Chapter 18
18
“The Vanderbilt Family is a top–tier family of wealth and power. Coming here to offer a joyous son beneins me je maty ways. If Mr. Vanderbilt recovers, I’m sure Beatrice will reward me generously. Why wouldn’t do
Caitlin wouldn’t reveal her true intentions to anyone. Instead, she deliberately painted herself as shallow wowed by money and influence, ensuring no one would suspect her ulterior motives.
Her conversation with William filtered through the cracked door, reaching Sebastian’s ears word for word
Hearing her explanation, Sebastian felt a wave of frustration.
I knew it, he thought. This woman has an agenda.
To Sebastian, Caitlin was the epitome of a gold–digger–someone after the Vanderbilt wealth and the fade of Mrs. Talebl
William, however, didn’t doubt her words. He smiled faintly and said, “Good Take good care of my yourfer is long as he recovers, I’ll make sure you’re properly rewarded”
“Thank you, Mr. Vanderbilt.”
“As for yesterday’s incident with Quinton, Kyle, and Howard, I’ve already heard about it. My mother and my wife Jofa may have overreacted. Xylia can be a bit headstrong at times. On their behalf, I apologize. I hope you won’t take it to heat
While speaking, William reached out to clasp Caitlin’s shoulder, his grip firm. His sharp, predatory gaze locked onto kez making his intentions unmistakable.
First meeting, and he’s already putting hands on me? Caitlin wondered, her instincts kicking in
With a practiced ease, she brushed off his hand, her expression calm and unflappable. “I understand. I won’t hold in against them.”
From inside the room, Sebastian suddenly coughed violently.
“Caitlin!” he called hoarsely.
Hearing him, Caitlin turned and hurried back inside.
Approaching the bed, she asked Dr. Griffin, “How is Mr. Vanderbilt?”
.Dr. Griffin replied, “His episodes are a result of post–traumatic stress disorder. They’ll flare up occasionally. However, his
heart and lung functions have improved significantly. With attentive care and proper medication, there’s a good chance of recovery.”
William glanced at Griffin and said, “Thank you, Dr. Griffin. Please prescribe the necessary medications.”
Griffin pulled two bottles of medicine from his kit and handed them to Caitlin, explaining their dosages and administration.
“Thank you, Dr. Griffin. I’ll ensure Mr. Vanderbilt takes them on schedule,” Caitlin replied.
After exchanging pleasantries, William and Griffin left.
Outside Vanderbilt Manor, William asked Griffin in a low voice, “Why did Sebastian wake up so suddenly?”
“I’m not entirely sure,” Griffin admitted. “I was surprised myself. It could have been an unexpected re medication.”
n to the
William exhaled slowly, his expression thoughtful. “How long will today’s prescriptions take to show effects?”
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“Typically, about a month.”
“Good.”
A calculating glint flashed in William’s eyes, accompanied by a faint, satisfied smirk.
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Back in the master bedroom, Sebastian’s face was icy as he brooded. He couldn’t stop replaying the earlier conversation between William and Caitlin. Her words left a sour taste in his mouth.
So, it’s all about the money for her.
Unaware of Sebastian’s simmering displeasure, Caitlin studied the two bottles of medicine, snapping photos to send to her assistant, Qingxiao, for further research.
Sebastian broke the silence with a loud demand. “I need to use the bathroom!”
Caitlin glanced up, unimpressed. “No need to shout. I’m not deaf.”
After setting the medicine aside, she approached him. “ Is it number one or number two? Do you want me to carry you there, or would you rather do it here in bed?”
“Get out! Call a manservant!”
“Fine.”
She summoned a male servant to assist Sebastian with his personal needs. Caitlin stood by, curious to observe how the task would be handled, but Sebastian barked, “Caitlin, leave!”
Caitlin raised a brow. “There’s nothing to see, but fine, I’ll go.”
Sebastian: “…”
Nothing to see? He felt an urge to cough up blood.
After the servant left, Caitlin returned to the room.
Not long after, Sebastian made another demand. “I want water!”
Caitlin poured him a glass, helping him take a sip.
“Too hot,” he complained.
She adjusted it with cooler water and tried again.
“Too cold.”
“Seriously? Too hot, too cold–what is this?” Caitlin narrowed her eyes , suspecting he was picking on her out of sheer boredom.
“I want water at exactly 37.5 degrees. One degree off, and I won’t drink it!”
Sebastian smirked, assuming Caitlin would comply. Instead, she dumped the water into the trash can.
“Fine, don’t drink. Go thirsty. Maybe when you’re desperate, you’ll drink your own urine!”
“You… You dare mistreat me? Believe it or not, I’ll kick you out of here!” Sebastian fumed, outraged by
At that moment, Beatrice’s voice rang out.
blatant defiance.
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“Who’s kicking Caitlin out? Without her, who’s going to take care of you? I heard about the snake last night. If not for Caitlin, it would’ve bitten you. Instead of thanking her, you want to send her away?”
Beatrice entered the room, accompanied by Sebastian’s sister, Molly.
“Little brother, you need to work on your temper! At this rate, you’ll never find a wife, ” Molly teased.
“Get lost!” Sebastian snapped.
“See, Grandma? He deserves to be single forever. I don’t know what kind of unfortunate woman would ever fall for him. Whoever it was, she must have been cursed for eight lifetimes!”
Caitlin flushed, embarrassed. I’m the unfortunate woman, she thought.
Judging by their banter, it was clear this sibling pair was used to bickering.
Beatrice brought the conversation back to the matter at hand. “Caitlin, I hear you wanted to discuss the snake incident?”
“Yes, Beatrice.” Caitlin nodded. “It was a venomous snake from overseas, not a local species. I suspect someone deliberately planted it to harm Mr. Vanderbilt.”
Beatrice and Molly were both shocked.
Caitlin added, “The priority now is finding out who released the snake and catching the culprit.”
“Agreed. We must find the perpetrator,” Beatrice said firmly.
She summoned the housekeeper, Marcus, and gave him clear instructions. “Investigate thoroughly. Leave no stone unturned!”
“Yes, ma’am.” Marcus nodded and left.
Just then, Lucy rushed in, her expression panicked.
“Caitlin, the snake… it’s gone!”
“Gone?” Caitlin’s brows furrowed deeply.
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