Chapter 530
“But Stella’s voice was barely above a whisper as she edged closer to Charlotte, her eyes red and watery, like a little rabbit’s. “Charlotte, do you really trust me that much?”
“Of course I do.” Charlotte gave her a warm smile, ruffling Stella’s hair in that familiar, affectionate way. “Don’t stress. Once the exams are done, just get ready to start school with me.”
“There’s still two weeks. I’ll work hard on the practice questions,” Stella said, determined. She nodded, then paused as something caught her eye-a faint red mark just below Charlotte’s collarbone. Her brows knitted in confusion as she asked softly, “What’s that
Charlotte glanced down, then quickly licked her lips, a little awkward. “I’ll be more careful next time.”
Next time? There was going to be a next time?
Jackson and Adonis both shot her a look, their eyes wide, outrage written all over their faces. But neither dared say a word. Anthony was really something else.
Charlotte spent the next two hours with Stella, patiently going over all the important topics one by one.
As she got ready to leave, Charlotte noticed the huge stack of review materials piled on Stella’s desk. She frowned and lowered her voice. “You need to be in bed before ten tonight. I’ll check on you.”
“I know,” Stella replied, looping her arm through Charlotte’s as she walked her downstairs. She stopped at the door and looked at Charlotte seriously. “Charlotte, is Mr. Blair treating you well?”
“Yeah.” Charlotte’s lips curled into the tiniest smile. She didn’t even hesitate. “I’ll introduce you to him sometime.”
“Good.” Stella squeezed Charlotte’s hand, relief washing over her face. “Charlotte, if he ever bullies you, promise you’ll tell me.”
“You planning to take him down?” Charlotte grinned.
Stella’s cheeks went pink. She lowered her voice. “I could ask
Jackson and Adonis to take care of
”
it Adonts were tough. ackson and Anyone who messed with Charlotte
would have to answer to her.
Meanwhile, the so-called tough guys, Jackson and Adonis, could only groan inwardly. Sure, they could fight, but going up against Anthony? Not a chance. And honestly, they knew they’d lose.
On the way back to school, Charlotte scrolled through the latest headlines on her phone.
The Main Group had declared bankruptcy. Melissa was being prosecuted for murder and was headed for prison. The Carter Group’s stock had tanked, their future now up in the air.
And then, right at the top of every newsfeed: Jesse had confessed to what he’d done five years ago and finally told the whole truth.
The comments under the articles had completely changed. Where people used to blame Charlotte, now it was all words of pity and support. People were finally saying how sorry they felt for her and how undeserved it had all been.
Back at Vanguard High School, the moment Charlotte walked into her classroom, Shirley rushed over, clutching a giant bouquet of sunflowers.
Andrew and Parrish set off confetti poppers, scattering colorful bits all over the floor.
“Charlotte!” Shirley called out, and before Charlotte could say anything, Shirley threw her arms around her in a tight hug, eyes already shining with tears. “You’re finally back.”
“I was so worried about you while you were gone.” Shirley had wanted to visit, but Andrew told her it was complicated and that with Anthony around, things would be okay.
“It’s alright now. Everything’s fine,” Shirley said her voice trembling a bit. “You’ve always been strong, and you stillare.” When Shirley had read in the news about what happened to Charlotte five years ago, she’d wanted nothing more than to hunt down the guy who hurt her.
“It’s over now,” Charlotte said softly, patting Shirley’s back to comfort her. She glanced down at the sunflowers in her arms, a little squished from the hug, and managed a small, helpless smile.