Chapter 137 How to Silence Caroline?
Back then, Alaina’d been furious that the bracelet was meant for Caroline. Heirlooms like that were supposed to be passed down to daughters–in–law. It should have been hers.
But since her mother–in–law had made the decision, she had no choice but to keep quiet.
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Alaina figured she’d just wait until the old woman passed, then get the bracelet in Caroline’s room and claim it as her own.
Edwin lit a cigarette, took two slow drags, and then said, “It was Mom’s to begin with. Giving it back to Caroline is the right thing to do.”
He didn’t say that for Caroline’s sake, but for his mother’s.
When she was alive, she doted on Caroline. That bracelet–worth a fortune–had been hers. If they didn’t return it, he feared his mother wouldn’t rest in peace.
Alaina froze at this. The fire in her heart was instantly extinguished, leaving only a chilling emptiness
behind.
She’d assumed Edwin was just using the bracelet as bait to lure Caroline back. She never expected he’d truly hand it over.
If it were just a regular bracelet, she could live with that. But this one was worth over a million.
Giving a million away? No way. She wasn’t going to do it.
Tears slipped down her cheeks as she forced herself to look pitiful. Alaina said, “That bracelet’s been in family for generations. It should stay with us, not go to someone who’s just going to marry out of the family.”
Seeing her cry, Edwin quickly put out his cigarette and rushed over. He sat beside her, gently wiping away her tears with his thumb. “You’re right. The bracelet should’ve gone to you, but Mom was so fond of Caroline. Since she gave it to her, maybe we should just let it go. You’ve had it for years now. Give it back, and later I’ll buy you something even better.”
He had to say it. If they didn’t return the bracelet, who knew what that stubborn Caroline would do? She might stir up even bigger trouble for him and Helen.
But Alaina could tell he’d made up his mind, and that only made her sob harder. “I want that bracelet,” she cried. “If you want to buy her one, get her something that costs a few hundred or a thousand bucks. It’s the same thing!”
She knew exactly how tight money was these days. The company wasn’t bringing in what it used to.
Even if Edwin did buy her another bracelet, it’d probably cost, what, 15, maybe 30 grand?
She wasn’t stupid. Why give up a piece worth a million for something like that?
Her tears made Edwin panic. He pulled her into his arms, trying to comfort her. “Don’t cry, darling.”
But she pushed him away and said with a sharp edge in her voice, “If you insist on giving that bracelet to
Caroline then we might as well get a divorce! You clearly don’t love me anymore”
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Chapter 137 How to Silence Caroline?
When Edwin found it, she told him she’d picked it up by accident.
He’d immediately said it was Caroline’s and that they should return it.
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But she’d cried and said she loved it. Edwin had softened and promised not to tell Caroline they’d found it.
Now, hearing her mention divorce, he panicked. “Okay, okay. We won’t give it back. I’ll find another way. Just please stop crying.”
Head down, Alaina wiped away her tears–just in time to hide the sly smile playing at the corners of her lips.
That divorce threat? Worked like a charm. Every time.
Once she was sure hertears were gone, she leaned into Edwin’s shoulder and whispered, “I knew you still cared about me.”
Edwin saw the smile on her face; he returned the smile, though the smile barely reached his eyes.
Inside, he was torn.
If the bracelet wasn’t an option, how could he convince Caroline not to hand over that video to the Graysons?
He thought about it for a long time but still couldn’t come up with a solution. With a deep sigh, he leaned back against the headboard.
Alaina watched the frown on his face, concern flashing in her eyes. She scowled and asked, “You’re worried she’ll send the video to the Graysons, aren’t you?”
She already knew about the video–she’d seen it when Edwin received it.
To be honest, she didn’t think Helen getting a little too cozy with another guy was such a big deal. Friends could be close–so what?
As long as nothing happened in bed, it wasn’t really a problem.
The reason she also wanted Caroline to keep quiet was because she feared the Graysons might overthink things and start jumping to conclusions about her daughter.
That kind of speculation could do serious harm.
And she would not allow anything that might hurt Helen. Not even a little.
“You’re right,” Edwin said as he picked up a cigarette from the nightstand. He lit it, took a long drag, and then another.
Every time he was troubled, he turned to smoking–like it was the only way to quiet his mind.
Alaina, who knew his habits well, leaned in and said, “If that’s what’s eating at you, don’t worry. I have a way to make sure Caroline keeps her mouth shut.”
At that, Edwin’s eyes lit up with hope. He looked at her like she was his last chance. “What’s the plan?” he asked.
