Chapter 397
It was Anthony, no doubt about it. He wasn’t alone, though. Someone was next to him, bundled up so tightly that Andrew couldn’t even see their face. Who could that be? They were walking so close, almost like they were a couple. Had Anthony gotten bored during his business trip and let something happen? If Charlotte ever found out, it would be a disaster.
Andrew stretched his neck, squinting for a better look. After a few seconds, his eyes flew open in shock. Wasn’t that Charlotte? Who else could it be? Anthony was supposed to be at Apex, so what was Charlotte doing showing up with him? Andrew’s brain just couldn’t keep up.
Before he could make sense of it, Anthony was already leading Charlotte his way. The two of them, one tall and one shorter, loomed over him like twin mountains. Andrew froze on the spot, his face pale as he carefully looked up. He met Anthony’s deep, unreadable eyes, and a chill ran through him. “Anthony. Charlotte,” he greeted, trying to sound respectful.
Anthony opened his mouth to speak, but Charlotte cut in right away. “If you’re going be mad, be mad at me.” She said it simply, as if she wasn’t about to let Andrew take the blame for something she’d asked him to do.
Blame her? Anthony glanced at Charlotte, taking in her honest expression. Whatever anger he’d had slowly faded and he let out a long sigh. “This is the last time.”
“Fine,” Charlotte replied, barely paying attention.
“I understand, Anthony,” Andrew said, his heart pounding. He’d just dodged a bullet and quietly slipped over to Charlotte’s side. After worrying all afternoon, his legs still felt shaky. He promised himself right then and there that no matter what, even if Charlotte threatened him, he’d never get involved in something this risky again.
On the way home, Charlotte snuggled up in Anthony’s arms, scrolling through videos on her phone. Out of nowhere, a clip played showing a man forcing himself on a girl. The girl in the video screamed and fought, her face streaked with tears. Watching it, Charlotte’s face went pale. Her fingers curled up tight, and she pressed her lips together, holding her breath.
Anthony felt the sudden cold sweat on her palm and looked over gently. “What’s wrong? Are you feeling sick?”
“No.” Charlotte looked up at him.
Just seeing his face settled her nerves. She switched off her phone and grabbed his hand with both of hers, weaving their fingers together.
Anthony smiled at how clingy she was being. “Get some sleep,” he said softly. “I’ll wake you when we get there.”
Back at Imperial Heights, Charlotte barely touched her food before declaring she was exhausted and. heading upstairs to rest. Anthony tucked her in, then left the room and found Jackson and Adonis waiting outside, standing on either side like mismatched bodyguards?
“Lottie’s asleep,” Anthony told them, closing the door behind him. His eyes narrowed. “Why don’t we talk downstairs?”
In the living room, Anthony relaxed on the sofa in his robe, his long legs crossed. He looked every bit the part of s someone born to be admired,
with a face so attractive it was
almost unfair.
Jackson stayed quiet. Adonis just pouted, convinced that Charlotte was only into Anthony because of his looks.
“How long have you two been with Lottie?” Anthony asked, his deep voice breaking the silence.
“Three years,” Adonis answered right away, sounding a little defensive. “We’re Charlotte’s closest people. Out of everyone, she trusts us the most.”