright, let me ask him about it,” he replied as he stole a glance at Kirk Kirk overheard their conversation as he was moving his piece, causing his fingers to shake ever–so -slightly.

Over the phone, Caroline held her breath nervously.

A moment later, Jude’s voice came over the line. “He says no problem. You pick a time and place, and he’ll meet you there.”

“Alright,” said Caroline after letting out a long sigh of relief.

Finally, she was going to meet Eddy’s second uncle!

Overjoyed, she ran out into the living room, only to be greeted by silence. It appeared that Kirk had left without her knowing at some point.

She pumped her fist in the air triumphantly before darting back into her room to pick out an outfit for her meeting.

Jude looked at Kirk as he passed his phone to the butler. “I’m surprised you’re willing to meet Caroline.”

“We’re family after all,” Kirk answered earnestly.

The old man started to frown. “I’m afraid that the bond between her and Eddy will come to an end.

soon.”

“What makes you say that?”

“It’s pointless to hide the truth from me. I’m old, but I’m far from senile.” He paused momentarily as he got up from his seat.

“Although I wasn’t the one who raised Carrie, she’s been taking care of Eddy for so long since she returned to the country that I started to regard her as my granddaughter–in–law. It’s a shame my grandson refuses to be with her.”

“Uncle Jude…”

Jude waved his hand dismissively. “I heard she’s married. Is that true?”

Kirk hesitated for a moment before he nodded.

The old man sighed. “Then do you know who she’s married to?”

With a hint of annoyance in his eyes, Kirk shook his head.

If you’re clueless, then it means he’s no average Joe Jude stared at Kirk with a grave expression “I don’t know what will happen to Carrie and Eddy’s relationship, but you must help me find out who that man is!”

A complex mix of emotions swirled in Kirk’s gaze when he replied, “Understood.”

Jude patted him on the shoulder and reminded him, “Before I forget, I just want to tell you that Carrie is a good girl. My time’s running out, and if Eddy doesn’t change his mind in the future, could you help me make sure she’s looked after?”

Kirk was about to nod in agreement when the old man emphasized, “As a family member.”

He froze up immediately, clueless as to whether he should nod or not.

Thankfully, they were interrupted by a message from Caroline. She’d picked a quiet little restaurant where they would meet at 8 pm.

She’d wanted to meet him on the very same day, and that just showed how much she was looking forward to meeting Eddy’s second uncle.

Soon, she received a reply.

It was a simple “Okay,” but she was so excited that she belly–flopped onto her bed. Finally! The opportunity had come for her to meet him!

Caroline began putting on her make–up at 4 pm. Had it been any other day, the time would have flown by, but today, time seemed to flow at a snail’s pace. By the time she was done, it was barely 6 pm.

After waiting for another grueling 30 minutes, she headed off to the restaurant. The moment she reached, she excitedly asked the maitre’d, “Has the other guest for table 201 arrived?”

“I’m afraid not.”

The maitre’d led a rather disappointed Caroline to her table. Sure enough, it was still empty. Eddy’s second uncle had yet to arrive.

She took her seat and watched as the hour hand slowly made its way to 8 pm. She pricked her ears to capture any movement outside.

It was already ten minutes past the time they’d agreed on, and yet no one came in.

With a pout, Caroline peered outside. There were customers, but none of them were heading for table 201 in the private room.

Feeling restless, Caroline returned to her seat, where she tried to convince herself that he was probably just stuck in a traffic jam.

Just then, she heard three knocks on the door. It was polite and restrained.

Immediately, the glow returned to Caroline’s eyes. She got up and pushed the door open.

“Hi…”

Caroline abruptly stopped in her tracks the moment she recognized the man standing at the door.