Chapter 683
“Yes.” Anthony answered right away, taking responsibility for everything. “Robert, this isn’t about Lottie. If you’re mad, take it out on me. I can handle it.”
Before anyone could react, Anthony dropped to his knees in front of Robert. His eyes were serious and sincere. “Robert, please trust me with Lottie. I promise I’ll do everything I can to protect her and love her.”
“You—” Robert was completely thrown off. So was everyone else in the room.
Anthony was known for being ruthless in business. He’d never even lowered his head to anyone, let alone knelt. But now, he was right there on the floor, showing how much this mattered to him. The shock was almost too much to process.
Charlotte turned her head, her eyes a little shaky as she looked at Anthony kneeling on the floor. “What… what are you doing? Get up and talk to us
Even Robert was startled enough to get to his feet. The anger he’d been holding onto started to melt away, just seeing Anthony like this.
Anthony shook his head. His voice was steady. “I know forever is a long time. I know promises like this can sound silly. But I’m serious about Lottie. I really want to spend my whole life with her.”
Kevin and his family exchanged glances, taking this all in. Samantha’s eyes turned glassy with emotion. She could tell Anthony wasn’t just saying empty words. The way he’d taken care of Lottie earlier-she could feel that it was real.
Watching Anthony, Robert felt a rush of guilt. He frowned a little, then turned to Charlotte. His voice softened. “Lottie, come with me.”
Charlotte nodded. She walked a few steps with Robert, but then stopped, turned back, and hurried to Anthony. She bent down, brushed her fingers gently against his cheek, and gave him a playful smile. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure you can still walk tomorrow.”
Anthony looked up at her with a soft, adoring smile. He squeezed her fingers and murmured, “Be good. Don’t talk back to your grandpa.”
“Okay.” Charlotte tapped his cheek with her hand, gave him a sweet little smile, and then followed Robert into the next room.
Inside, Robert closed the door behind them.
“Lottie, I’m not old-fashioned. I’m not going to meddle in your love life. But He looked at her seriously, his voige gentle and without any blame, “Are you really sure about being with Anthony?”
She was so young. Could she really tell the difference between a crush and real love?
“Do you really know who Anthony is?” Robert went on. “He’s not as simple as he seems, you know.”
Anthony had power all over Astoria. Even Robert wasn’t sure he fully understood him, and he was a grown man-how could a young girl like Charlotte possibly know?
Hearing this, Charlotte just smiled, her lips curving gently.
“I’m sure,” she said. Her hands were clasped behind her back, her posture straight, her expression totally serious. No matter if he’s rich or broke good or bad faccept him.
Even if it costs me everything, I still
want to be with him.”
.net
Robert was stunned. He never expected his granddaughter to say something so mature, so sure.
“And Grandpa, Charlotte said softly,
“I fell for Anthony five years ago, back when I was in the hospital. If it weren’t for him, maybe you’d never have seen the again. He means more to me than I can ever explain. No one else will understand that-only I do.”