Chapter 446
Lavinia had always liked Charlotte. Now that Charlotte was officially her daughter-in- law, she was even happier, her eyes lighting up with warmth every time she looked at her.
“Lottie, if Anthony ever gives you a hard time, you come straight to me,” Lavinia said, giving Charlotte’s hand a gentle squeeze. “I’ll handle him for you. I’ll make sure my husband sets him straight.”
“Okay,” Charlotte replied softly.
She glanced up at Anthony, a quiet smile on her lips, finally feeling at ease.
Since they’d met, Lavinia hadn’t tried to dig into her past or ask any uncomfortable questions. Most of the time, she just reminded Anthony not to treat Charlotte badly. His parents were truly good people. No wonder he turned out the way he did. “Anthony, Patricia has arrived.”
A servant’s respectful voice floated in from the doorway. “She asked that you bring Charlotte to see her.”
Anthony nodded, then slipped his arm around Charlotte’s waist and pulled her gently closer. He looked at Lavinia. “Grandma’s here. I’ll take Lottie over now.”
“Alright, go on, go on.” Lavinia let go of Charlotte’s hand, still smiling at her with affection. “Lottie, you head over first. I’ll just change my clothes and join you in a bit.”
“Alright,” Charlotte said, nodding.
Just looking at Charlotte made Lavinia so happy. No wonder Anthony had fallen for her.
“Go on, sweetheart.” Lavinia gave her hand one last loving pat, then turned to Anthony with a serious look. “Lottie’s never been to one of our family parties before. Make sure you look after her, okay? Don’t let anything happen to her.”
Let anything happen to her? Honestly, it would be a miracle if Lottie didn’t end up getting someone else in trouble.
Anthony nodded, then reached up to fix her hair, making sure her face was mostly hidden before leading her out.
“Anthony, Charlotte, wait for me!”
Andrew hurried after them.
When the three of
of them had left, Matthew came up beside Lavinia, his face dark with worry. “I heard Lottie’s father abandoned her in the countryside when she was little She had to fend for herself. And even when she came back, they kicked her out again.”
Anthony hadn’t told them all the details yet.
“That monster,” Lavinia said, her brow furrowing tightly, her eyes filled with nothing but pain for Charlotte.
But that didn’t matter anymore.
From now on, the Blair family would stand behind her. Everyone in this family would
be her family, and they would give her all the love she deserved.
…
Outside the lounge, Anthony walked hand in hand with Charlotte along a shady, tree-lined path. Everything felt peaceful and warm.
“What’s got you smiling?” he asked, noticing the sudden brightness in her eyes. He gently pushed up the brim of her hat, meeting her clear gaze.
“It’s nothing,” Charlotte said, her eyes turning up with a soft smile. “I just really like your parents.”
“They like you too,” Anthony said, his lips curving in a rare, genuine smile.
He stopped walking, his eyes searching hers. “Lottie, is there something you want to tell me?”
Charlotte could guess what he meant.
After a short pause, she answered
honestly. Back when I lived in Lamplighter Village, I made a friend. I went to visit her the other day, and on the way back, I ran into your parents.”
“A friend from Lamplighter Village..” Anthony repeated, his eyes growing thoughtful. He hadn’t expected her togpen up about this. “is she
important to you?”
“She is. She’s as important to me as family.”