He’s Been Looking for Her for Five Years! She Finally Appears

The cool night, silent and luxurious in the presidential suite.

Caitlin Lewis had a black blindfold over her eyes, her small hands tightly gripping the sheets, filled with tension and anxiety.

The mattress beside her suddenly sank under a heavy weight pressing down.

She could feel the man reaching out, and Caitlin quickly grabbed his wrist.

“Don’t look at my face!”

The man’s deep, magnetic voice spoke, “Don’t you want to know who you’re giving your first time to?”

Caitlin’s heart ached, warm tears spilling out as she shook her head. “I don’t care who you are. You’re my savior, thank you!”

She couldn’t let anyone know who she was!

If word got out that the eldest daughter of the Lewis family had fallen so low as to sell herself for $200,000, how much ridicule would she face?

Giving her most precious self to a stranger, she felt helpless and sorrowful.

But she had no choice. Her mother was lying in a hospital bed, waiting for money to save her life.

If it weren’t for her father’s coldness and her boyfriend’s betrayal—stealing her shares and kicking her out—she wouldn’t have to resort to this.

A faint, seductive scent filled the air.

The girl was clean, and she smelled good!

The man made another request, “I can give you two million, but I want you to have a baby for me. Would you agree?”

With two million, her mother could be saved!

“I agree…”

“Good girl.”

The man curved his lips into a charming smile, leaning in closer.

Eight months later, one night.

Caitlin was jolted awake by the pungent smell of smoke. She opened her eyes to see flames outside the window, long tongues of fire licking through the frame, igniting the curtains.

Fire!

Realizing the danger, Caitlin, with her large belly, struggled to get up and escape the room.

The living room on the first floor was already ablaze, thick smoke billowing. Caitlin covered her mouth and nose, struggling to move forward.

The worst part was, all the doors and windows in the villa were sealed shut. She managed to find the landline phone, but the line had already been cut.

Outside, she could faintly hear familiar voices. “Once her mother dies, my mom will marry into the Lewis family, and Caitlin will probably never know that I’m also a Lewis daughter.”

Her cousin Jasmine was actually her father’s biological daughter?

“Everything that belongs to her is already in your hands. She has nothing now!”

That was Scott Gilbert’s voice?

He stole her shares and conspired with Jasmine?

“Pour more gasoline. Make sure the fire burns brighter. It’s best if she and that bastard in her belly are burned to ashes.”

“She has to die, only then will we be truly safe.”

It was them. They wanted to silence her!

The chaotic footsteps finally faded, leaving only the roaring fire and suffocating smoke.

The flames licked at her skin, and fear consumed her.

Thinking of her mother still lying in the hospital, she couldn’t die…

Caitlin smashed the window glass, shouting desperately for help. “Help… Fire… Help!”

She didn’t know how much time had passed. Lying on the ground, Caitlin could barely breathe.

In that moment of crisis, the villa door was kicked open, and an elderly figure rushed into the inferno. “Miss! Miss!”

“Dominic, I’m here…”

Hearing the old butler’s voice in her despair, Caitlin was moved to tears.

Dominic kicked aside burning furniture, braving the danger to find the nearly suffocating Caitlin. “Miss, hurry, come with me…”

With Dominic’s help, Caitlin cradled her belly as they headed toward the door. Just as they were about to make it out, a beam fell toward Caitlin.

Seeing this, Dominic pushed Caitlin out of the door, taking the blow himself and becoming trapped under the beam.

Caitlin crawled up from the ground, turning to see Dominic engulfed in flames.

Tears overflowed from her eyes as she cried out in agony, “Dominic! Dominic…”

“Run, Miss… Go as far as you can… Never come back…”

“Dominic…”

Caitlin’s eyes were bloodshot, the flames devouring everything, leaving nothing but a burning inferno.

*

Half a month later, in the 59th-floor office of Vanderbilt Enterprises Group.

Sebastian Vanderbilt was dealing with work when his assistant, Xavi, rushed in to report, “Mr. Vanderbilt, our people found a premature newborn at the gate of the villa.”

“What?”

No one else knew the villa’s address, only that girl. Realizing what it meant, Sebastian stood up abruptly. “Where is the baby now?”

“The baby is very weak and sick. I’ve already sent him to the hospital for treatment.”

“To the hospital!”

In the hospital’s incubator, Sebastian saw a baby boy, tiny and delicate, so small and adorable. The moment he saw the baby’s face, his heart softened.

Though the baby was small, his features bore a slight resemblance to Sebastian’s. There was no doubt this was his son.

He had paid two million to have that woman, Camellia, bear him a child, and she had fulfilled her promise!

Thinking of this, Sebastian immediately instructed Xavi, “Go, I need to know where the baby’s mother is now. Bring her here.”

“Yes, sir!”

Xavi led a team to search, and three days later, he returned with a report. “Sir, we’ve searched all over New York, but we couldn’t find a woman named Camellia. We even checked every maternity ward, but there’s no record that matches.”

“Keep looking. I must find that woman!”

Sebastian’s brow furrowed deeply. Where had she gone after giving birth to his child?

Who Is She? The One You Can't Afford to Offend

Five years later.

A black Bentley stopped in front of the CL Group building. The car door opened, and a tall woman stepped out.

Caitlin, dressed in black Givenchy, exuded both righteousness and an edge of darkness, her face hidden behind oversized sunglasses that concealed her cold and aloof features.

In the past five years, the confusion and pain had faded, replaced by calm and composure.

It had been five years, and she was finally back!

Following her out of the car were her two sons. Both boys were exceptionally handsome. Bruce, with a cold expression and dressed in a sharp British-style suit, and Arthur, sunny and always smiling, wearing a colorful hoodie.

Caitlin walked into the building, and the two little boys quickly caught up.

“Mommy, Mommy, wait for us!”

Everyone they passed couldn’t help but turn their heads. “That woman is so cool! And look at those two incredibly handsome boys!”

“Are they the new child models hired by CLHC?”

To outsiders, they looked like a supermodel mom with her adorable kids.

Taking the elevator straight to the top floor, Caitlin arrived at the CEO's office, where Executive CEO Yosef Carter had been waiting. When he saw them come in, he greeted them with a smile. “Boss, finally, you’re back!”

“Thank you for holding things down, Yosef!”

Caitlin greeted him and sat down at the desk, immediately starting to handle business.

No one knew that she was the real boss behind CLHC Venture Group; Yosef Carter was just one of her subordinates managing things on her behalf.

“Yosef! Arthur missed you so much!” Arthur, always sweet-talking, ran happily to Yosef.

“Ah, Arthur, it’s been three months since I last saw you. I’ve missed you too!”

Yosef picked Arthur up and twirled him around, then looked over at the stoic Bruce, calling out, “Bruce, come here. Let Uncle give you a hug!”

“Childish,” Bruce crossed his arms, clearly uninterested in any hugs.

“What? Did I just get dissed?” Yosef chuckled, bemused. The two boys were identical, yet their personalities were worlds apart.

Yosef arranged for someone to take the boys to play while he updated Caitlin on the situation in New York.

“Thompson Global Ventures has already been swallowed up by The Lewis Family. Your father Jonathan is the chairman, and Scott Gilbert is the executive CEO. TGV’s shares are scattered among several shareholders.”

“Keep a close eye on them. Buy in as soon as any shares are sold.”

Back then, due to her misjudgment of people, her grandfather’s Thompson Global Ventures had been taken over. Now, she had returned to reclaim control of TGV!

“Has Dominic's ashes been properly buried?”

“Dominic was given a proper burial. He’s now laid to rest in the New York cemetery.”

Caitlin nodded, then asked, “And what about The Lewis Family lately?”

“Recently, Jasmine was selected by The Vanderbilt Family to marry Sebastian, fulfilling a recommendation from Beatrice Vanderbilt based on a suggestion by Menisachi, North America’s most legendary and wealthy astrologer. Apparently, it's happening today.”

Caitlin acknowledged this, then asked, “What did you find out?”

“I was about to tell you. You asked me to investigate your eldest son’s whereabouts. I’ve found him!”

“Tell me now!”

Caitlin was eager to know where the child she had given birth to all those years ago was.

“It’s all here!”

Yosef handed her a folder.

After reading the contents, Caitlin was deeply moved. She closed the file and stood up immediately. “Prepare the car! I’m going to The Lewis Family!”

Caitlin wasn’t just going to settle old scores; she was going to find her eldest son.

Back then, she had been pregnant with that man’s child and gave birth to four in total. The youngest daughter died shortly after birth.

She had fulfilled her promise by giving the eldest son to the man, taking the other two boys with her.

Now, five years had passed. What had become of her eldest son?

She missed him terribly, thought of him every day for five years, and her heart ached for five long years.

*

The Lewis Family estate stood tall and grand.

Due to the takeover of Thompson Global Ventures, her father Jonathan had risen to the top of New York’s four emerging families, becoming a true business tycoon.

Wealth changed everything. Even the estate had been completely renovated, looking more imposing than ever.

When Caitlin walked through the gates, she was stopped by two security guards. “Who are you?”

“Someone you can’t afford to offend!”

Dressed in all black, Caitlin radiated an intimidating aura.

The guards, hearing her bold words, found it amusing. “This is The Lewis Family estate. Unauthorized people are not allowed! Get lost, get lost…”

Before they could finish, a loud “snap” was heard, followed by one of the guards screaming, “Ahhh… my hand, my hand… it’s broken…”

The guard was kneeling on the ground in pain, while the other guard stood frozen, still laughing seconds ago, completely unaware of how fast she had moved.

Her strike had been as swift as lightning, leaving no time for defense!

“Want to try breaking something too?” Caitlin raised her head, her cold gaze piercing into the other guard, who was so frightened by the murderous intent in her eyes that he began to stammer, “S-someone… help… ah…”

With another swift crack, the guard’s leg was broken, and he fell to the ground, crying in agony.

Caitlin looked down at the two men with disdain and coldly ordered, “If you don’t want to die, keep quiet!”

The two guards, writhing in pain, dared not utter another word. The woman before them was terrifying!

Caitlin strode through The Lewis Family garden, making her way to the main hall.

Inside, she heard a woman’s sobbing voice. “Mom, I really don’t want to marry Sebastian. I don’t want to marry him! Sebastian is practically dead. I’d rather die than marry a living corpse!”

Caitlin recognized the voice as Jasmine’s. She had now become the Lewis family’s eldest daughter, renamed Jasmine Lewis.

The Sebastian Jasmine referred to was none other than Sebastian Vanderbilt, the renowned CEO of Vanderbilt Enterprises Group.

Since taking over the family business, the company had diversified under his leadership, expanding into finance, real estate, and chain hotels, making it the largest conglomerate in the country.

Unfortunately, such a business genius had been in a car accident a month ago, leaving him paralyzed and bedridden, his days supposedly numbered.

To find someone suitable for him, The Vanderbilt Family had gone through every unmarried woman in the city, selecting Jasmine based on her astrological chart.

“Ugh, I don’t want you to marry him either. We sent in Caitlin’s astrological chart, but who would have thought they’d choose you! Now The Vanderbilt Family is coming to pick you up, and there’s nothing I can do. We can’t offend The Vanderbilt Family!” Megan sighed regretfully.

Jasmine turned to Jonathan for help. “Dad, please think of something! I don’t want to marry him! I really don’t! Why does it have to be me? I love Scott! I want to be with Scott! Can’t we send someone else in my place?”

“Who else can we send? The Vanderbilt Family will be here any minute!”

“Dad, Mom… I really don’t want to marry him…”

As Jasmine wailed in despair, a clear female voice cut through the air.

“If she won’t marry, I will!”

Everyone in the room turned their heads toward the voice, only to see a slender figure standing at The Lewis Family door.

As the figure walked closer, they saw a woman with a stunningly beautiful face, cold and aloof, exuding an icy aura.

“Who… who are you?” Jonathan asked, surprised, scrutinizing the woman before him. She seemed familiar, but he couldn’t place her.

“Mr. Lewis, how quickly you forget. It’s been five years, and you don’t even recognize your own daughter?”

Caitlin walked in, her black high heels clicking on the floor, each step like a hammer striking their hearts.

“You… you can’t be…” Jonathan slowly stood up, staring at her in disbelief. Her appearance had changed too much, but the voice remained the same.

It was her! His eldest daughter, Caitlin!

But hadn’t she burned to death years ago?

Megan recognized the voice too, her face filled with terror. “Jonathan, could it really be Caitlin?”

“Caitlin?” Jasmine echoed, shocked.

Caitlin had burned to ashes. How could she suddenly reappear?

Miraculously Awake

Jasmine thought she had seen a ghost. She screamed and hid in her mother’s arms. “Ah, it’s a ghost… a ghost, Mom…”

“Are you human or a ghost?”

Jonathan asked in panic, remembering that after the fire five years ago, a charred corpse had been found in the ashes. They had assumed it was Caitlin, and fearing a police investigation, they hastily cremated and buried the remains.

Now, seeing her standing here, everyone was terrified, filled with fear!

“She’s not a ghost! Ghosts don’t cast shadows! Is it really Caitlin? Could she still be alive?” Megan exclaimed in shock.

“That’s right! I’m Caitlin, and I’m still alive!”

Five years ago, Dominic had died in her place!

Compared to the wretched and desperate escape she had made five years ago, Caitlin now stood firm, fearless.

The past was etched in her memory, filled with lessons learned in blood, all of which had forged her growth.

Her heart had hardened, becoming strong and unbreakable!

For her mother, for the Jonathan Family, for Dominic, and for herself, every blood debt would be repaid in kind!

Caitlin stood in front of them, her cold gaze sweeping over their shocked faces. “I’ve come back alive. Does that disappoint you?”

Megan was the first to recover, putting on a fake smile of warmth. “Oh my, Caitlin’s really back! You didn’t die; that’s wonderful! You have no idea how your father and I have been these past years. We thought you were dead, and we’ve been grieving all this time.”

How hypocritical!

Just as disgusting as before!

Grieving? More like celebrating her misfortune until now!

“I can’t seem to see any signs of grief. On the contrary, once my mother died, Aunt Megan couldn’t wait to marry my father, and now your whole family is living happily. Dad’s become a business tycoon, and Aunt Megan, a lady of wealth and status. How glamorous!”

Caitlin’s biggest regret was that two months after she left, her mother had passed away. She hadn’t been able to return in time for the funeral, not even to see her one last time.

How had her mother died?

She would find out!

The people standing before her were definitely involved!

Megan tugged on Jonathan’s sleeve, and Jonathan finally snapped out of his daze. He asked, “Caitlin, you didn’t die… where have you been all these years? Why didn’t you come back?”

Jonathan pretended to be concerned, but inside he was trembling with fear. From the look in his daughter’s eyes, he knew she wasn’t here with good intentions.

Why had she suddenly returned? What did she want?

A mocking smile appeared on Caitlin’s lips as she looked over at Jasmine. “Well, I’m back now, aren’t I? Just in time for my sister’s wedding!”

Jasmine got up from the floor, having completely forgotten the terrible things she had done to Caitlin five years ago. She smiled ingratiatingly. “Caitlin, are you serious? Would you really be willing to marry Sebastian in my place?”

“Of course. I’ve been gone for five years. Now that I’m back, I should do something for The Lewis Family to repay all the hard work Dad and Aunt Megan have done for me.”

Every word Caitlin spoke was laced with sarcasm, her tone full of bitterness.

In truth, she had returned today with one purpose: to marry Sebastian.

Whether Sebastian lived or died, she was going to marry him!

Jonathan’s expression faltered, but he replied smoothly, “I’m glad you think that way. If you’re willing to marry in place of your sister, then it’s settled.”

Caitlin’s agreement to marry solved a huge problem for Megan and Jasmine. After all, the astrological chart was Caitlin’s, so it was more fitting for her to walk into the fire.

Soon, a servant rushed in to report, “Master, Madam, the car from The Vanderbilt Family has arrived! They’re here to pick up the bride!”

“Good, good. Tell them we’ll be ready shortly!”

The wedding dress prepared for Jasmine was soon passed to Caitlin. She donned the veil and was escorted out of The Lewis Family mansion.

The Vanderbilt Family, the leading family among New York’s five great houses, sent a convoy of over a dozen Rolls-Royces to fetch the bride.

Caitlin was placed in one of the luxury cars, and the convoy drove off.

After the convoy left, Megan rushed back inside and said to Jasmine, “It’s perfect! Now that that wretched girl has taken your place, you won’t have to marry him and become a widow!”

“I heard Sebastian doesn’t have long to live. Caitlin will soon be a widow herself!”

Jasmine grinned triumphantly, relieved to have escaped such a heavy burden.

On second thought, if Sebastian weren’t on the verge of death, she might have wanted to marry him herself. After all, he was the most eligible bachelor everyone wanted.

*

The Vanderbilt Family was a hidden financial dynasty, belonging to the top echelon of New York’s aristocracy.

The convoy drove through the gates of a luxurious estate, covering three hectares of land, into the old Vanderbilt mansion.

After stepping out of the car, Caitlin was led into the grand living room by the servants. She could hear the family members discussing the suggestion made by Menisachi: that marrying the fated woman could help avert the misfortune.

“Madam, the Lewis Family’s daughter has arrived. Shall we begin the ceremony?”

“Sebastian is still unconscious. I see no need for a formal ceremony.”

Just then, a servant rushed in to report, “Madam, Mr. Vanderbilt… he’s awake!”

Beatrice was overjoyed. “Really? Sebastian is awake? That’s wonderful! It must be the good fortune this girl has brought! Marcus, take her to him right away to care for him!”

“Yes, madam!” Marcus replied.

The women in the room exchanged puzzled glances. The man doctors had declared nearly dead had actually woken up today?

The Vanderbilt mansion was connected to Sebastian’s private residence in the east wing. Butler Marcus escorted Caitlin there. After scrutinizing her for a moment, it seemed he didn’t care who the bride was, as long as the marriage proceeded.

“Miss Lewis, you may call me Marcus. From today, you are responsible for Mr. Vanderbilt’s care. Remember your place, understood?”

“I understand, Marcus.”

Caitlin understood her role well. In essence, they had found a woman to be a personal caretaker for a man at death’s door.

As Marcus led her upstairs, they heard loud crashes and smashing sounds from the second floor.

Caitlin had just opened the door when something came flying toward her.

Thankfully, she had quick reflexes and not only dodged the object but also managed to catch the glass ashtray that had been thrown.

A quick glance around the room revealed the chaotic scene—furniture overturned, the floor littered with debris.

Two doctors and three nurses were struggling to restrain the man thrashing on the bed.

“Hurry! Get the sedative ready!”

The medical staff were in a panic, and Caitlin couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight. So, Sebastian really was a legend!

They all said he was as good as dead, with only a few days left to live. Yet here he was, awake and fighting like a wild beast, refusing to be tamed.

One of the nurses approached with a syringe of sedative, only for Sebastian to grab it and plunge it into the male doctor’s arm instead.

“Ahhh…”

The doctor cried out in pain before collapsing to the ground moments later.

Another doctor was sent flying by a punch from Sebastian, and the nurses were too scared to get close.

Sebastian ripped out the IV from his arm, bracing himself on the bed and breathing heavily.

At that moment, his aggression was at its peak, and his strength deadly. No one dared approach him; no one dared move!

The room fell into an eerie silence, like the very gates of hell had opened.

Seeing the scene unfold, Marcus nervously spoke up. “Mr. Vanderbilt, Madam has chosen the eldest daughter of The Lewis Family to marry you. She’s here to take care of you and help speed up your recovery!”

With that, Marcus gave Caitlin a push, motioning for her to approach.

Caitlin took two steps forward, only to hear the man growl in a deep, menacing voice, “Get out! All of you, get out!”

He Was Touched by a Woman

The doctors and nurses hurriedly fled the room, dragging the sedated Dr. Griffin out as well.

Marcus also left, and the room was now empty, with only Caitlin and Sebastian remaining.

Caitlin quietly observed Sebastian. Although the man was injured, with bandages around his head and casts from his knees to his calves, he still exuded an unstoppable charm with his high nose bridge, tightly pressed thin lips, and thick brows furrowed in frustration. His cold, chiseled face still held a magnetic appeal.

Sebastian reached out toward the nightstand, fumbling for something. From his gaze and actions, it wasn’t hard to deduce that the man might also be blind.

For a man who had once been on top of the world, paralysis and blindness would undoubtedly be a devastating blow.

It was like an angel having their wings torn off!

She understood him. He must be in so much pain!

Caitlin bent down to pick up a pillow from the floor and walked toward him.

Sebastian couldn’t see, but he heard the sound of footsteps approaching and immediately snapped angrily, “I told you to get out! Why aren’t you gone? I don’t need anyone to take care of me! Get out!”

His proud, powerful body had become disabled, and his eyes saw nothing but darkness.

Now, he was living in a hellish void!

He didn’t want anyone to see him in such a pathetic state!

“Why should I leave? From today onward, I am your wife, Sebastian!”

Caitlin placed the pillow behind him, ignoring his resistance.

Sebastian, sensing her presence, grabbed her wrist fiercely. “What wife? I never agreed to marry you! You’re just someone they arranged. Go back to wherever you came from! Get lost, did you hear me?”

He pushed her away with such force that he ended up falling back onto the bed himself.

Caitlin stumbled but quickly regained her balance, staring at the overbearing man. She smiled. “I’m not going anywhere! After all, I finally have the chance to marry you. Do you know how many women dream of this? Marrying you makes me Mrs. Vanderbilt, the future mistress of The Vanderbilt Family. Why would I give up such a great opportunity?”

“I don’t care what you think. I will never acknowledge you as my wife!”

Hearing her words, Sebastian assumed she was just another gold-digger, someone after The Vanderbilt Family’s wealth and status.

“Whether you acknowledge it or not, I am your wife!”

Caitlin continued, “No matter how you feel, I’m staying here to take care of you until you recover!”

Caitlin was here to repay a debt.

Five years ago, at her lowest point, he had helped her.

Now, at his lowest point, it was her turn to repay him!

“I don’t need you! I don’t need anyone! Did you hear me?”

He roared, his voice filled with despair.

“You just woke up, Mr. Vanderbilt, and yet you have so much energy, your voice is loud and clear. It seems you’re not going to die after all.”

Sebastian was still seething, his handsome face etched with hopelessness.

Hearing the woman’s teasing tone only deepened his frustration. How could she still be making jokes when he was this furious?

Caitlin lifted the blanket and pinched his foot. Suddenly feeling the pain, Sebastian furrowed his brow. “What are you doing?”

“You can feel pain. That means your legs are only fractured, not paralyzed. Your blindness is likely due to a blood clot pressing on your nerves. Once the blood clears, you should regain your sight.”

“You’re not a doctor. I don’t need your opinion! Get out!”

Instead of leaving, Caitlin suddenly leaned closer.

“What are you doing?”

A soft hand suddenly reached out.

Sebastian, shocked, tried to raise his hand to stop her, but Caitlin grabbed his wrist.

She wasn’t weak either, holding his arm in place with a teasing smile. “Everything seems intact. It looks like Mr. Vanderbilt can still be a full man!”

“You…”

Sebastian, at a loss for words, finally spat out, “You shameless woman!”

Apart from his encounter with Camellia five years ago, Sebastian had never been with another woman. Never before had anyone touched him like this.

What a humiliation!

“Who needs shame? I want you to get better soon! Only when you recover can I enjoy my life as a wealthy Vanderbilt wife! So, let’s work hard, Sebastian!”

Caitlin deliberately patted his face, the sound echoing loudly.

No one had ever dared touch his face like that!

No woman had ever been so audacious as to tease him!

This woman was simply asking for it!

Her actions left a terrible first impression on Sebastian.

He was so furious, he could barely contain his anger. If he could get up, he’d strangle her right now. “Get out! Get out! I don’t want to see you! Get out!”

“I already told you, I’m not leaving. I’ll stay and take care of you until you’re fully recovered. When you’re better, I’ll leave. And when that time comes, even if you beg me to stay, I might not agree.

“And you should be grateful that you can’t see right now. If you could, I’m afraid you’d fall in love with me.

“And that would make things very painful for you.”

No matter what he said or how he cursed, Caitlin’s attitude was like soft cotton—impenetrable, but maddeningly frustrating.

Sebastian was truly enraged, his chest heaving with every breath. He realized this woman was a narcissist!

Fall in love with her? What a joke!

At the door, Caitlin called for the maids to come clean up the room.

The maids entered nervously, casting anxious glances toward the man on the bed, afraid he might start smashing things again.

They noticed that Mr. Vanderbilt was no longer in a rage but simply lying there, staring blankly, his face etched with hopelessness.

The maids were curious. How had the new Miss Lewis managed to subdue their notoriously irritable Mr. Vanderbilt?

While the maids cleaned the room, Caitlin went downstairs, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of her eldest son. Where was he now?

Standing in the garden outside, Caitlin heard the sound of children playing in the distance.

She followed the noise and found three children under a large tree.

Two chubby boys, about five or six years old, were chanting a rhyme, “Little mute! Howard! Shadow boy! Waa-waa baby! No-mother bastard, drinks pee every day!”

The boy being bullied was much smaller, probably only four or five years old.

Though small in stature, he wasn’t backing down. Like a stubborn little bull, he charged at the two chubby boys, headbutting them.

The chubby boys fell down but quickly got up, grabbing the small boy and pinning him to the ground, shoving dirt and leaves into his mouth.

“How dare you hit us? We’ll beat you up, you little mute!”

The chubby boys were having a great time bullying him, clapping their hands and laughing.

The small boy struggled to his feet, ready to fight them again.

But he was no match for the two bigger boys. Even though his nose was bleeding, and his face was covered in dirt, he didn’t give up.

Pinned to the ground, he still glared fiercely at the chubby boys!

Caitlin approached, her heart aching as she saw the boy’s face.

Though it was dirty and bloodied, she could clearly see the resemblance to Bruce and Arthur.

He was her eldest son, the one she had given birth to years ago!

They called him a little mute. Did that mean he couldn’t speak?

Seeing her son being bullied like this made Caitlin’s heart twist with pain!

Her Own Flesh and Blood

The closer she got, the more her heart ached. The pain in her heart didn’t lie.

This was her son!

Her own flesh and blood!

“The little mute is bleeding! He’s bleeding!”

“Let’s run!”

The two boys who had caused trouble were about to flee, but Caitlin stepped forward, blocking their way, and snapped, “Stop right there!”

The two chubby boys froze, staring at Caitlin in surprise. One of them raised his face defiantly and asked, “Who are you? Why are you stopping us?”

“Who told you to bully him?” Caitlin pointed to the boy lying on the ground.

“We didn’t bully him!” The two chubby boys denied it.

“I saw it with my own eyes, and you’re still denying it? Look at him now! Covered in mud, his nose bleeding. You think that wasn’t you?”

Caitlin grabbed the two chubby boys by the ears, forcing them to turn and face the boy on the ground.

Howard got up from the ground, looking up at the strange woman with wide, curious eyes.

The sudden appearance of the woman made him momentarily forget his anger and humiliation.

The two chubby boys cried out in pain, but Caitlin harshly commanded, “Apologize to him! Do you hear me?”

The chubby boys struggled free, refusing to apologize. “We won’t apologize! What are you going to do about it?”

“Yeah, who are you, anyway? Mind your own business!”

Seeing their brazen defiance, Caitlin’s anger flared. She raised her hand and slapped each of the boys across the face.

Both of them were struck twice. Normally, they were used to running wild, but being suddenly slapped left them stunned. Then, they both burst into loud sobs.

“Stop crying! Do you hear me? Apologize to him! Or I’ll hit you again!”

Terrified by Caitlin’s threat, the two chubby boys reluctantly turned to the smaller boy and muttered, “Sorry…”

Howard blinked his large, curious eyes, even more intrigued.

Who was this woman?

Why was she helping him?

The chubby boys tried to run, but Caitlin grabbed their collars again and warned them, “Listen up, both of you! From now on, you are not allowed to bully him!

“And he’s not some kid without a mother! If anyone dares call him a mute or an orphan again, I’ll make sure you regret it!”

The two chubby boys were scared stiff, not daring to say another word. Only after Caitlin released them did they run off crying.

Turning to the little boy on the ground, Caitlin’s eyes filled with tears, and her heart broke.

This was her son!

He was almost five years old, but he had never experienced a single day of a mother’s love!

Thinking about it made Caitlin’s heart ache even more.

The saying “A child without a mother is like grass” was painfully true.

Even though he lived in a wealthy family, he still couldn’t avoid being bullied, especially when his father couldn’t protect him.

Now that she had finally found her son, Caitlin wasn’t sure how to introduce herself to him. She was afraid of scaring him, so she didn’t immediately tell him she was his mother.

Caitlin knelt down, holding back her tears, and asked, “You’re Howard, right? Does it hurt? Let me clean it for you, okay?”

Caitlin pulled out a handkerchief, intending to wipe the blood from his nose, but the little boy furrowed his brow, his gaze cold as he swatted her hand away, refusing to let her touch him.

He wiped his nose with his sleeve, lifting his chin defiantly, his eyes saying that he was a man and a little blood was nothing.

So young, yet so strong. It broke Caitlin’s heart.

Holding back her tears, she smiled and praised him, “Howard, you were very brave just now. Well done! Auntie is proud of you!”

Caitlin gave him a thumbs up, but Howard didn’t accept her praise. He gave her a cold glance and walked right past her.

Howard was aloof and didn’t like interacting with others. Even though this woman had helped him, he didn’t want to say much to her.

In just a few minutes, Caitlin could see that her son was proud and cold, very much like his stubborn father.

Caitlin caught up to him. “Howard, I came here to find you. Don’t you want to know who I am?”

Howard tilted his little head, giving her a sidelong glance before walking even faster, as if she were a kidnapper.

Watching his stubborn, proud little back, Caitlin felt helpless. She called out, “Howard, do people call you a little bastard?”

Hearing this, Howard stopped in his tracks. When he turned around, his small face was full of indignation.

Her words had hit a nerve!

Like an angry little tiger, he charged at Caitlin, headbutting her in the leg.

If he could speak, he would tell her how much he hated being called a motherless child or a bastard!

He wasn’t a bastard!

Caitlin stumbled back two steps before steadying herself. She grabbed his little wrist and bent down, saying, “I didn’t mean to upset you. I just want to tell you that you’re not a bastard. You have a mother!”

“Hmph…”

Howard snorted, glancing at her with cold disdain. He knew he had a mother, but he didn’t know where she was.

“Auntie is your mother. You are my son. Mommy is back! From now on, Mommy will protect you, okay?”

Caitlin’s words left Howard stunned for a long time. His big, black eyes stared at her, as if trying to see through her, to figure out if she was telling the truth.

He couldn’t believe it. Was she really his mother?

His doubtful little eyes scanned her again and again, shifting from shock to suspicion, then to hurt and anger.

Because he didn’t have a mother, his brothers bullied him, his classmates teased him, and even the adults whispered behind his back, calling him abandoned or claiming his father had picked him up from somewhere.

He hated his mother for abandoning him!

But he also longed for a mother. Every day, he wished his mother would come back for him.

Now, this beautiful woman was telling him she was his mother, but he couldn’t believe it.

For the first time, Howard’s eyes filled with tears. He suddenly pushed her away and ran off, crying.

“Howard… Howard…”

Caitlin hurried after him, finally finding him hiding in a small cave in the garden’s rockery.

He was curled up in the small cave, hugging his knees, letting his tears and blood mix and drip down, refusing to come out.

Caitlin’s heart ached so much. In front of others, her son acted like a little hedgehog, sharp and defensive, but when he was alone, he was like a wounded little animal, hiding away in loneliness.

“Howard, I’m sorry. Mommy should have come back to find you sooner.

“When I gave birth to you and left you with your daddy, I had my reasons for leaving. But believe me, I never abandoned you.

“Howard, I missed you so much. All these years, I’ve dreamed of you, and there hasn’t been a single day I didn’t think about you.

“I came back this time to find you, and I never want to be separated from you again.”

Caitlin’s heart broke as she cried, her gaze full of love for her son. “Howard, my sweet boy, come to Mommy, will you?”

6: The Fierce New Mrs. Vanderbilt

No matter what Caitlin said, Howard refused to come out, leaving her with no choice but to pretend to leave.

“Howard, I know you hate me and can’t accept me. If you don’t want to see me, then Mommy will leave now. I’m going, okay?”

Hearing the sound of her footsteps fading, Howard panicked. He quickly scrambled out of the little cave, running out to the path as he anxiously looked around, helplessly searching.

His tiny body trembled as he cried in frustration.

He thought Mommy was really gone.

But he didn’t want her to go!

He wanted her to come back!

Tears streamed down his little face uncontrollably as he wiped them with his sleeves, but the more he wiped, the more tears fell.

“Mommy… I want Mommy…”

“Howard!”

Suddenly, Caitlin’s voice called from behind him. Hearing her, Howard whipped around, his tearful eyes wide as he saw she hadn’t left.

In that moment, he couldn’t describe what he felt. All his pent-up frustration and sadness poured out.

His nose was still bleeding, the blood dripping non-stop, staining his face, chin, and clothes.

He felt utterly terrible. What if Mommy saw how messy he was? Would she think he was disgusting and leave him again?

He desperately tried to clean himself up, but the more he wiped, the worse it got.

Caitlin’s heart shattered. Without thinking twice, she ran to him and pulled him into her arms.

“Howard… my baby…”

She didn’t care how dirty he was.

She held him tightly, as though he was the most precious treasure in the world that she’d finally found.

Howard didn’t push her away, but he didn’t react much either. He simply stood there, letting her hug him.

“Does it hurt?”

Caitlin loosened her embrace and looked at his messy, bloodstained little face. She carefully wiped away his tears and blood with a handkerchief.

Howard shook his head. What was a little pain?

He was a man, and men didn’t fear pain!

To stop his bleeding, Caitlin found some soft grass leaves in the garden, rolled them, and gently placed them in his nostrils.

Howard stared at her with his big, round eyes, watching this woman—this stranger who said she was his mommy. She felt so warm, so kind, just like the mommy he had always imagined: gentle and beautiful.

Her hands brushed across his face, soft and comforting. Being hugged by her felt so wonderful.

Was his mommy really back?

“All done, sweetheart. Let’s go home and get you cleaned up, okay?”

Howard didn’t glare at her anymore, a sign that he might have started to accept her. Caitlin picked him up and carried him back to the Vanderbilt estate.

---

When Caitlin arrived at the estate with Howard in her arms, the servants at the door were stunned.

Everyone knew Howard was a little terror. He never let anyone get near him, much less hold him.

How on earth had this newcomer Caitlin managed to carry him after being here for less than an hour?

Lucy, one of the maids, rushed forward. “Miss Lewis, what happened to Howard? Why is he bleeding so much?”

“He had a nosebleed. Get me some clean clothes. I’m going to give him a bath,” Caitlin replied calmly.

“Oh, right away!” Lucy led them upstairs.

---

As they reached the second floor, a loud crash came from the master bedroom. A maid ran out, clutching her head and screaming in terror.

Seeing Caitlin, she grabbed her arm and pleaded, “Miss Lewis, you need to check on Mr. Vanderbilt! He’s throwing another fit!”

Carrying Howard, Caitlin walked into the master bedroom. The moment she stepped inside, a lamp flew toward them. Caitlin quickly turned to shield Howard, letting the lamp hit her back instead.

“Ugh…” Caitlin groaned in pain.

Howard furrowed his small brows tightly, sensing his mommy had been hurt.

Caitlin handed Howard to Lucy outside the room and returned to face Sebastian. Her voice was cold as she asked, “Have you had enough?”

Sebastian was in the midst of another episode, thrashing on the bed and shaking things wildly as if he wanted to tear the world apart. He ignored all attempts to reason with him.

Caitlin stepped forward and slapped him hard across the face.

*SMACK!*

The sound echoed through the room as Sebastian’s head snapped to the side, a clear red mark appearing on his cheek.

The slap shocked him out of his frenzy.

Rage flared in his eyes. “You crazy woman! Did you just slap me?”

“Yes, I slapped you! Do you even know what you’re doing? Do you even know if your son is out there being bullied? All you do is throw tantrums and make everyone else miserable!”

Caitlin’s voice shook with anger as she thought about Howard’s suffering.

“It’s none of your business! Get out!” Sebastian shouted.

“All you ever do is yell for me to get out! Is that all you’re good for? You’re not even as capable as a child. Do you even deserve to call yourself a man? If you keep this up, then just rot away in your misery!”

Caitlin snapped, slamming the door behind her with a deafening *BANG*.

Sebastian sat in stunned silence, his entire body radiating displeasure.

He felt humiliated.

Wasn’t this woman supposed to take care of him? Why was her temper worse than his?

She’d dared to hit him not once, but twice!

Unbelievable.

Fine, let her have her moment. When he recovered, he’d make sure she paid for this insolence.

---

Outside the master bedroom, the servants exchanged nervous glances. They had all seen Caitlin slap Mr. Vanderbilt.

Wow.

No one had ever dared to lay a hand on him before.

Who was this fierce woman?

Caitlin ignored them. She returned to Howard, picked him up, and followed Lucy to the children’s wing.

---

In Howard’s bathroom, Lucy prepared the bathwater while Caitlin knelt to brush the dirt from his hair. “Look at you—so dirty! Let’s get you cleaned up, sweetheart.”

Howard’s big, dark eyes stared at her, wondering why this mommy was so gentle with him yet so harsh with his daddy.

Caitlin helped him out of his filthy clothes. Howard remained unusually calm.

Lucy was stunned. Normally, Howard refused to let anyone touch him.

After undressing him, Howard shyly covered himself, his little face full of pride and defiance.

“Alright, I won’t look. I’ll just help from the side while you bathe,” Caitlin said with a smile.

The little boy climbed into the tub, his dirty body quickly turning the water murky. Caitlin’s heart ached as she saw his frail frame.

Howard had been the firstborn of the quadruplets, yet he was so thin that his ribs were clearly visible.

Caitlin asked softly, “Lucy, why is Howard so skinny?”

As Howard turned his back to her, Caitlin noticed scars on his back and legs. Her heart broke, tears streaming down her face.

“And these scars… Where did they come from?”  

7: Big Trouble Brewing

From Lucy, Caitlin learned more about Howard’s life—details that shocked, angered, and filled her with guilt.

Howard had anorexia. He only ate food made by his father, Sebastian, refusing to touch anything prepared by others. Over the past month, with Sebastian in a coma, Howard had been surviving on bread, choosing hunger over eating meals from anyone else unless he was absolutely starving.

As for the scars on his body, some were the result of his own mischief, but many came from being bullied by two other boys.

Caitlin pieced it together—the two chubby boys she’d encountered earlier were Sebastian’s cousin’s children. They frequently bullied Howard, taking advantage of the fact that he had no mother to protect him. Howard’s inability to speak and his refusal to tattle only emboldened them further.

The more Caitlin learned, the deeper the ache in her heart grew, suffocating her with pain.

After cleaning Howard and stopping his nosebleed, Caitlin wiped the water off his small body. It was then she saw her son fully for the first time.

He had a face identical to Bruce and Arthur’s, but his features carried a sharpness and maturity far beyond his years.

“Howard…”

After dressing him in fresh clothes, Caitlin pulled her son into her arms once more, holding him tightly. She could feel the smallness of his body, the warmth of his life, the flowing blood in his veins, and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

This was her firstborn—the child she carried for nine long months and brought into the world.

Their bond was unbreakable, rooted in their shared blood and soul.

Finding Howard made Caitlin feel as if her life had finally become whole.

In her heart, she made a solemn promise:

*Howard, Mommy will never leave you again. I’ll never let anyone hurt you. I’ll take care of you and make up for everything I owe you.*

---

Before Caitlin could savor the moment, a commotion erupted outside.

A maid rushed upstairs, her face pale with panic. “Miss Lewis! Willa and Xylia are here, and they’ve brought others with them!”

“What’s going on?” Lucy asked, hurrying downstairs to investigate.

Outside the Vanderbilt estate, Willa and her daughter-in-law Xylia arrived with their two sons, storming in with an air of aggression.

“Lewis woman! Get out here!”

“Look at what you’ve done to my kids! Get out here now!”

Lucy quickly ran back upstairs to Caitlin. “Miss Lewis, did you hit Willa’s two young masters today?”

“Are you talking about those two chubby boys? Yes, I hit them. So what?” Caitlin replied calmly.

“Willa and Xylia are here to confront you. What should we do?” Lucy was visibly anxious; it was clear that Willa was someone the staff feared greatly.

“Then let’s go see what they want.”

Caitlin instructed Howard to stay in the room before heading downstairs alone.

Standing at the entrance of the villa, Caitlin’s tone was casual as she asked, “What’s all this racket? For a moment, I thought it was a pack of stray dogs barking outside. So noisy.”

---

Willa and Xylia’s faces twisted with rage as they saw Caitlin step out.

“Who are you? Where’s Jasmine?” Willa demanded.

“I am Jasmine,” Caitlin replied nonchalantly.

“No, you’re not!” Xylia pointed at her accusingly. “She’s not Jasmine. I know Jasmine—this woman is an imposter!”

The gathered crowd exchanged stunned looks.

So, the woman sent by The Lewis Family was a fraud?

“If you’re not Jasmine, then you’re just a fake!” Willa shouted, her voice shrill with fury. “And how dare you, an imposter, bully my grandsons!”

Xylia added fuel to the fire. “And you even called us stray dogs just now? You’ve got some nerve!”

The pair glared daggers at Caitlin, their eyes practically spitting fire.

“When did I ever bully your grandsons?” Caitlin crossed her arms, utterly unbothered.

Willa yanked her two grandsons forward. “Kyle, Quinton, tell me—who hit you? Speak up! Grandma will make sure you get justice.”

“It was her!” The two boys pointed at Caitlin, their voices full of indignation.

“Did you hear that?” Willa seethed. “Look at their faces! They’re swollen with clear handprints. What do you have to say for yourself?”

“Are you sure their faces aren’t just swollen because they’re naturally fat?” Caitlin asked coldly.

Xylia’s face turned red with anger. “How could you be so vile? Just because you don’t have children of your own, does that mean you can hit other people’s kids? And now you’re denying it?”

Caitlin let out a sharp laugh. “You keep accusing me of hitting them, but have you bothered to ask why I did it?”

Both women glared at her, saying nothing. Caitlin continued, “Your precious grandsons bullied Howard. I stepped in to teach them a small lesson, to show them what’s right and wrong. Is that so unreasonable?”

“Oh, I’ve never met a woman as shamelessly argumentative as you,” Xylia shot back. “An adult hitting children and then blaming them? Kyle and Quinton have always played nicely with Howard. They’re practically brothers. Stop twisting the truth to cover your misdeeds!”

“Brothers?” Caitlin turned to the boys. “Let me ask you—did you hit Howard? Did you stuff dirt and leaves into his mouth? Did you call him a mute and a bastard?”

The two boys, emboldened by their grandmother and mother’s presence, denied everything.

“No! We didn’t do anything to Howard!”

“Mommy, Grandma, we were playing with him, and this woman came and hit us!”

Willa’s face darkened with rage. “Did you hear that? My grandsons are innocent. You’re the one distorting the facts with your evil schemes!”

“Evil schemes? Twisting the facts?” Caitlin’s voice turned icy. “Just because Howard is small and can’t speak doesn’t mean you can bully him. Let me make this clear: now that I’m here, I won’t let anyone lay a finger on him again.”

Standing behind her, Howard quietly watched. Listening to her words, he felt an unfamiliar warmth in his chest.

So this is what it felt like to be protected by Mommy.

“You think you’re someone important?” Xylia sneered. “You’re just a fraud sent here to fool us. Don’t think you’re anything special!”

She lunged at Caitlin, but Caitlin moved faster.

Grabbing Xylia’s hair, Caitlin yanked her back and slapped her hard across the face.

*SMACK! SMACK!*

Then, with a swift kick, Caitlin sent Xylia sprawling to the ground.

“Ahhh!” Xylia screamed in shock and pain.

Everyone froze in disbelief. Even Lucy and the other servants gasped, their jaws nearly hitting the floor.

*Oh no, Caitlin’s really in trouble now!*

Messing with Willa’s family could easily escalate to Beatrice herself. Who knew how this would end?

Willa, trembling with rage, ordered her people, “Pick her up! Teach her a lesson she’ll never forget!”  

8: Her Identity Revealed

Sensing trouble, Lucy rushed back inside to find Sebastian.

Sebastian was lying in his room, already aware of the commotion outside. Though he could hear it, his immobile body left him helpless. As his frustration built, Lucy burst into the room.

“Mr. Vanderbilt, it’s bad! Willa’s people are trying to attack Caitlin. What should we do?”

Hearing Lucy’s hurried explanation, Sebastian pieced together that Caitlin had angered Willa in her effort to protect Howard.

Recalling the slap and the harsh words Caitlin had hurled at him earlier, Sebastian initially wanted nothing to do with the situation. However, he ultimately instructed Lucy to inform Beatrice and ask her to handle the matter.

As Lucy went to make the call, Sebastian tried to move but found his legs unresponsive. His blindness added to his helplessness.

Rage consumed him. He punched the mattress with a useless fist.

“I can’t even protect my own son! I’m nothing but a failure,” he thought bitterly.

---

Outside, Willa had summoned seven or eight male servants to confront Caitlin.

Caitlin stood her ground, unflinching. One by one, she knocked the men down, punching and kicking with precision and power.

By the time she was done, the servants lay groaning on the ground, while Caitlin stood unscathed.

Willa’s expression shifted from fury to fear. She had not expected this woman to be so formidable.

“You wretched woman! You’ll pay for this! Just you wait!” Willa spat angrily.

Caitlin smirked, her voice cold. “I’ll be here. Bring it on.”

Unable to do anything else, Willa fled with her group, muttering that she would report this to Beatrice and demand Caitlin’s removal.

As the intruders disappeared, Caitlin turned to find Howard standing at the doorway, his wide eyes gleaming with admiration.

“Howard, do you think Mommy is amazing? Would you like me to teach you some moves? That way, if anyone bullies you, you can fight back just like Mommy.”

Howard nodded earnestly. Of course, he wanted to learn. He wanted to be strong so no one could ever push him around again.

“Before you learn, you’ll need to eat well and get strong first. Only with a healthy body can you train properly,” Caitlin said, picking him up.

She carried Howard into the house. “For now, Mommy will cook you something delicious. How does that sound?”

Howard gazed at her quietly, but inside, something shifted.

Having Mommy around… wasn’t so bad after all.

---

Leaving Howard in the living room, Caitlin rolled up her sleeves and headed to the kitchen. As she chopped vegetables, Lucy came rushing in again, flustered.

“Caitlin, it’s bad! Beatrice wants to see you right away!”

Caitlin slammed the knife down onto the cutting board. “Fine. Let’s go see her!”

---

Carrying Howard in her arms, Caitlin followed Lucy to the Vanderbilt family’s main hall.

The atmosphere in the hall was tense. Beatrice, dignified and imposing, sat at the center. Beside her was Grace, elegant and regal, while Willa and Xylia stood nearby, their expressions venomous. Several other family members had also gathered.

Lucy announced their arrival, “Madam Beatrice, Madam Grace, Madam Willa—Miss Lewis is here.”

Grace scrutinized Caitlin and immediately exclaimed, “She’s not Jasmine from The Lewis Family!”

Jasmine was a well-known socialite in New York, celebrated as one of the city’s three great beauties. Her reputation in fashion and design circles was unparalleled, and everyone present knew what she looked like. One glance at Caitlin made it clear she wasn’t Jasmine.

Caitlin’s gaze swept across the room coldly. She had already researched the Vanderbilt family and their internal dynamics.

She knew that Raymond Vanderbilt’s first wife, Eliza, had disappeared eighteen years ago. Shortly after, Raymond married Grace, who had once been Eliza’s closest friend but later became Sebastian’s stepmother. In truth, she was just a mistress who had managed to secure her position.

“She’s definitely not Jasmine!” Willa interjected, her voice dripping with venom. Turning to Beatrice, she added, “Mother, this woman isn’t just an imposter. She attacked Kyle and Quinton and even assaulted Xylia. You can’t let her get away with this!”

Beatrice fixed her sharp eyes on Caitlin. “If you’re not Jasmine, then who are you? Why are you pretending to be The Lewis Family’s eldest daughter?”

“I’m not pretending,” Caitlin replied calmly. “I am The Lewis Family’s eldest daughter. My name is Caitlin.”

The room fell silent for a moment before gasps of surprise rippled through the crowd.

They all knew the basics of The Lewis Family’s history. Jonathan Lewis and his first wife, Kelly, had two children: a pair of twins. The son had gone missing as a child, while the daughter, Caitlin, was presumed dead in a fire five years ago.

And now, this woman was claiming to be that very Caitlin?

“That’s impossible!” Willa retorted. “Everyone in New York knows that Kelly’s daughter died in a fire. You think you can just show up and pretend to be her?”

Xylia chimed in bitterly, “Clearly, The Lewis Family sent a fake to replace Jasmine. And now that she’s been exposed, she’s resorting to claiming she’s Caitlin. She’s nothing but a fraud!”

Grace added, “Exactly! This woman is clearly here with ulterior motives. Who knows what she’s after? She must be removed immediately!”

Caitlin’s expression remained composed. “I don’t need to pretend. Here’s my identification. If you doubt me, verify it with The Lewis Family. Five years ago, I was fortunate enough to escape that fire. Now I’m back, alive and well.”

Her tone was steady, her gaze unwavering as she handed her identification to Beatrice.

Beatrice examined the documents but remained skeptical.

“Even if you are Caitlin, you’re not the bride we chose for Sebastian. Why are you here? Do you want to harm him?” Grace questioned, her words laced with feigned concern.

In truth, Grace saw Caitlin as a threat. With Sebastian incapacitated, Grace hoped to position her own children for power. This newcomer could ruin everything.

“Yes! We specifically chose a bride whose astrological chart aligned with Sebastian’s to bring him good fortune. You recklessly married him—what if you worsen his condition?” Beatrice added, clearly troubled.

Willa, reaching the end of her patience, shouted, “Mother! Enough talk. Have her arrested immediately!”

Xylia fanned the flames. “Yes, charge her with fraud! And don’t forget, she assaulted my children. We can add child abuse to her crimes!”

Seeing Beatrice hesitate, Willa took matters into her own hands. She signaled for the guards outside.

“Come in! Arrest this woman right now!”

Moments later, several towering bodyguards entered the hall, their intimidating presence filling the space as they advanced toward Caitlin.  

9: Shocking Everyone

Caitlin decided against escalating the conflict and didn’t resist. The guards quickly restrained her, pinning her arms behind her back.

Willa and Xylia grinned triumphantly, finally seeing this woman subdued.

“Mother,” Willa declared with satisfaction, “I’ll have her sent to the authorities right away. Let them investigate her thoroughly! If she’s a fraud, we’ll make sure she gets what she deserves!”

As Willa signaled for the guards to take Caitlin away, a sudden interruption shocked everyone.

Howard, usually distant and aloof, lunged forward and clung tightly to Caitlin’s leg, preventing them from taking her.

Although Howard couldn’t speak, his fiery gaze made his feelings clear. He didn’t want them to take his mommy.

In his desperation, Howard even jumped up to scratch and bite the guards trying to restrain her. Though the guards winced in pain, none dared retaliate against the young master. Finally, Howard threw himself onto Caitlin’s leg, hugging it as tightly as he could, as though he were anchoring her to the ground.

The sight left everyone stunned.

Everyone in the Vanderbilt family knew how unruly and reserved Howard was. He rarely spoke to anyone and never showed affection, not even toward his father or Beatrice. Hugging someone was simply unheard of.

Yet here he was, clinging desperately to a woman he’d met less than two hours ago.

It was a moment that shattered everyone’s expectations.

“Howard!” Beatrice exclaimed in disbelief.

Grace, putting on her grandmotherly demeanor, coaxed him, “Howard, what are you doing? Come to Grandma, sweetheart.”

But Howard ignored her. He remained glued to Caitlin, refusing to budge.

Caitlin felt the profound shift in her son’s heart. He had accepted her, and now he didn’t want her to leave.

For her son’s sake, Caitlin knew she had to fight to stay.

“Beatrice, please have them release me. I have something to say. If, after hearing me out, you still want me gone, I won’t resist.”

Beatrice gestured for the guards to release Caitlin.

Now free, Caitlin bent down and scooped Howard into her arms.

“Howard, it’s okay. Let go now,” she whispered gently.

Howard reluctantly loosened his grip, and Caitlin turned to face the room, her cold gaze sweeping over the gathered women before settling on Beatrice.

“Beatrice, there’s something you need to know. The astrological chart sent by The Lewis Family for Jasmine wasn’t hers—it was mine. If you send someone to investigate, you’ll see I’m telling the truth.

“Since it’s my chart that matches Mr. Vanderbilt’s, it makes sense for me to be here to fulfill the role. Besides, you’ve all witnessed it yourselves—when I arrived, Mr. Vanderbilt woke up. Doesn’t that prove I’ve already brought him good fortune?”

Caitlin’s calm and confident explanation made Beatrice pause. After a moment, Beatrice nodded slightly, acknowledging the logic in Caitlin’s words.

“Very well. I’ll verify your claims about the astrological chart. But why did you hit Kyle and Quinton? They’re just children.”

Caitlin took a deep breath and replied, “Beatrice, they may be children, but so is Howard. Do you know why I hit them? Because they ganged up on Howard and bullied him.

“Howard is younger, smaller, and unable to speak. Does that mean he deserves to be mistreated? Aren’t all your great-grandchildren equally precious? Shouldn’t someone ask Howard if he’s been wronged?”

Beatrice frowned, troubled by the accusation. “All three of them are my beloved great-grandchildren. They’ve grown up together, always playing as siblings. What bad intentions could Kyle and Quinton have? Why would they bully Howard?”

Beatrice’s impression of the three boys came solely from the times she saw Kyle and Quinton behaving kindly toward Howard. Unbeknownst to her, these displays were staged by Willa and Xylia, who had instructed their sons to act sweet in front of their great-grandmother.

Willa quickly interjected, “Mother, don’t listen to her lies! Kyle and Quinton are such good boys—they always look out for Howard. They would never bully him. This woman is twisting the truth!”

Xylia added, “Exactly, Grandma. You know how children are—they bicker a little but make up quickly. It’s this woman who’s blowing things out of proportion and falsely accusing my sons.”

Willa turned to Grace for support. “Sister-in-law, you’ve seen how well the boys get along, haven’t you?”

Grace nodded, siding with Willa. “Yes, they’re just kids. They couldn’t possibly have any malicious intent. This is all being exaggerated unnecessarily. And no matter what, hitting children is unacceptable.”

“Exactly!” Xylia exclaimed. “Look at Kyle and Quinton’s faces—they’re still swollen! How could she justify hitting them like that?”

The women collectively shifted the blame onto Caitlin, painting her as the villain.

But Caitlin refused to let the truth be buried.

Her gaze fell on Howard, who stood quietly nearby, his small face expressionless. Yet his eyes betrayed his disdain for the women arguing around him.

Caitlin stepped forward, her tone icy. “Beatrice, I’ve always heard that you’re a wise and fair matriarch. Today, I’m asking you to judge this situation fairly. Was Howard bullied or not? I have evidence. Let me show you.”

Pulling out her phone, Caitlin opened a video she had recorded earlier and held it out for everyone to see.

The room fell silent as the video played.

The audio filled the hall:

“Mute boy! Howard! Tagalong! Bastard with no mom, drinking pee every day!”

The footage clearly showed Kyle and Quinton shoving Howard, pushing him to the ground. Howard fought back bravely but was soon overpowered. The video continued, showing the two boys pinning Howard down, punching him, and stuffing dirt and leaves into his mouth before stomping on him.

“Hit us again, and we’ll crush you, mute boy!”

As the video ended, the room was deathly quiet.

Beatrice’s face darkened with anger, her hands trembling slightly.

“Did Kyle and Quinton really do this?!” she demanded.  

10: What Beatrice Did to Keep Caitlin

Willa and Xylia were utterly stunned. They hadn’t expected Caitlin to have recorded a video.

Seeing the footage of their two sons bullying Howard so cruelly, the two women didn’t dare utter another word. Guilt was written all over their faces as they lowered their heads.

Beatrice stood up, leaning on her cane. She struck the ground with it sharply.

*“Bang!”*

The sound reverberated through the hall, startling everyone.

“Unacceptable! Absolutely unacceptable! Kyle, Quinton—how could you do such a thing to Howard?”

Her heart broke as tears welled in her eyes.

Grace, ever eager to play the role of the dutiful daughter-in-law, stepped forward to console her. “Mother, please don’t upset yourself. It’s not worth harming your health.”

She turned to Howard, feigning concern. “Howard, dear, are you alright? Come to Grandma. Let me see if you’re hurt.”

Howard didn’t move toward Grace. Instead, he shuffled closer to Caitlin, burying himself in her embrace.

Caitlin knelt to hold her son, silently comforting and encouraging him.

Kyle and Quinton, seeing Beatrice’s anger, dared not act up. Instead, they burst into tears.

“Look at you two!” Beatrice scolded. “You bullied your little brother, and he didn’t cry. But now, after being called out, you’re the ones crying first! Are you the ones who’ve been wronged?”

Her scathing rebuke left the two boys seeking refuge in Willa and Xylia’s arms.

Willa, protective of her grandchildren, tried to downplay the situation. “Mother, Kyle and Quinton are just kids. They didn’t know any better; they were just playing around. I’ll have them apologize to Howard right now.”

She turned to her grandsons. “Apologize to your brother.”

But Kyle pouted defiantly. “I won’t! Grandma and Mommy said Howard’s a bastard anyway. We didn’t say anything wrong!”

A simple apology might have smoothed things over, but Kyle’s careless remark exposed the truth.

Caitlin’s cold smile deepened. “Beatrice, you heard him, didn’t you? People always say children don’t lie. Kyle just repeated exactly what he’s been taught.”

Beatrice’s fury mounted. She turned to Willa and Xylia, her face livid. “So this is how you’ve been raising them? You dared to call Howard a bastard? Howard is a Vanderbilt, my blood, and you have the gall to insult him like that?”

Tears of anger streamed down Beatrice’s face.

Willa stammered, “Mother… I… it was just an offhand comment. I never doubted Howard’s lineage—”

Xylia chimed in desperately, “Grandma, it was a joke! We didn’t mean it!”

“An offhand comment? A joke? Teaching children to insult their own brother? And that’s supposed to excuse it?”

Beatrice struck her cane on the ground again.

“Enough! Even if the children didn’t know better, you, as their guardians, should have! You deliberately taught them to behave like this. If I don’t enforce discipline today, I’ll be failing the Vanderbilt name and our ancestors!”

“Mother, please—”

“Grandma, we’re so sorry! Please forgive us!”

The two women clung to Beatrice’s clothes, begging for mercy. But Beatrice’s expression remained icy.

“Marcus!” she commanded. “Fetch the family whip!”

The mention of the family whip sent Willa and Xylia to their knees.

*“Thud!”*

They dropped to the ground, wailing, “Mother, no! Please don’t!”

“Grandma, we’ll never do it again! Please spare us!”

Their pleas fell on deaf ears. Beatrice’s authority was absolute.

Moments later, Marcus returned with the family whip—a black leather lash with the Vanderbilt family’s motto engraved on the handle.

“Beatrice, the family whip is here,” Marcus announced.

“Good. Begin. Fifty lashes each!”

“No! Please, Beatrice—” Willa tried to appeal to Grace. “Sister-in-law, help me! Please speak up for me!”

Before Grace could say a word, Beatrice’s voice rang out sternly.

“Anyone who dares plead for them will join them in punishment!”

Grace quickly closed her mouth, unwilling to risk herself.

Marcus carried out Beatrice’s orders without hesitation.

*“Snap!”*

The first lash landed on Willa’s back.

*“Ahhh!”* Willa’s scream pierced the air.

*“Snap!”*

The next lash struck Xylia, drawing a similar shriek.

The whip struck again and again. Willa and Xylia’s cries echoed through the hall as the punishment continued.

Their clothes tore under the force of the whip, and the fire-hot pain left them writhing in agony.

By the time Willa had endured twenty lashes, she fainted from the pain.

Xylia lasted a little longer but succumbed before thirty lashes.

“Beatrice,” Marcus reported, “Willa and Xylia have both passed out. I believe they’ve learned their lesson.”

Beatrice waved her hand dismissively. “Enough. Take them away.”

The unconscious women were carried off, leaving the room heavy with tension.

Beatrice turned to Caitlin. “Child, does this punishment satisfy you?”

Caitlin nodded. “It does. Thank you, Beatrice, for upholding justice.”

She bowed respectfully and then picked up Howard. “If you’ll excuse us, I’ll take Howard back now.”

After Caitlin left, Beatrice examined Caitlin’s identification papers once more. Satisfied, she turned to Marcus.

“Marcus, verify Caitlin’s background thoroughly. If everything checks out, arrange for her and Sebastian’s marriage certificate to be finalized immediately.”

Beatrice had seen enough of Caitlin’s character to decide she was a good match for Sebastian.

True to form, Marcus completed the investigation swiftly. Caitlin’s identity and the astrological chart were confirmed, and the marriage certificate was processed without delay.

When Beatrice saw the completed document, she smiled. “I’ll visit the estate myself and tell Sebastian the good news.”

---

At the Vanderbilt estate, Caitlin was in the kitchen preparing food when she heard Beatrice had arrived. She greeted her politely and watched the matriarch head upstairs.

Looking down, Caitlin saw Howard seated in a small chair by the kitchen door, his big eyes watching her every move.

Her heart melted at the sight.

After everything they’d been through, Howard’s attachment to her had deepened.

Now, he stationed himself by the kitchen door like a little guard, determined to protect his mommy from anyone who might try to take her away.

---

Upstairs, Beatrice visited Sebastian and recounted everything that had transpired. She ended with a satisfied smile.

“Sebastian, I must say, choosing Caitlin to marry you turned out to be a blessing in disguise. She’s the perfect match for you. I’ve already had the marriage certificate processed. From now on, you and Caitlin are husband and wife. Together, you can give Howard the complete family he deserves!”

“Marriage certificate?”

Sebastian’s brow furrowed so tightly it seemed he could crush an ant.

He had accepted Caitlin’s presence as Jasmine’s substitute but never agreed to marry her.

What had that woman done to win over his grandmother?

While he owed her gratitude for protecting Howard, he couldn’t stomach the idea of being married to her—especially without his consent.

“Grandmother, I won’t marry her. I’d rather die than stay with that woman!”

As his voice boomed through the room, Caitlin entered, just in time to hear his vehement rejection.  

11: Doubts About Her Motives

Beatrice noticed Caitlin entering and could tell she had overheard Sebastian’s harsh words. The atmosphere grew awkward, and Beatrice opened her mouth to explain, but Caitlin spoke first.

“Mr. Vanderbilt, you don’t need to worry,” Caitlin said firmly. “Let’s make things clear right now in front of Beatrice. I’m only here at the Vanderbilt estate to perform the duties of a ‘lucky bride.’ Once you’ve recovered, I’ll leave. There’s no need for us to fulfill any spousal obligations. For the duration of your recovery, we’re only a couple in name. My responsibility is to care for you, and that’s all. You shouldn’t feel burdened.”

By taking the lead, Caitlin laid her intentions bare. She had two goals for coming to the Vanderbilt estate: repaying a debt and finding her son.

Once Sebastian recovered, she would leave—but not without Howard. He was her son, and she was determined to gain full custody of him.

Sebastian felt a wave of relief. He had feared she might cling to the Vanderbilt name, refusing to leave. But her declaration put his mind at ease.

Beatrice, however, saw something in Caitlin that neither of them acknowledged: her strength of character, her unyielding spirit, and her clear sense of right and wrong. She believed Caitlin was precisely the kind of woman the Vanderbilt family needed, someone who could bring out the best in her grandson.

Moreover, Howard had already bonded with Caitlin, displaying a rare affection. It was a connection Beatrice couldn’t ignore.

“Caitlin,” Beatrice interjected gently, “don’t be so quick to make up your mind. Our Sebastian is an extraordinary man. If you marry him, you could have a life of comfort and happiness. Why not give it some thought? His condition will improve, I’m sure of it. And besides, the marriage certificate has already been issued.”

Caitlin’s eyes widened. “Marriage certificate? When did this happen?”

Beatrice handed her the red document, looking every bit the pleased matchmaker. Caitlin held it skeptically, wondering if it was even real.

“Well, you gave me your ID to verify your identity and star chart, didn’t you? I confirmed everything was genuine, so I took the liberty of having your marriage registered. Once Sebastian recovers, you two can hold a proper wedding.”

Beatrice’s intentions were kind, but Caitlin felt trapped. *If I have to divorce, doesn’t that make me a secondhand bride?*

“Grandmother! Enough! If the certificate’s been issued, then undo it!”

Sebastian was livid. He slammed his fist on the bed, furious at the turn of events. He had never wanted anyone’s care, let alone a forced marriage.

The outburst caused a sharp pain in his head, and Beatrice quickly tried to soothe him. “Alright, alright, I won’t say more. Rest well, my dear.”

She had no intention of annulling the marriage. In her eyes, Sebastian was lucky to have Caitlin, whether he realized it or not.

Once Beatrice left, Caitlin turned to Sebastian. “Mr. Vanderbilt, I know you don’t want this marriage, and I don’t either. How about we sign a divorce agreement? Once you recover, our marriage will be annulled automatically, and I’ll leave. How does that sound?”

“Fine!”

Sebastian agreed immediately. The idea of a written contract appealed to him—something concrete to ensure Caitlin couldn’t backtrack later.

To formalize the agreement, Sebastian called for his assistant, Xavi, to draft it.

When the agreement was ready, Sebastian had Xavi press his seal on it. Both he and Caitlin signed their names and left their fingerprints, making it legally binding.

Xavi left with his task complete, and Caitlin returned moments later with a tray of food.

“Mr. Vanderbilt, I’ve prepared dinner. Would you like to eat?”

“No.”

Sebastian’s voice was cold. He didn’t trust anything she made and worried she might tamper with the food.

“Suit yourself,” Caitlin said flatly, placing the tray down.

She left briefly and returned with Howard in tow.

After seating the boy on a bench and tying a napkin around his neck, Caitlin said, “Howard, it’s time to eat. Mommy made beef with vegetables, corn, and carrots. Doesn’t it look cute?”

Hearing her call herself “Mommy,” Sebastian scowled.

“You’re not Howard’s mother,” he snapped. “Stop calling yourself that. Don’t confuse him.”

He couldn’t stand the thought of Howard getting attached to Caitlin. If Howard’s biological mother ever returned, it would only make things harder for the child.

Howard’s little face puffed with indignation. *Who says she’s not my mommy? She is!*

Caitlin turned to Sebastian, unimpressed. “Listen, Mr. Vanderbilt, as long as our agreement stands, I have a duty to act as Howard’s mother. How I interact with him is none of your concern. Don’t undermine me.”

Her blunt tone left Sebastian fuming. If he ever recovered, he swore he’d take back control of his home—and his son. Right now, this woman had far too much influence.

Meanwhile, Howard stared at the plate in front of him, which looked like an adorable piece of art. The rice was shaped like a bunny, surrounded by colorful vegetables and tender beef. It was the most whimsical meal he’d ever seen.

“Open wide,” Caitlin said, holding out a spoon. “Mommy made this just for you. Try it and tell me what you think.”

Howard hesitated at first but opened his mouth when Caitlin reminded him he needed to eat to grow strong.

As soon as the food hit his tongue, his big eyes widened in amazement. It was delicious—better than anything he’d ever tasted.

Howard couldn’t believe it. His mommy’s cooking was magical.

“It’s good, isn’t it?” Caitlin smiled. “Mommy will feed you more.”

Howard eagerly ate bite after bite, savoring every morsel. But halfway through, he stopped chewing and stared at the plate, his expression suddenly shifting.

“What’s wrong, Howard? Why aren’t you eating?” Caitlin leaned in, concerned. She noticed tears welling up in his eyes.

“Howard, why are you crying?”

She quickly set the plate aside and wiped his tears. “Are you feeling unwell? Tell Mommy where it hurts.”

Howard shook his head, his cheeks puffed with unswallowed food. He wasn’t in pain. He was scared.

Scared that this moment was just a dream.

Scared that if he finished the meal, his mommy would disappear.

As Caitlin fretted over Howard, Sebastian’s dry voice cut through the room.

“Hah! I knew your cooking must be terrible. Look at him—he’s crying because it’s so bad!”

Sebastian’s snide comment earned him an icy glare.

“Shut it!” Caitlin snapped.

But before she could figure out what was wrong, Howard did something that stunned them both.  

12: Acting Like She Owns the Place

The little boy, with tears still clinging to his lashes, picked up the spoon and began eating the rest of the meal on his own.

“Howard!”

Caitlin’s heart swelled with a bittersweet ache. So that’s why he cried? It was the first time he’d ever eaten a meal his mommy cooked—it must have touched him deeply.

“If you like my cooking, Mommy will make it for you every day, okay?”

Howard glanced at her, lifted his little arm to wipe away his tears, and nodded.

I need to get it together! Howard thought. Why had he already cried twice since seeing his mommy? He felt like he wasn’t acting like a proper little man at all.

Seeing her son eat every last bite, not leaving even a single grain of rice on the plate, Caitlin clapped her hands in delight. She stroked his little head and said warmly, “Good job, Howard! You finished everything Mommy made for you. What a good boy you are!”

Sebastian, overhearing, couldn’t hold back his skepticism. “Impossible. You must have forced him to eat it.”

Caitlin turned to him, her patience already thin. “Mr. Vanderbilt, when did I force him to eat? Howard liked my cooking so much that he finished it all on his own. That’s proof that it’s delicious. Didn’t you smell the aroma of the food? Or has your nose been damaged along with everything else?”

Sebastian frowned, irritated. His sense of smell was perfectly fine—too fine, in fact. The scent of the meal had been tantalizing, making him swallow involuntarily more than once.

And his stomach? It was growling now, loudly protesting his earlier refusal.

Caitlin, noticing his discomfort, smirked. “Howard’s done eating. Should I bring you your meal, Mr. Vanderbilt? Or should I just clear everything away?”

Hearing her footsteps fade, Sebastian couldn’t hold it in anymore.

“Wait!” he called out, his pride wavering. “Did I say I wouldn’t eat?”

“You did, just a moment ago,” Caitlin teased, clearly enjoying his predicament.

“That was then; this is now!” Sebastian snapped, pounding the bed in frustration. “Bring me the food!”

Caitlin bit back a laugh as she set the food on the bedside table. She leaned in to prop him up, placing two pillows behind his back to support him.

As her arm brushed against his cheek and neck, Sebastian felt an electric jolt. Her skin was soft, her touch cool.

And then there was that scent—light, clean, and oddly familiar. He couldn’t place where he’d smelled it before.

“Open your mouth,” Caitlin instructed, holding a spoonful of rice porridge near his lips.

Sebastian stubbornly kept his mouth shut, his brows furrowed in defiance.

“What now, Mr. Vanderbilt? You were just demanding food, and now you won’t eat?”

“I don’t want you feeding me,” he grumbled, his pride flaring up again.

“Suit yourself,” Caitlin said, setting the spoon down.

Sebastian tried to grab for the bowl himself, only to flail helplessly in the air.

“Mr. Vanderbilt, you can’t see a thing, and you can’t even find the bowl. Are you really sure you want to feed yourself?”

His face darkened with frustration, and after a tense moment, he muttered, “Fine. Feed me.”

Caitlin chuckled and resumed her task. As Sebastian took his first bite, he frowned. “What is this?”

“Rice porridge.”

“That’s it? Just porridge? I don’t want this!”

Sebastian’s mind flashed to the aroma of beef and vegetables. Where was the delicious meal he’d smelled earlier?

“Mr. Vanderbilt, your doctor said you’re only allowed soft foods for now. You just woke up, remember?”

“…”

Sebastian scowled, convinced she was doing this on purpose. Didn’t anyone tell her he hated porridge more than anything?

Caitlin, noticing his displeasure, arched a brow. “Mr. Vanderbilt, if you don’t eat, how will you ever recover? Right now, you can’t move, you can’t see. You’re as good as helpless, waiting to be taken advantage of.

“Don’t you want to get better? Don’t you want to find out who sabotaged your car?”

Sebastian stiffened. “How do you know my accident wasn’t just an accident?”

“Mr. Vanderbilt,” Caitlin replied with calm certainty, “you’re an exceptional driver, with your own racing team. A man with your skills doesn’t just veer off the road without cause.

“The only explanation is that someone tampered with your car, causing the brakes to fail.”

Her reasoning was spot on, aligning with Sebastian’s own suspicions. Before the crash, his brakes had indeed stopped working. Since waking up, he’d already set Xavi on the trail to uncover the truth.

Whoever did this to me will pay dearly, Sebastian vowed silently.

“Feed me,” he ordered gruffly, his hunger finally overriding his stubbornness.

Though he hated porridge, he was surprised by how good Caitlin’s cooking was. Each bite was rich and satisfying, with a flavor he couldn’t quite describe.

How had he never realized porridge could taste this good?

After finishing one bowl, Sebastian shocked himself by asking for a second.

As Caitlin served him the second helping, the door opened, and two women entered.

Grace walked in first, her face tightening ever so slightly at the sight of Sebastian being spoon-fed by Caitlin. Behind her was a younger woman, Yasmin Xenos.

Grace quickly masked her displeasure with a smile. “Sebastian, how are you feeling?”

Hearing her voice, Caitlin turned to face the newcomers. Grace introduced Yasmin with a pleased smile.

“Sebastian, when I heard you were awake, I brought Yasmin to see you.”

Yasmin was Grace’s niece, hailing from the illustrious Xenos family. Like Jasmine, she was one of New York’s renowned beauties.

Her sharp eyes immediately zeroed in on Caitlin, radiating hostility. Striding forward, Yasmin gave Caitlin a pointed glare and said imperiously, “We don’t need you here. Leave.”

Her commanding tone left no room for negotiation, as if she were the true mistress of the Vanderbilt estate.

Caitlin noticed Yasmin’s hostility but chose not to engage. Picking up Howard, she quietly left the room.

Once they were gone, Yasmin turned to Sebastian, her voice softening. “Sebastian, I’m so relieved to see you awake. I was so worried about you.”

Sebastian remained cold and distant, offering nothing but a curt, “I’m not dead yet.”

Unfazed by his rejection, Yasmin continued, “I knew you’d pull through. I’ve been praying for you every day, hoping you’d recover soon.”

Sebastian’s indifference didn’t deter her. Yasmin had long set her sights on him, convinced she was the perfect match.

“Sebastian,” she said sweetly, inching closer, “now that you’re awake, why not send that woman away? Let me take care of you instead.”

13: Who Do You Think You Are?

“I don’t need it.”

Sebastian’s tone was icy and dismissive as he barked, “I want to rest. All of you, get out!”

Pulling the covers over his face, he blocked out the world, refusing to engage further.

Yasmin’s eyes glistened with unshed tears at his blunt rejection. Grace hurriedly led her out of the room, whispering reassurances. “Yasmin, don’t take it to heart. You know how Sebastian is—his temper is terrible right now. Give him some time to cool off, and then you can visit him again.”

“Auntie, Sebastian is awake now, so there’s no need for a ‘luck-bringing’ bride anymore, right? Can’t you arrange for me to stay and take care of him instead? That woman doesn’t belong here—it drives me crazy just seeing her!”

Yasmin cast a hostile glance toward Caitlin, who was seated downstairs in the living room. For reasons Yasmin couldn’t explain, Caitlin’s very presence annoyed her to no end.

“Patience, Yasmin. Let me handle it,” Grace replied, smoothing over her irritation.

Descending the staircase, the pair stopped at the foot of it, their eyes locking on Caitlin. With the commanding air of The Vanderbilt Family’s matriarch, Grace addressed her, “Caitlin, we appreciate what you’ve done for Sebastian. But now that he’s recovering well, perhaps it’s time for you to bring this matter to Beatrice and take your leave.”

Caitlin raised her eyebrows, a wry smile tugging at her lips. These people clearly had no idea Beatrice had already ensured she and Sebastian were legally married.

“Grace,” Caitlin began coolly, “I’ve only been here for a day. There’s a saying: ‘If you start something, see it through.’ I wouldn’t want to leave without making sure Mr. Vanderbilt is fully recovered.”

Yasmin, sensing Caitlin’s determination to stay, snapped, “Caitlin, is it? The Vanderbilt Family is an esteemed family. I know exactly what you’re trying to do. You’re here to climb the social ladder and latch onto Sebastian as The Vanderbilt Family’s young mistress, aren’t you?”

Caitlin’s expression turned frosty, her tone cutting. “Oh, I’m well aware of The Vanderbilt Family’s status. But don’t forget, The Lewis Family isn’t exactly struggling either. My father is a prominent businessman in New York. Do you really think I need to climb anywhere?

“Now, you, on the other hand,” Caitlin continued, leveling a pointed look at Yasmin, “seem awfully desperate to stay by Mr. Vanderbilt’s side. What’s your motive?”

Yasmin’s face flushed with embarrassment. “I—I’m here to care for Howard! Now that Sebastian is in trouble, I have a responsibility to help!”

Caitlin’s laughter was as cold as ice. “Responsibility? And what, pray tell, is your responsibility? The ‘luck-bringing bride’ wasn’t you, and Howard certainly isn’t your child. So, where exactly does your responsibility lie?”

With her back straight and voice rising, Yasmin retorted, “I’m The Vanderbilt Family’s childcare specialist! Taking care of Howard is my duty!”

“Oh? Then let me ask you something, childcare specialist—how did Howard end up being bullied so badly under your care? If you’re so dedicated to your ‘responsibility,’ how do you explain that?”

Yasmin stammered, her confidence wavering under Caitlin’s sharp gaze. “I... I wasn’t even here when it happened! If I had been, it never would’ve happened!”

“Great! Then why don’t you focus on doing your actual job—taking care of the child—and stop meddling in Mr. Vanderbilt’s affairs?” Caitlin shot back.

“I won’t! I want to take care of Sebastian!” Yasmin blurted out in frustration, finally revealing her true intentions. “I love Sebastian! We belong together! No one can come between us!”

Caitlin smirked, leaning back as if watching an amusing play unfold. “Oh, so that’s what this is about. Well, don’t worry—if Sebastian truly loves you, no one can tear you apart. When he recovers and you two get married, don’t forget to send me an invitation. After all, I’d be the one to thank for bringing him back to health, wouldn’t I?”

Yasmin’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “So you’re refusing to leave?”

Caitlin didn’t dignify the question with a response. Instead, Howard, who had been quietly observing, made his feelings known by toddling over to Caitlin and wrapping his arms around her leg.

“Howard!” Yasmin called out, holding out her arms. “Come to me and your grandmother!”

Howard stood still for a moment, then turned away from Yasmin and buried himself in Caitlin’s embrace. Caitlin scooped him up, holding him protectively.

Seeing this, Yasmin’s face darkened with fury. No matter how much effort she’d put into buying Howard’s affection with gifts, he’d always ignored her. And now, he was clinging to this woman instead?

Grace, too, was growing impatient. “Caitlin, even if Howard is fond of you, you should know that being a stepmother isn’t an easy job. I hope you know your place.”

Caitlin’s patience snapped. “Grace, you’re absolutely right. But if I ever do become a stepmother, it won’t be the same way you did.

“Mr. Vanderbilt’s father, as I recall, had a wife before you came along. You ousted her and made yourself the second wife—a stepmother by default.

“As for me, Mr. Vanderbilt has never been married. If I were to be with him, I’d be the first wife—Howard’s mother, plain and simple. There’d be no ‘stepmother’ title for me.”

Grace’s face turned a deep shade of red, her rage barely contained. “How dare you!”

Yasmin chimed in, her tone dripping with indignation. “Caitlin, Grace is Sebastian’s mother in every sense of the word. You need to show her respect!”

“Respect?” Caitlin snorted. “Have I said anything that isn’t true?”

The tension between them was palpable, an invisible battle of wills playing out as their gazes locked.

“You’re nothing but a rude, uneducated woman!” Grace spat. “Did your mother never teach you how to behave?”

A cruel smile curled Caitlin’s lips. “You’re absolutely right—my mother, Kelly, has passed away. But who do you think you are to insult her?”

Caitlin’s voice turned colder, sharper. “Grace, you might want to spend some time at the spa—your face is starting to sag. And while you’re at it, consider whether Raymond might want a divorce if he sees what you really look like.

“And Yasmin,” Caitlin added, turning her venom on the younger woman, “you’re always flaunting your beauty, aren’t you? Why not wipe off that makeup and show Sebastian your bare face? Or better yet, with him being blind, this is your chance—go get your face fixed in South Korea! Maybe you two can go together and split the bill!”

“You—!”

“How dare you—!”

Both women were trembling with rage, their faces red with humiliation. Yasmin rolled up her sleeves, ready to charge at Caitlin.

Caitlin, unfazed, stood her ground, tilting her chin defiantly. “What’s the matter? Want to fight me? Go ahead. I dare you!”

14: You’d Better Behave Yourself

Did they really think Caitlin was someone they could bully?

When Caitlin decided to come to The Vanderbilt Family to fulfill her promise as the “luck-bringing bride,” she had already done her homework. She knew all about the secrets and skeletons in the family’s closet, including Grace’s checkered past. Grace, after all, had used her beauty to win over Sebastian’s father, Raymond, but no one knew what dark history lay behind that façade.

Caitlin didn’t plan to air Grace’s dirty laundry—not yet. They still had to see each other daily, after all. But if Grace dared provoke her again, Caitlin couldn’t guarantee she wouldn’t retaliate.

Caitlin’s words struck a nerve with Grace, who hadn’t expected such boldness. The more Grace thought about it, the more alarmed she became. Caitlin was clearly no pushover.

Could Kelly have told Caitlin something before her passing?

Did Caitlin know about those things from her past?

If she did, how much?

If this woman truly knew too much, then Grace would have to find a way to silence her for good.

“Fine, you sharp-tongued little witch! Yasmin, let’s go!” Grace barked, storming out of the mansion. Yasmin threw Caitlin one last venomous glare before following her aunt out.

Lucy, who had watched the entire exchange, felt an odd sense of satisfaction. Finally, someone had managed to shut down those demons in disguise!

With the unwelcome guests gone, Caitlin scooped Howard into her arms and headed upstairs. “Howard, tonight you can sleep with Mommy. Would you like that?”

Howard nodded enthusiastically.

“Alright, but you’ll have to play on your own for a little while. Mommy needs to help your daddy take a bath first. Once I’m done, I’ll come back to you. Okay?”

The little boy nodded again. The thought of sharing a bed with Mommy tonight made his eyes light up—he had never experienced this before!

After settling Howard back in his room, Caitlin returned to the master bedroom. Hearing her footsteps, Sebastian asked, “Are they gone?”

“They’re gone,” Caitlin replied. “Even your precious Yasmin left. Should I call her back so you two can catch up?” She smirked as she teased him.

“You dare? Don’t act like you know everything!” Sebastian snapped, his tone annoyed. He didn’t even like Yasmin—her feelings for him were entirely one-sided.

“Fine, then.” Caitlin shrugged and turned to leave.

“Hey! Where are you going?” Sebastian called after her.

“Why do you care where I’m going?” she shot back, her voice laced with sarcasm.

Sebastian clenched his jaw in frustration. This woman was insufferable! Why did it feel like she was here just to torture him?

Before he could stew on it further, Caitlin returned, carrying a basin of warm water and a clean towel. Hearing the sound of water splashing, Sebastian asked suspiciously, “What are you doing?”

Without a word, Caitlin pressed the warm towel onto his face.

“Hey, you—!”

She began wiping his face, but her movements were anything but gentle. It felt less like a cleansing and more like she was scrubbing a stubborn stain off a table—with a hefty dose of pent-up frustration to boot.

“Can’t you call me by my name?” Caitlin retorted, slapping the towel back into the basin.

“Caitlin! Are you here to take care of me or torture me?” Sebastian grumbled in protest.

“What do you think? Your life is in my hands now, so you’d better behave yourself!” she warned, moving on to wipe his arms.

Sebastian was utterly exasperated. This woman had the audacity to steal his signature line! Still, he decided to let it go. “What were you talking about with them downstairs?” he asked, changing the subject.

“Your precious Yasmin wants to stay here to take care of you. Grace suggested I leave tomorrow.”

Sebastian’s chest tightened. He asked reflexively, “And what did you say?”

“I agreed!” Caitlin replied, deliberately testing his reaction. “You’re not exactly fond of me, so I thought it’d be best if I left tomorrow. Yasmin seems gentler and more attentive. She won’t ‘mistreat’ you like I would.”

Sebastian’s temper flared instantly, his handsome face darkening with anger.

“I don’t want her taking care of me! Caitlin, you’ve signed the agreement—if I’m not recovered, you’re not allowed to leave!”

Seeing his outburst, Caitlin smirked. “You really do have a masochistic streak, don’t you? Fine. I’ve signed the agreement, and I’ll see it through. As long as you’re not fully recovered, I won’t leave. And no one can force me out!”

Then, with a playful grin, she added, “But aren’t you afraid I might actually mistreat you?”

“Try it,” Sebastian growled menacingly. “See what happens.”

The air was thick with tension as Caitlin leaned in closer, her voice a teasing whisper. “How could I dare mistreat you, Mr. Vanderbilt?”

With that, she lightly patted his face again.

Sebastian’s expression darkened further, his chest heaving with indignation. This infuriating woman—did she have a death wish?

In one swift motion, he grabbed her wrist and yanked her toward him. Caitlin stumbled, nearly falling onto his chest. Their faces were so close that their lips almost touched. Her eyes widened in surprise as Sebastian warned her, “Touch my face again, and you’ll regret it!”

“Got it!” Caitlin replied, her tone light, though her heart raced from the sudden proximity. She freed herself from his grasp and continued cleaning him up.

Pulling back the blanket, she reached for the buttons of his shirt. Before she could unfasten them, Sebastian seized her hand, alarmed.

“What are you doing now?” he demanded.

“Taking off your shirt to clean your body,” she replied matter-of-factly.

“Don’t touch me!” he barked.

“How else am I supposed to clean you? Haven’t you noticed how bad you smell? If you don’t get cleaned up soon, you’ll end up with bedsores.”

Sebastian fell silent for a moment, then begrudgingly propped himself up and began unbuttoning his shirt.

“I’ll do it myself,” he muttered. He hated the thought of anyone touching him, even for something as mundane as this.

Caitlin turned away to wring out the towel, and when she turned back, she froze momentarily.

Sebastian’s upper body was now exposed, revealing his toned chest and perfectly defined abs. His physique was nothing short of remarkable, a testament to years of rigorous training.

She couldn’t help but stare, her mind involuntarily flashing back to the three nights they’d spent together five years ago. Her heart raced, and a faint blush crept up her cheeks.

“Seen enough? Or is this the first time you’ve ever seen a man’s body?” Sebastian’s voice dripped with sarcasm, snapping her out of her daze.

Caitlin quickly averted her eyes, taking a deep breath to steady herself. She knelt beside him and began wiping him down, focusing on the task at hand.

As her soft hands brushed against his skin, Sebastian tensed up. He wasn’t used to anyone touching him—Camellia was the only woman he had ever been physically intimate with.

The sensation was strange, almost uncomfortable. He clenched his jaw and endured it, silently willing her to finish quickly.

After thoroughly cleaning his front and back, Caitlin helped him into a fresh set of clothes. As she pulled the blanket over him, her hand brushed against his waistband.

Sebastian tensed immediately, grabbing her wrist again. “What are you doing now?”

“I still need to clean down there,” Caitlin replied nonchalantly.

“You...” His voice faltered, his face heating despite himself.