Chapter 142
Charlotte pressed her lips together, silent and thoughtful. Anthony didn’t push for an answer. Instead, he gently ruffled her hair and spoke in a soft voice, “No matter what happens, Imperial Heights will always be your home. If you don’t mind, I can be your family too.”
His words sent her heart into an unpredictable rhythm. After a quiet moment, Charlotte tucked her phone away, glanced up at him, and teased, “So you’re planning to be my landlord forever?”
Anthony’s lips curved into a smile as he took her hand, giving her fingers a light squeeze. “You should dream bigger, you know. Like
Charlotte’s eyelashes fluttered as he leaned in, his breath warm against her cheek. She couldn’t help but blush.
“You could be my landlord and collect my rent,” Anthony finished, his meaning clear. He was offering more than a home-he was offering himself.
Charlotte just raised an eyebrow, not the least bit intimidated. A sly smile played on her lips. “You really are a businessman.”
“Oh? How do you figure?”
“You don’t just want my rent. You want me to go out, make money, and support you. Shameless.”
Anthony’s dark eyes sparkled, and a low, rough laugh rumbled from his chest. The sound lingered in the air, deep and tempting. She was still too young to catch his real meaning, but he let it go.
“Lottie, if you’re really so against supporting me Anthony gently traced her cheek with his thumb, voice barely above a whisper, “fine. I’ll take care of you instead.”
…
In the restroom, Charlotte couldn’t help but smile as cold water rushed over her hot
skin. She turned off the tap, dried her hands, and reached for her phone.
A news alert flashed on the screen: Jesse seriously ill, released for medical treatment…
Her grip tightened, lips pressing into a thin, dangerous line. Her face turned icy, and her eyes, usually so beautiful, now looked sharp and cold.
“Trash,” she muttered, locking her phone and strolling back to the private room.
…
Just as she was returning, the door suddenly swung open. A tall figure in a baseball
cap slipped inside, moving like he was trying not to be seen.
Anthony sat on the sofa, peeling longans with all the care in the world. At the noise, he looked up, eyes darkening the moment he recognized Kenneth. His voice came out flat. “Why are you here?”
“Who else would it be?” Kenneth shot back, whipping off his cap. “I ran into some crazy fans. Barely
escaped. He caught sight of then et
mountain of peeled longans on the table and reached for them without thinking. “How thoughtful. You remembered I like—”
Before he could finish, Anthony slapped his hand away. Years of training had made
him strong, and the sting made Kenneth jerk his hand back.
“Ow!” Kenneth grumbled, glaring at Anthony. “They’re not for me?”
Was there someone else here?
Kenneth glanced around and
spotted a backpack next to Anthony. The style was obviously
Student’s probably a guy’s Was
Anthony keeping some male student
company now, even peeling fruit for him?
Kenneth’s eyelid twitched. His heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, he thought
he might actually be sick.