Chapter 298
“Let’s sit down,” Charlotte said as she handed the bowl of longans to the maid. She slipped her arm around Kenneth’s, her voice suddenly warm and sweet. “Kenneth, I’m so hungry.”
“Huh?” Kenneth was caught off guard by how close she was being, her words playful and soft. It felt like she was actually being cute with him. He felt a little stunned. At the same time, he couldn’t help but notice how cold Charlotte had been to Roger just moments ago. Honestly, with how calm and reserved Lottie usually was, he’d always thought she would get along better with someone like Roger. But here she was, clinging to him instead. That realization gave him a quiet thrill.
“Alright, alright,” Kenneth said with a teasing smile. He felt bold enough to reach out, wanting to pat her head. “Come on, let’s go eat. There’s so much good food waiting for us.”
Every time Anthony did this with Lottie, Kenneth always got a bit jealous. Now that he finally had the chance, he was determined to make the most of it. But as his hand hovered above her head, he suddenly met a pair of sharp, cool eyes looking right at him. Her gaze was like ice, and he stopped instantly.
Kenneth pulled his hand back, feeling a little defeated. She really didn’t let anyone but Anthony get close like that.
Off to the side, Roger watched as Kenneth led Lottie away, the two of them settling in together and chatting quietly. Something twisted in Roger’s chest. Charlotte clearly didn’t like him. Worse, it felt like she was mad at him.
Trying to keep his composure, Roger walked over to the dining table and deliberately took the seat right next to Charlotte. “Lottie, I’ve been stuck overseas with work, so I couldn’t get back sooner. And he paused, making his voice gentler, “I really didn’t mean to be so harsh with you before.”
If he’d known who she was from the start, he never would have treated her that way.
“You’ve met before?” Samantha looked up as she ladled soup into a bowl for Charlotte, her tone both surprised and delighted. “You didn’t recognize Charlotte?”
“No,” Roger answered quietly, almost embarrassed.
Samantha brightened. “See? You two really are family. What a coincidence.” Roger couldn’t even fake a smile. To him, it just felt like fate messing with him.
“It’s good you’re home now,” Samantha said, placing the soup in front of Charlotte She spoke gently. “Lottie, don’t blame Roger. His work keeps him away for long stretches.”
Charlotte took the bowl, sipping her soup quietly as she listened.
“He’s only back now because of a new assignment. I heard he’s dealing with a really difficult professor this time.”
A difficult professor? Charlotte’s perfectly shaped brows lifted. She glanced over at Roger, her expression instantly turning cold.
“Mom, please—” Roger cut Samantha off quickly, his face going pale. He silently begged her to stop talking. He still wanted a chance to be Lottie’s brother.
Trying to make things right, he pulled out a gift he’d prepared ahead of time. “I picked this out just for you, Lottie. I hope you’ll forgive me.”
He sounded almost desperate. Kenneth immediately leaned over to get a look. “Roger, this must have cost you millions. Did you spend everything you’ve saved up these past few years?”
Charlotte’s eyelashes fluttered as she glanced at the jewelry, her expression lazy and a little bored. Millions? It was worth even more than that.
“I originally wanted to get a diamond at auction, but I wasn’t able to win the bid Roger said quietly, regret in his voice. These three pieces are still valuable, even if they don’t quite compare.”
A diamond? Charlotte stopped mid-sip, her spoon hovering in the air. Wait… So at the auction, the two people bidding against each other were Anthony’s grandmother and Roger? All three of them had been fighting over a diamond, just to give it to her?