Chapter 300 Staying Away from Madness
Caroline let out a cold laugh.
"Has Mr. Watson been in power so long that he thinks everyone must bow down to him?" she challenged.
Nicholas's lips thinned, a headache forming.
If it weren't for Josie, he wouldn't have dreamed of approaching this woman, especially not twice to ask her to teach Josie violin.
Yet she rejected his requests again and again.
Josie adored her, and yet this was how Caroline treated her. Nicholas struggled to contain his frustration.
"I'm very busy, so if there's nothing else, I'll be going now," Nicholas said, annoyed.
As he finished speaking, Caroline turned and walked away. She didn't want to have anything to do with the Watsons anymore. Since she couldn't rid herself of the madman, she decided to steer clear of him.
Watching her slender yet upright figure slowly disappearing from his view, Nicholas's clenched fist suddenly loosened, and the furious redness in his eyes gradually faded. He had promised Josie; he didn't want to let his daughter down.
Caroline stepped out of the Watson Group building, standing under the sun. Although the brightness was glaring, her heart felt like it couldn't be illuminated. Why did her heart, dead for six years, still feel this dull pain? Was it because she faced her daughter's killer without being able to avenge her? Or was it because she repeatedly showed mercy to the enemy's son?
Looking up, she forced back the tears that threatened to fall and answered the phone.
Ben Doolittle said, "The producer has time tonight. Let's get together for dinner."
She agreed, "Okay."
"How did your talk with Mr. Watson go?" Ben inquired.
"It fell apart," Caroline replied.
Ben sighed and said, "Don't worry. I'll look around for some quick money-making opportunities for you."
"Thanks, I appreciate it," she replied, filled with gratitude toward Ben.
Caroline had been reaching out to her various contacts and managed to find a gig, but the pay was a bit low. However, at this point, she wasn't in a position to be picky; any amount would do.
After visiting the hospital, Caroline went home to take a shower and change into clean and pretty clothes. When meeting with a producer, it was essential to look neat and attractive; it could increase the chances of being chosen.
Ben Doolittle picked her up, and the two headed to the restaurant where they would meet the variety show's producer. Upon seeing Caroline, the producer's eyes lit up.
"You look familiar. Have we met before?" he asked.
Regardless of the mishap, Caroline had a reputation in Europe gained from her concert tours. She had a distinctive charisma, and her beauty was the kind that stunned people at first glance, growing more impressive the longer one looked.
The producer's interest was piqued the moment he saw her.
Ben introduced her, "This is the renowned violinist, Caroline. She's won countless awards in Europe and took a break after her tour there last year."
"That's right, I've attended one of your performances," the producer recalled with a spark of recognition.
After exchanging pleasantries and getting to know each other, the producer realized that although Ben subtly mentioned Caroline was looking for a change of direction, hence her return to her home country, the sharp man sensed there was more to the story.
It turned out that the musician had offended someone overseas.
Caroline was tactful and engaging, sharing several drinks with the producer. Their conversation flowed easily, and eventually, she successfully sealed the deal.
Variety shows thrive on gimmicks and entertainment value. Caroline, being attractive and a musician, won over the producer, especially with Ben Doolittle's introduction lending her additional prestige.
After a satisfying meal, Caroline secured her contract. She was to participate in two episodes, with payment settled upon completion.
Ben Doolittle drove Caroline home.
On the way, Ben offered Caroline some advice, "You should capitalize on this appearance. Make a great impression. If you can get popular from this, it'll open doors to more opportunities."
The entertainment industry was booming domestically, with many going to extremes like plastic surgery to break into the scene. Caroline had ample reason to stay; directors abroad had noticed her for her looks and offered her acting roles, but she had declined.
She didn't fancy the atmosphere of the entertainment business. Rising to fame could easily be followed by a hard fall.
She thought to herself that once she had enough money, she would leave the entertainment world for good.
Her ambition remained; it was to tour the world.
...
Daisy went to pick up Josie from school.
Today, she didn't take Josie back to the Watson family home. Instead, they went to the Meng residence.
"Caroline's daughter, you're back?" Mrs. Meng was overjoyed to see her daughter, pulling her into an excited embrace, completely overlooking Josie.
Josie's "Grandma" got stuck in her throat.
"Mom," Daisy said, her tears falling quickly as she hugged her mother and sobbed, which broke Mrs. Meng's heart.
The Meng family was one of the top dynasties in the city, on par with the Watson family. In fact, six years ago, the Mengs were even more prestigious until Nicholas Watson rose to prominence and pushed his family ahead.
The Mengs and the Watsons had arranged a marriage between their families, generations ago. The original plan was for Mr. Meng's eldest son to marry the Watson's daughter, but the son fell in love with his girlfriend, and insisted on marrying her, which displeased the Watsons immensely.
To mend bridges, Mr. Meng declared to punish his son by betrothing the son's cherished daughter to a young Watson as a child betrothal.
After a few drinks, Mr. Watson had been coaxed into the agreement, only to be outraged once he sobered up, giving Mr. Meng the cold shoulder for days.
Over time, many things happened, and the arranged marriage fell on Daisy's lap.
Daisy had been infatuated with Nicholas since childhood. Guided by their families, the two grew up like inseparable best friends. However, merely a year abroad, she returned to find out that her childhood sweetheart had a girlfriend!
"Don't worry, even if that woman comes back, it's useless. You're the one who's engaged to Nicholas, and it's you that the Watson family parents like," Mrs. Meng soothed her daughter.
Daisy said, "But Nicholas warned me, he found out that I stopped letting Josie learn the violin."
A sharp glint crossed Mrs. Meng's eyes, "How does he know?"
Daisy was taken aback.
Over the years, she had lived with the Watsons and had the household staff under her thumb. They certainly wouldn't dare tell Nicholas anything.
In addition, Aragorn Watson had always disliked Josie, and although Gummidge Peggoty paid more attention to Josie, Aragorn's health had been poor in recent years, resulting in Gummidge tending more to him.
Nicholas was out early and returned late every day, spending three weeks of the month on business trips, and during busier times, he stayed directly at the company and the lab.
So how did he find out that she wasn't allowing Josie to take violin lessons?
Daisy and her mother both glanced towards Josie, who was standing on the side.
Josie shivered slightly; she instinctively felt her mother and grandmother were unhappy. She took a small step back.
"Josie, come here," Mrs. Meng called with a loving gesture.
Josie slowly shuffled over.
Mrs. Meng pulled her to sit down and gently stroked her head.
"Josie, tell Grandma, did you tell Daddy that Mommy won't let you play the violin?" she asked, feigning her gentleness.
Emma had said, if someone asks, she must never admit to telling on someone; otherwise, they would dislike her!
Josie shook her head firmly.
"Really, it wasn't you?" Mrs. Meng's gaze turned sharp.
Josie's body shook with fear, nearly spilling the truth. Emma's words echoed in her mind.
"I didn't," Josie asserted softly yet firmly.
Mrs. Meng was puzzled.
Daisy also furrowed her brow.
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