Chapter 190
Charlotte was feeling even guiltier now.
After breakfast, Anthony insisted on driving her to Vanguard High. As soon as Charlotte slid into the passenger seat, she buried herself in her tablet, pretending to
be busy.
Then a notification popped up: the Global Defense System had been built and the delivery went through. She suddenly sat up straight.
Wait, when did she even do that? She stole a glance at Anthony, who was watching her with a look she couldn’t read. Silence settled between them. Last night… when she was drunk…
Did she just give herself away in front of Anthony?
She couldn’t remember ever feeling this embarrassed.
Anthony looked at the little frown creasing her delicate features and smiled softly, reaching over to take her hand. “Did I take advantage of you last night?”
Charlotte looked up, confused. “What?”
“Two hundred million isn’t enough. It’s not how things are usually done.” He pulled out his phone and sent an extra fifty million to Nine’s account. “This is a bonus. I’ll take you somewhere special this weekend and get you a present.”
Charlotte had been in a bad mood, but that fifty million made it a lot easier to smile.
“Thanks, uncle.” She accepted it without hesitation, shoved her tablet into her bag, and her eyes sparkled with a hint of pride. There was something mischievous and a little bit charming about her smile.
She didn’t bother explaining, and Anthony didn’t press. He knew Charlotte was a mystery, and he was happy to let her keep her secrets until she felt ready to share.
Ten minutes later, they pulled up outside Vanguard High. Charlotte grabbed her backpack and bent down to get out, but Anthony caught her wrist, holding her back. His eyes were dark and serious. “You’re just going to walk away?”
Charlotte froze, not sure what he meant.
“Yesterday, you were drunk. You kissed me. Right here in the car.”
Kissed him? Hans, sitting in the driver’s seat, tried not to laugh. Anthony really had no shame these days.
Charlotte blinked for a moment, then responded coolly, her face blank. “Oh.” There wasn’t a hint of guilt or embarrassment.
That was it? Just “oh”? She kissed him and now she wanted to pretend nothing happened?
Anthony kept staring at her, waiting for more. Charlotte pressed her lips together and asked, completely serious, “So, do you want to kiss me back?”
He had only meant to tease her, but her question caught him off guard. For a moment, he had no idea what to say.
Anthony let out a low laugh and leaned in, closing the distance between them. She could feel his warm breath on her skin.
Charlotte’s lashes trembled. There was a nervous flicker in her eyes and Anthony caught it right away. No matter how many masks she Wore, she couldn’t hide what she was really feeling.
“Relax. I’m not some kind of monster, he whispered, gently pinching her chin. His voice was low and affectionate “Lottle you’re old enough to know how to own up to what you do.”
Own up? Charlotte’s lashes fluttered, her cheeks burning. Was he really expecting
her to take responsibility for kissing him? He was dreaming.
“Go to class. And don’t eat anything weird,” Anthony said, squeezing her fingers gently’ll pick you up after school. We’re going to meet Kenneth.”
He figured the Gates family had probably been waiting for a chance to meet Lottie
ever since they found out she existed.