Chapter 149
“It’s true. I’ve got a photo of my aunt on my phone,” Kenneth said, trying to sound serious but clearly excited. He ran his fingers through his hair, glancing at Anthony. “She and Lottie look
He stopped short when Anthony shot him a frosty look, then quickly changed his words. “I mean, she and Charlotte look exactly alike.”
Honestly, other than his aunt’s own daughter, he doubted anyone else on earth could be that pretty.
Anthony watched him, clearly skeptical. His dark eyes narrowed, and his lips pressed into a straight line. The chill in the air around him was enough to keep anyone at a distance.
“Does Lottie know about this?” Anthony asked, voice low.
Kenneth slumped back on the couch, his good looks twisted in frustration. The first time he met Lottie, he’d told her she looked like his sister or something… but she hadn’t exactly taken it well. He had tried to be her brother, but she’d acted like she wanted to be his dad instead.
Anthony guessed what had happened just by looking at Kenneth’s defeated face. A small, knowing smile touched his lips. No wonder Charlotte hadn’t been happy to see him from the start.
“If the Gates family wants to investigate, that’s fine,” Anthony said, his voice suddenly protective. “But don’t treat Charlotte like she’s clueless. She deserves to know what’s going on, and she gets to decide if she wants a DNA test. She has an exam tomorrow. After that, I’ll arrange for you two to meet again.”
“Alright,” Kenneth muttered, pouting a little. Anthony really did look out for Charlotte.
Anthony brushed off his shirt, then bent down and grabbed a box of chips and a bottle of fresh orange juice. He raised his brows. “If it turns out she’s your aunt’s daughter, what’s the Gates family going to do?”
Kenneth got up, rubbing his
backside and chuckling. “Our family ranking right now? My grandpa’s first, then my parents, then my two older brothers then me way at the bottom. But if Charlotte comes home, she’ll go straight to the top.”
That actually seemed to please Anthony. He finally looked a little less stiff. “Stay away from Lottie tonight. If she gets mad and tries to hit you again
Kenneth hobbled after him, still confused and a little pitiful.
Anthony paused, turned his head, and grinned, his voice teasing and full of fondness. “I’ll hand her a knife.”
Kenneth stood there speechless. Seriously? Anthony was a terrible influence on Lottie.
Out in the hallway, Charlotte leaned against the wall, Anthony’s big jacket draped over her shoulders. Her head was lowered, and the soft orange light washed over her, turning Ker into something almost dreamlike. Just her profile was enough to make people stare.
“That girl with Mr. Sterling is honestly the prettiest I’ve ever seen,” one of the waitresses whispered. “No makeup at all and still perfect.”
“I know, right? She doesn’t act fake either, or try to flatter anyone,” ē another waitress chimed in. “And did you see how patient and gentle Mr. Sterling was with her id never have believed if I didnt see it myself.
If they hadn’t witnessed it, they would’ve thought Anthony really was as cold and
distant as the rumors made him out to be.