Chapter 515
Melissa would be over forty by the time she got out. Twenty years behind bars, and her life would be over.
The officer had barely finished speaking when someone at the door called out, “Charlotte’s here.”
Charlotte?
Freddy and Selena shot each other a look, faces tight with anger, and marched out of the room.
In the main hall, Charlotte sat slouched in a chair, eyes glued to her phone. Only half of her pale face showed, and she didn’t seem to notice anyone else in the room.
Selena glanced her way and let out a sharp laugh. “Figures. She looks broke. No wonder she went crawling into Anthony’s bed.”
Freddy’s jaw clenched, his eyes practically shooting sparks.
They walked right up to Charlotte and sat down next to her.
“We’re Melissa’s parents,” Freddy said, not bothering with pleasantries.
Charlotte finally looked up, her gaze cool and distant. She pressed her lips together, clearly not thrilled to see them.
“Let’s cut to the chase,” Selena said. “How much do you want to drop the charges?”
Here we go again. Charlotte almost laughed. So this is where Melissa got her arrogance.
“Money?” Charlotte picked up a glass of water and took a slow sip. She raised an eyebrow, her voice soft and a little mocking. “How much do you think Melissa’s life is worth?”
“You-”
Freddy and Selena stared at her, completely thrown by how bold she was. For a moment, they looked like they couldn’t even breathe.
“Who’s backing you?” Selena snapped. “Who gave you the guts to talk to us like this?” Her voice turned icy. “I was being polite because you’re young. But if you really want to go to court, you’ll never outlast us.”
She leaned in, voice low. “Go ask around. Our family’s name means something in Cabinda. And don’t pretend you’re not just after Anthony for his money. If it’s all about cash, what difference does it make where it comes from?”
“Five million. Will that do?”
To someone from the sticks, five million must sound like a dream.
“Think it over,” Selena said, her words sharp. “Don’t fool yourself into thinking you can do whatever you want just because Anthony’s on your side. The Blair family and Ours geway back. Theyre not about te ruin that over someone like you.”
“If you’re smart, you’ll take the money and walk away. If not
Charlotte’s lips curled into a half-smile. Something dangerous flickered in her eyes. She answered quietly, every word clear.
“If not, what?”
Selena hesitated, caught off guard. “What?”
“I don’t respond well to threats,” Charlotte replied. She stood up, slipped her hands into her pockets and looked down at them. There was a cold edge to her voice “Actually, the more someone tries to intimidate me, the more I want to push back.”
She turned to the officer. “I said I’d
aim for a twenty-year sentence
before ve changed my mind
mylawy go for life in prison.”
“And just so we’re clear, I won’t accept any kind of settlement.”
“Charlotte!” Freddy and Selena jumped to their feet, completely stunned.
“Oh, and you asked whose support I have?” Charlotte raised an eyebrow, her stare icy. “Anthony’s.”
She walked out, hands in her pockets, head high. Her confidence filled the whole room, leaving everyone staring after her in shock.
“She’s out of control Selena pressed a hand to her chest, furious. “How could Anthony fall for a girl so cold and ruthless?”
Did Patricia even know what this girl was really like?
If Charlotte was using Anthony’s name to destroy Melissa, then they’d just have to take it up with the Blairs.
Selena couldn’t wait to see who the Blair family would choose in the end—a nobody from the countryside, or their oldest friends.