Chapter 287
“Don’t worry, as long as I’m here, Anthony won’t dare mess with you.” Patricia
squeezed Charlotte’s hand, her eyes full of warmth and affection. “You’re so skinny. Has Anthony been too busy to look after you properly?”
She gave Charlotte’s slender arms a sympathetic look. It was hard not to feel protective.
“Grandma Anthony tried to protest, but he just ended up smiling helplessly.
“I haven’t even brought up the whole diamond thing with you yet,” Patricia interrupted, waving him away. “Go outside and think about what you’ve done. Don’t interrupt while I’m talking to Lottie.”
Anthony just stood there, completely at a loss for words.
Charlotte’s cheeks turned pink as she answered politely, “No, it’s nothing like that.”
“From now on, whenever you don’t have class on the weekend, come to The Blair Estate. Grandma will have someone cook you all your favorite dishes.”
“Okay.”
Patricia’s smile grew even brighter. She couldn’t help but adore Charlotte, who was just so sweet and lovely. She had heard all about how Charlotte saved her and even turned down the seventy million Anthony tried to give her. Charlotte was young, brilliant at medicine, and so kind-hearted. Patricia felt nothing but relief that Anthony had met her early on. If he had waited until college, someone else would have definitely snatched her away.
Charlotte ended up chatting with Patricia for ages and stayed for dinner at The Blair Estate. By the time it got dark, Anthony had to practically beg-coming up with a homework emergency-before Patricia was willing to let them leave.
In the car, Charlotte leaned back in her seat, feeling a little too full. She frowned slightly, rubbing her stomach.
“Grandma just kept piling food on your plate because she likes you,” Anthony said softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “You really don’t have to eat so much next time.”
“Mm.” Charlotte let out a quiet hum. There was a small, content smile on her face. She was clearly in a good mood.
“Hold on, I’ll stop and get you something to help with digestion.” Anthony noticed her discomfort and was about to ask Hans to pull over at a pharmacy. Before he could say anything, Hans handed a box of digestive tablets over from the front seat.
“Here you go, Anthony!” Hans looked at him with total sincerity.
Anthony took the box, unreadable as always.
“There’s water too,” Hans added, passing back a brand new thermos. “I just bought the cup. The water’s the perfect temperature.”
Anthony glanced at him again, his eyes a little darker. “What else did you bring?”
Hans reached into the passenger seat and pulled out a cute lumbar pillow. “Charlotte can use this. It’ll be more comfortable.”
Anthony finally relaxed and took everything. His mood visibly
improved. Hans, sensing he was out of the danger zone, almost started celebrating inside content belongs fo
But then Charlotte’s lazy voice floated out from the back seat. “Hans, you’re actually pretty thoughtful.”
Hans felt like those words just
ret
landed right on his head. He could feel Anthony’s cold stare burning e hole through him the moment Charlotte finished speaking.
“Charlotte, you’ve got it all wrong, I just—”
“Hans, you’re leaving first thing tomorrow morning,” Anthony cut in, his voice icy. “Just drive.”
Hans was stunned into silence.
When they got home, Charlotte was so tired she could barely keep her eyes open
as she took a quick shower.
When she came out, Anthony was
already sitting on the sofa in her
room. He had one leg crossed over the othe his arms, stretched out lazily along the back of the sofa. The top buttons of his shirt were undone, his hair was a little messy, and the warm light made him look unfairly attractive.
He glanced up at the sound of her footsteps, and their eyes met. His gaze softened
as he called her over. “Lottie, come here.”
Charlotte blinked, then walked over and sat down beside him without hesitation.