Chapter 134
Caroline knew deep down that to the Kennedy Family, she was just the mother of their children and nothing more.
It was understandable; she was an obscure actress with no connection to the prestigious Kennedy Family before stepping into their threshold.
Even giving birth to two heirs for the Kennedy Family couldn't change her outsider status.
Unless she legally became a member of the Kennedy Family through marriage.
And that was no easy task. Because it meant she would be closely tied to the Kennedy Family's wealth and glory.
Every inch of land here was not just a symbol of status but also an immense fortune of the Kennedy Family. Once she became a member, she would have the right to share all of it.
This was why marrying into a wealthy family was so difficult. In ordinary families, marriages were simple and pure, but in wealthy families, hidden complexities and interests made everything feel subtle and distant.
Caroline didn't mind. She had no intention of marrying into the wealthy family; this state of freedom suited her just fine.
"You don't have to stay with me. Go spend time with your family. After your gathering, just bring Ryan and Sophie back." Her tone was calm and emotionless.
"How about Ryan and Sophie stay here tonight? It's safer here," Nick suggested.
"No need," Caroline firmly opposed.
"Why? This is their home."
"I still have custody of them. They should be with me. I want to take them to see Sarah. After all, she took care of us when we were abroad."
Her implication was clear: Where were they when she was going through her toughest times? Now that the children have grown up, the Kennedy Family want to reclaim them?"
Nick looked troubled. "You know that I never intended to take the children away. They have always been your children."
"I understand. The children belong to me."
"Then, how about I accompany you to see my grandfather?"
"No need. I've been waiting here for a long time. Since your grandfather hasn't summoned me, it's clear he has no intention of seeing me, and I have no desire to see him either."
"It's not what you think. The Kennedy Family is always cautious about such matters."
"I know. Therefore, I only ask for the children; I don't care about anything else."
Nick sighed deeply. This matter indeed put him in a difficult position.
"Then I'll try to coordinate again," he said helplessly.
Nick returned to the courtyard, where Ryan and Sophie were chatting happily with Aiden.
Sophie was vividly describing various adventures in the jungle, slightly exaggerated, but captivating.
Even Aiden, who had seen much of the world, was listening with bated breath.
"Too dangerous! It's truly fortunate that my precious ones are safe!" Aiden exclaimed excitedly.
"Great-grandpa, we were all very brave. Ryan was even better; he guided us, saved people, and could catch fish. He can do anything!" Sophie said proudly.
Ryan frowned. Sophie was exaggerating too much; he had never gone fishing in the river. How could she make things up?
"Ryan will be an important figure in the Kennedy Family in the future. He looks just like Nathan when he was young!" Aiden praised meaningfully.
This was undoubtedly high praise!
Nathan was now the head of the Kennedy Corp, which meant Ryan would also be expected to lead the Kennedy Corp in the future.
"But I'm also very good. I helped when Ryan was saving people!" Sophie didn't forget to boast.
"You are excellent too. The daughters of the Kennedy Family are no less than men!" Aiden praised.
"Yes, I'm better than many boys. I'm a little genius," Sophie said, beaming with joy.
At this moment, Nick walked in, and Sophie noticed no one was behind him.
"Where's Mommy? Is she still taking a bath?" Sophie asked curiously.
Children's innocent words left Nick momentarily speechless. He certainly wouldn't explain to Sophie that Caroline couldn't enter the main hall until she was officially part of the family.
"Your mommy is a bit tired and needs to rest for a while," Nick said casually.
"Is Mommy sick?" Ryan immediately stood up, full of concern.
"No, just tired. You guys play first; she'll be fine soon," Nick forced a smile.
"We want to see Mommy," Ryan insisted, standing up.
"Me too," Sophie quickly echoed.
"Wait a bit longer. Chat with great-grandpa for a while. Your mommy is really fine," Nick urged.
"No, I want to see Mommy," Ryan insisted firmly.
Nick looked at Aiden with a troubled expression, seeking help with his eyes.
"Let them go. It's good for children to be filial at a young age. I'm also tired and want to rest for a while," Aiden waved his hand.
"Alright, I'll take them," Nick agreed.
"Nick, how are things between you and that woman?" Aiden called out to Nick, hesitating.
"Grandpa, I've already said that I will marry her," Nick replied.
"Are you marrying her because of the children, or do you truly love her and want to spend your life with her?" Aiden asked.
Nick hesitated slightly. He hadn't really thought deeply about this question.
Caroline's beauty was undeniable, and her joining the Kennedy Family would undoubtedly enhance their prestige.
But whether this marriage was because of the children or true love, Nick himself couldn't say for sure.
Having encountered countless people, Aiden immediately noticed Nick's hesitation.
"If she hadn't gotten pregnant with your children, would you still choose to marry her?" Aiden asked again.
Nick shook his head. "I haven't thought about it. I usually don't consider hypothetical questions."
"You should think deeply about it," Aiden's voice carried a hint of undeniable sternness.
"Grandpa, why should I think about such hypothetical questions?" Nick seemed puzzled.
"Because it's crucial. The Kennedy Family's prominent status in Aurora City is well-known. Many people want to get close to us, mostly for benefits, and they will stop at nothing," Aiden explained.
"Grandpa, Demi is not that kind of person," Nick insisted.
Aiden gently waved his hand. "I'm not criticizing anyone, just stating facts. In families like ours, marrying within the same social class is the norm. It's essentially a reorganization of resources and a form of economic partnership. These marriages can forge strong alliances, and the next generation will benefit from better resources. Economically, it makes sense."
Nick didn't refute, nor did he explicitly agree. He had never really considered these cold, hard realities before.He had entanglements with many actresses, but he had never thought about marriage, and they knew it too. It was just a mutual need. Therefore, when Aiden suddenly brought up this topic, Nick felt it was very distant.
"But I won't force a marriage of equal status. The Kennedy Family is strong enough and doesn't need to rely on others. Choose a partner who truly loves you for who you are, not for the Kennedy Family name. That's all that matters," iden added.
This time, Nick nodded silently. Aiden's words made sense. "I understand, Grandpa."
"Good. So, if there were no children, would you still marry her?" Aiden asked again.
Nick shook his head. "I really haven't thought about it."
"You should think about it carefully. After thinking it through, consider whether she truly loves you. If you weren't a Kennedy, would she still want to marry you? If all the answers are yes, I will give you my blessing," Aiden said.
"What if they're not?"