Chapter 680 What Kind of Deep Affection Are You Trying to Show?
After Caitlyn spoke, she tried to pull away from Landon's grip.
The closeness was overwhelming; the car's dim interior seemed to magnify every sensation. Their shoulders touched, and despite her resolve, Caitlyn couldn't ignore his warmth, her body actually shaking.
Maybe it was fear, or maybe something else.
She struggled a few times but couldn't break free because Landon wouldn't let go.
Landon glanced at the child seat next to him. Katelyn had fallen asleep with her little head tilted as soon as they got in the car. She looked so peaceful, with her fine hair covering her small face.
Right now, she looked even more serene and beautiful in her sleep.
Landon looked for a while before turning his gaze back to Caitlyn. He lowered his voice and said, "Do you want to wake her up? Let her see me holding your hand and our shoulders touching, maybe..."
Landon lowered his head a bit, bringing them even closer—so close that their breaths mingled.
Caitlyn stiffened. She looked up into his deep eyes, incredulous. "Are you crazy? Do you know what you're doing?" she asked.
Landon chuckled lightly and asked, "What do I want to do?"
"Ridiculous!" Caitlyn tried to move away from his touch, but his grip tightened, making her unable to move an inch. Not only that, but their fingers were also interlocked. Landon's long, well-defined fingers showed the strength of a man.
Even if Caitlyn was slow, she could guess his intention.
Sure enough, Landon leaned in as if unintentionally brushing against her earlobe. Even though it was only for a second, she, being a woman, could sensitively feel him lightly nibbling on her earlobe.
It was actually a very brief contact, but it was like throwing a huge stone into a calm lake.
Caitlyn couldn't hold back any longer. She pushed him away hard, raised her hand, and vigorously rubbed the place he had touched. The rubbing turned it red, but fortunately, it wasn't too visible in the dim car.
Landon leaned back, not moving, just watching her.
Caitlyn slowly lowered her hand.
After a while, she spoke coldly, "Mr. Carter, is this how you see me home? Even if you have physical needs after losing your wife, you shouldn't be this desperate!"
Hearing this, Landon didn't argue.
He continued to stare at Caitlyn, as if trying to see her clearly through the darkness. She couldn't stand his gaze, nor could she stand his ambiguous attitude.
She didn't hold back, "What do you take me for? Do you think I'm really that stupid? You didn't want me back then; you wanted to marry someone else, and you also had a kid. If you can't control yourself after your wife died, maybe you can try some ice. Mr. Carter, you're a father now! And naming your child Katelyn, what kind of deep affection are you trying to show? Doesn't it bother your wife?"
Caitlyn let it all out in one breath and didn't want to talk to Landon anymore. She turned her face away.
To Landon, she still looked the same, even her anger seemed like a tantrum. But he knew, it was different now.
In the past, she was just mad at him. Now, besides some resentment, there was more disgust. He didn't explain his marriage with Phoebe; he just said gently, "You were a silly girl before, but now you've grown up. Caitlyn, I didn't mean anything by it."
He rubbed his forehead and continued, "I was a bit out of line just now."
Caitlyn bit her lip and didn't respond.
Landon leaned back in his seat, covering his eyes with his hand, and sighed softly, "It's been years. Can you forgive me?"
Caitlyn's body stiffened instantly. Later, without her realizing it, the driver had already taken her home, even though she didn't know how the driver knew where she lived. When she got out of the car, her legs were weak, and she almost fell.
Landon got out of the car with her, closed the door to keep Katelyn from catching a cold, and then looked at the somewhat old apartment in front of him. He asked Caitlyn, "You live here?"
Caitlyn was long past her youthful recklessness and had gotten used to her family's decline. So, she said, "Yes! It's quite convenient."
Landon lit a cigarette and, seeing her about to leave, immediately asked, "What about work? Do you need me to arrange something for you? The Carter Group's headquarters has moved to Seattle. Caitlyn... it's just a job, you don't need to worry too much."
Under the faint moonlight, Caitlyn tilted her head and thought for a moment.
She smiled indifferently and responded, "Mr. Carter, there are really many people who can offer me a decent job! For others, all it takes is a smile or a casual meal, but what you offer, I really don't dare to accept. Who knows what I might have to give in return... Oh, and I no longer have my youth to offer Mr. Carter. What I have, other women have too. That's it then!"
Caitlyn finished speaking and smiled even more indifferently. She then walked towards the elevator.
Behind her, Landon's voice came, clear and pleasant. "Caitlyn, you underestimate me!"
Yet Caitlyn didn't look back.
She thought, "Underestimate or not, who knows? I've suffered enough because of you and I don't want to bring trouble upon myself again."
The elevator reached the 22nd floor, and she opened the door to her home. It was a cozy two-bedroom apartment, not huge but just right for two people. Over the years, Eden's condition had gotten a lot better. The once elegant lady had even learned to cook and clean.
Caitlyn would often tell Eden, "Hire a maid! We can afford it."
But Eden always refused, saying, "It's good to stay active! You don't need to hire a maid. Instead, you should buy a better house. It would be more respectable when you date someone."
Caitlyn disagreed. She had split the remaining money into two parts. Actually, $20 million was set aside for Eden's retirement and was untouchable. The other money, she planned to use to open a studio.
She was multilingual and could play various instruments, so she planned to teach kids.
The night was cool and serene.
Pale moonlight filtered into the living room, casting a soft glow. Caitlyn turned on the light and found Eden still awake, curled up on the sofa and looking sleepy. She couldn't help but call out, "Mom, why aren't you sleeping in your room?"
Hearing this, Eden shivered and woke up. She replied, "I couldn't rest easy until you came back."
Her nose was sharp and she smelled the faint scent of alcohol on Caitlyn. She then asked, "Did you drink? How did you get home?"
Caitlyn hesitated for a moment but lied, "Amara had Kingsley drive me."
Eden was relieved and said, "Amara is really good to you."
Just then, Amara called to make sure Caitlyn had arrived safely. Caitlyn, worried she might slip up, quickly ended the call with a few vague words.
But Eden was perceptive and could tell from Caitlyn's low spirits that she was in a bad mood.
So she asked, "Did you run into someone?"
She suddenly remembered the news she had seen in the morning: that the wife of the Carter Group president had passed away, and the president had moved the headquarters to Seattle. So, Landon had come to Seattle?
Thinking of this, Eden asked, "Caitlyn, tell me, did you see Landon?"
Caitlyn didn't want to admit it, because she was afraid of upsetting Eden. Besides, she had long since cut ties with Landon.
So she shook her head and responded, "No, I didn't see him!"
Eden didn't believe Caitlyn and her voice became stern, "Caitlyn, don't make the same mistake again! Remember how much he hurt you before? He got married but still wouldn't leave you alone, and his awful wife and that Briana blamed you for it. I will never agree to you marrying him! Our family might not be what it used to be, but you're still a respectable girl. Being with someone like Landon, what does that make you?"
Caitlyn knew she couldn't hide it, so she nodded slightly. "Yes, I saw him! But I didn't know he would be there before I went. If I had known, I wouldn't have gone. Mom, don't worry. I won't have any emotional entanglements with him again," she said.
Eden looked at her for a long time.
Caitlyn thought Eden was going to get angry, but to her surprise, Eden said nothing more and slowly walked back to her room.
The living room quieted down, and Caitlyn sat on the sofa.
The light was plain white, making her face appear even paler. She sat there quietly, thinking about the past, reflecting on Eden's words, and telling herself over and over again that she really shouldn't go back.
A long time passed, probably until about one in the morning, when Eden came out and found Caitlyn still in a daze.
Eden looked at her for a long time, then went to the kitchen to pour her a glass of water, gently placing it in front of her. "A few days ago, a friend of mine mentioned a boy about your age who seems nice. When you have time, you should meet him. Maybe he's a good match for you."
Hearing this, Caitlyn looked up, her eyes misty with tears.
Eden looked straight at her.
After about half a minute, Caitlyn picked up the glass, drank half of it, and said softly, "Okay."
Eden was quite happy and told her about the boy. Caitlyn listened and thought he seemed quite good. She knew Eden wanted her to settle down, not necessarily to get married, but to have a boyfriend or a family—to completely cut ties with Landon. So, she decided to give it a try.
This matter was put off for a few days. After Caitlyn found a place for her studio and hired someone to renovate it, she arranged to meet the boy for coffee. He was a very nice person. Leonard Dobbins, a 32-year-old doctor with a PhD.
He came from a small town but had bought a house in Seattle with a down payment. His parents were both retired high school teachers. To be honest, Eden wouldn't have considered someone like him in the past, but things were different now.
The Robinson family had fallen, and although they had some assets, they were very limited.
Besides being beautiful, Caitlyn wasn't young anymore, so Eden was quite practical. Leonard was the best she could find for Caitlyn.
Caitlyn also thought Leonard was nice—very cultured and respectful of women. After having coffee, he suggested they take a walk, and Caitlyn agreed, but she said, "I have something to take care of in an hour." She smiled apologetically.
She was already beautiful, and her smile added a touch of innocence. Leonard liked this delicate charm and couldn't help but look at her a few more times.
Just then, Landon walked in.
He looked at Caitlyn and Leonard, seemingly surprised, but still ordered a coffee from the waiter and then casually asked, "Caitlyn, is this your new boyfriend?"
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