Chapter 648
The shrill ring of her phone pulled Caitlin out of her thoughts. She glanced at the screen and saw Federico’s
name.
“You all go ahead and chat. I need to take this call.”
She answered. On the other end, Federico told her he had just arrived in the US and would be at the Vanderbilt estate soon.
When the call ended, Caitlin turned back to the others. “Mom, please stay for lunch here with everyone. Sebastian and I need to head back. A friend of ours just arrived.”
“All right, I’ll take care of things here,” Kelly promised.
Caitlin also urged Eliza and Raymond, “You should stay and have lunch with my mother before you go. Sebastian and I will leave first.”
“Of course, go handle your business.”
Caitlin and Sebastian left DanCa Estate together.
At Vanderbilt Manor, Federico and Magnus were already waiting in the sitting room, tea placed before them.
The two men were mid–conversation. Ever since discovering that Esme was actually Federico’s friend Trinity in disguise, Magnus had been intrigued. From Federico he learned much about her–her real name was Caitlin, she was married, and she already had children.
“A woman like that,” Magnus mused, “I can’t wait to see her with my own eyes.”
Federico warned with a wry smile, “Just don’t let yourself get carried away. She already has a husband, and men lining up behind him. You’d be wasting your time.”
Magnus only smiled faintly. He knew what he wanted.
He had first gone to Federico’s assistant Esme, only to realize immediately that she was not the same woman he had met in Sanctis. The voice, the figure, even the presence–everything was different. His suspicions led him to press further, and eventually the truth had come out.
Now, finally, he was here in the US, determined to meet Caitlin.
Soon, the low rumble of an engine drifted in from the drive. A moment later, a couple stepped inside.
“They’re here,” Federico said, looking toward the door.
Magnus lifted his gaze just as the pair entered. First came a tall, striking man–Mr. Vanderbilt himself, famous throughout New York. And beside him… Magnus froze.
The woman walking in had a tall, graceful figure and features so perfect they made his breath catch. He had been told she was beautiful, but the reality left him stunned.
“Trinity. Mr. Vanderbilt. Finally,” Federico greeted warmly as he stood.
“Federico!” Caitlin smiled as they approached. “Sorry to keep you waiting.”
55 vouchers
Then her eyes shifted, landing on the man seated beside Federico. Recognition jolted through her–he looked exactly like Prince Magnus of A Country.
Magnus? Here?
Her pulse quickened. Could it be that Esme’s true identity had already been exposed?
“Federico, your friend is…?” Sebastian asked. He hadn’t made the connection yet–he’d only glimpsed Magnus in news clips and didn’t recognize him in person.
The man rose before Federico could reply. “Magnus,” he introduced himself with calm ease.
“Magnus?” Sebastian echoed, startled. “As in… Prince Magnus of A Country?”
Never in his life had he expected royalty to walk unannounced into his living room.
Caitlin’s heart lurched. It really was Magnus. Today he wasn’t in uniform but dressed in an impeccable suit, his tall, commanding presence impossible to ignore.
“Yes,” Federico confirmed, “Prince Magnus of A Country.”
Sebastian quickly extended a hand. “Your Highness, forgive the oversight. Welcome.”
“I apologize for arriving so suddenly,” Magnus said as they shook hands, then turned his gaze back to Caitlin.
“Welcome, Your Highness,” Caitlin said politely, offering her hand. “What brings you here unannounced? Please, sit and tell us.”
Once they were seated, Federico explained. “Trinity, His Highness came to thank Esme for saving his life. But as you know, he’s sharp. He quickly realized Esme wasn’t who she seemed, so I had no choice but to tell him the truth–that it was you.”
Caitlin had already guessed as much. At least if Federico had been honest with him, then there was no great. danger. Magnus traveling halfway across the world simply to express gratitude suggested a decent character.
Still, Federico’s words made Sebastian uneasy. The prince had come specifically for Caitlin. What if he developed feelings for her? From the moment they entered, Magnus’s eyes had hardly left her. The thought. made Sebastian’s chest tighten. Federico had only just been dealt with, and now Magnus?
Magnus finally spoke. “Yes. I came because of what happened that night. Thank you, Mrs. Vanderbilt, for you and your people saving me. I owe you my life.”
The title “Mrs. Vanderbilt” made Sebastian’s heart ease slightly. At least the prince showed proper respect.
“It was nothing. Truly. You didn’t need to come all this way,” Caitlin replied lightly.
“A debt of life must be repaid in person. No matter what, I owe you. Please, if there is anything you desire, let
me help.”
“I appreciate it,” Caitlin said with a small smile, “but I have everything I need.”
“Perhaps,” Magnus said, glancing at Sebastian, “but the debt remains. If ever you require assistance, I will be there. I give you my word.”
He took a black–gold card from his pocket and handed it to Caitlin. “This is my personal card. Should you travel to A Country, contact me. I will host you myself.”
Caitlin accepted it. She would be going back eventually, searching for her mother. This could prove useful.
“May I exchange contact details with you both?”
“Of course. It would be our honor.”
After swapping numbers, Magnus hesitated before asking, “And… Mrs. Vanderbilt, may I take a photo with you? Just as a keepsake. I promise it will never be made public.”
“All right,” Caitlin agreed.
She sat between Magnus and Federico, while Sebastian, with carefully controlled expression, took the photo on Magnus’s phone.
Given his status, Caitlin and Sebastian had intended to arrange a luxury hotel suite and formal dinner. But Magnus insisted on staying, preferring to eat with them like an ordinary guest.
Over lunch and tea, the atmosphere remained courteous. Then Quincy arrived with the results of Kelly’s
DNA test.
Caitlin’s pulse quickened. At last–the truth she had been waiting for.