Chapter 265
“But Roger The assistant froze, caught off guard.
He’d been by Roger’s side the longest, so he knew all about The Gates Family’s lost granddaughter. The whole family had been searching for her everywhere, treating her like some kind of treasure. Not long ago, rumors had spread that she’d finally been found.
If it weren’t for the pile of work here and the president begging him to stay, Roger probably would have caught a flight back to Cabinda in the middle of the night.
“Roger The assistant hurried to catch up, worry written all over his face. “I heard Asclepius is in Cabinda too. The association has already decided to fly the body there.”
If Asclepius wouldn’t come, and Roger couldn’t handle it alone, this case was just going to sit and gather dust. Better to bring it to her doorstep. With enough persistence, maybe Asclepius would finally agree to help.
“Whatever.” Roger’s voice was cool and distant.
His ticket for the day after tomorrow was already booked, and he had no plans to change it. He set his scalpel aside, turned away, and headed into the sterilization area. Pulling off his gloves and mask, he revealed a face that was striking but icy, a beauty you couldn’t get close to.
…
Vanguard High School.
Evening self-study had just ended. As soon as Charlotte stood up, Andrew dashed over, ready to help with her backpack before she could say a word.
“Charlotte, your hand’s hurt. Just chill for a second, let me do it.” He was quick, almost eager to please.
“Charlotte, how long until your hand gets better?” Shirley kept her head down, scribbling away as she copied Charlotte’s notes for her. “Mock exams are next week. If you can’t write, it’s going to be rough.”
“This test is super important. I heard it could get you an early admission offer. If you do crazy well, you could get in without all the extra stress.”
Charlotte rested her left hand on her hip and blinked. “Probably another week or two. Doesn’t really matter if I take it or not.”
Shirley looked up, confused. “Huh? But if you get early admission, you won’t have to work so hard later.”
Charlotte just tucked her chin into her uniform collar, staying silent. She never really felt like she was working hard anyway.
Shirley glanced at Charlotte, who looked as relaxed as ever, and then at the pile of test papers. She
couldn’t help but pout and sigh. Charlotte never listened in class, napped during breaks never did her homework yet somehow, she always ranked first. It was honestly kind of infuriating.
Shirley told herself she’d study even harder, ace the mock exam, and get into a great school. Someday, she’d get a good job and use her earrings to take care of her grandma and Charlotte.
Once the books were packed, Andrew strode ahead with Charlotte’s bag, chest out like he was on a mission. Charlotte followed behind, head down, looking a little pale and out of sorts.
They made their way to a black sports car parked under a huge tree near the school gate.
“Anthony.”
Andrew spotted Anthony leaning against the car door, his face set in that familiar, unreadable expression. Instantly, Andrew straightened up and greeted him politely. “Yeah.” Anthony replied without looking over, stepping past Andrew and stopping in front of Charlotte. He reached out and took her hand, the gesture so natural it was like second nature.
“Does it hurt?” he asked quietly.
“No.” Charlotte shook her head, but she couldn’t hide how pale she was, or the faint pinch of pain in her lower belly.
Anthony caught the way she moved, the small flicker of embarrassment in her eyes. He understood right away.
“Don’t move.”
He scooped her up, gentle but sure, and settled her into the back seat, careful to avoid her injured hand. He circled around to the other side and slid in his gaze finally landing on
staring in
Andrew, who was still staring in shock.
“The bag,” Anthony said, his tone flat.
“Right-here.” Andrew snapped out of it and rushed to hand over the backpack.