Chapter 47
Charlotte followed the GPS until she found Anthony.
A sleek gray Bugatti Veyron was parked along a quiet street. Anthony stood by the car, impossible to miss. Even from a distance, he looked effortlessly handsome, hands in his pockets, watching her approach with a lazy, teasing smile that lingered at the corners of his mouth.
He didn’t look away, just kept his gaze locked on Charlotte as she walked up. For once, she was dressed neatly, her uniform prim and proper, making her look even younger than usual. She almost looked like a teenager, and Anthony couldn’t help but remember the way she’d snapped at him before. “When you were in college, I was still in third grade!” She might as well have called him ancient.
“Lottie, over here,” he called.
It had been ages since anyone called her that. Charlotte glanced up, meeting Anthony’s eyes. He looked so relaxed, that easy smile still on his face, but something in her chest tightened. She frowned, almost in spite of herself.
“Uncle,” she said, her voice coming out soft and a little lazy.
There it was again. “Uncle.” Anthony let out a low laugh. He reached out, like he was about to pinch her cheek, but stopped halfway. She was just looking at him, her eyes wide and clear, like she had never been touched by the world. He suddenly felt like even the smallest touch might ruin that.
So he let his hand fall to her forehead instead, gently brushing her bangs out of her eyes. If she wanted to keep calling him “uncle,” he’d let her… for now. He figured he’d get his chance to change that eventually.
“Let’s get something to eat. What do you feel like?” Anthony checked the time. Class had just ended, so she probably hadn’t eaten yet.
Charlotte had grabbed a couple of hand pies that morning, so she wasn’t hungry. She opened her mouth to say no, but Anthony beat her to it. “I’ve been waiting here for you for two hours. I’m starving.”
Up front, Hans almost choked. Two hours? They’d barely been here ten minutes. Did Anthony ever feel bad about lying so easily?
“Whatever,” Charlotte said. She slid into the passenger seat.
As soon as she sat down, Anthony leaned over, reaching for her seatbelt. He buckled her in, careful not to brush against her clothes or her arm.
“We’ll go to The Oak & Vine,” he said.
Charlotte blinked, a little surprised, but she covered it quickly. Of course he’d pick that place.
Fifteen minutes later, Anthony led her into The Oak & Vine, the most exclusive restaurant in Cabinda. The place was famous for its stunning menu and beautifully plated dishes. The top-floor private dining room was all glass, with a view that stretched out over the whole, Getting a reservation here was almost impossible unless you had real pull.
“Sit wherever you like,” Anthony said, pulling out a white lace-trimmed chair for her.
Charlotte sat down, tugging her skirt
A into place as it tried to ride up.
Anthony noticed, his eyes darkening just for a second. He quietly told a water to bring a blanket
“Is it new? Sterilized?” he asked.
“Yes, sir,” the waiter replied quickly.
Anthony took the blanket and walked over to Charlotte. He crouched down and gently tucked the soft blanket over her legs, making sure she was covered.
“If you need anything, just tell me.”
Charlotte glanced at him, something unreadable flickering in her eyes, and nodded. “Okay.”
She was almost too well-behaved. Anthony smiled, just a little, and sat back in his chair. His voice was low and smooth. “Let’s look at the menu.”
“Please wait a moment, sir,” the waitress said respectfully, then left to get the manager, Coulomb.
Anthony was a top-tier VIP here. Every month, he came in, and every time the manager greeted him personally.
A few minutes later, Coulomb
appeared. He was dressed in a
sharp black tuxedo and white gloves, carrying a thick, sparkling menu that looked like it belonged in a jewelry store rather than a restaurant.