Chapter 762
A low voice rumbled from the crowd. “You’re a disgrace. You’ve embarrassed both Eldoria and The Cabinda University.”
“With someone like you, being a doctor is just another way to hurt people.”
“Letty, get out of The Cabinda University!”
Letty covered her face and sank to the floor, her fingers digging desperately into the tiles. In that moment, she swore she would never forgive Charlotte. From now on, they were enemies.
***
Southside Club.
Three cars pulled up outside the entrance. Anthony was the first to get out, his arm around Charlotte. He still looked shaken after his run-in with the N Organization, his face pale and drawn.
Charlotte leaned into him, tilting her chin up with a soft smile. “Let’s just stay for a little while, okay?”
She already knew he wouldn’t leave early, no matter what she said.
“Okay,” Anthony said, lips curling into a gentle smile as he ruffled her hair. His voice was warm and teasing. “It’s my girlfriend’s first birthday with me. How could I miss it?”
Andrew had reserved a private room just for this night, to celebrate both Charlotte’s birthday and her championship win.
He pushed the door open.
The room was huge, decked out with decorations. Gift boxes were everywhere, covering the sofas and tables.
Charlotte stopped in the doorway, a little overwhelmed by it all. Just then, the lights dimmed and dozens of candles flickered to life. From behind the door, voices started singing “Happy Birthday.”
Charlotte turned around. Kenneth was walking toward her with a cake, still singing. Donald and Roger flanked him, each holding a bunch of balloons, all of them lit by the soft candlelight as they made their way over.
“Happy nineteenth birthday to our precious little princess,” they said together.
“Wishing you endless happiness.”
“May you always be this joyful.”
Her three brothers spoke in perfect unison.
Just as they finished, a loud pop sounded overhead, and petals drifted down from the ceiling.
“Happy birthday!” Shirley cheered, her voice bright. “Charlotte, it’s time to blow out the candles!”
Anthony stood behind Charlotte, one
arm
his her waist. He bent close,
his voice low just for her “Have you decided what to wish for
Charlotte looked up, and Anthony’s handsome face was right there, smiling at her.
She bit her lip, nodding. “Yeah.”
“Close your eyes,” Anthony whispered.
The whole room fell silent, everyone grinning as they watched Charlotte close her eyes.
No one really knew what she could possibly wish for now, but they all waited.
She blew out the candles, and the lights came back on.
They cut the cake, and then her brothers wouldn’t stop handing her presents. She spent a good half hour opening gifts, one after another.
Each brother had brought nineteen gifts, one for every year of her life, saying it was to “make up” for missing out before.
Charlotte looked up at the ceiling,
rubbing her neck. She couldn’t help but think this was the happiest birthday she’d ever had, even if
opening soarany presents
exhausting.
She reached for a glass on the table and took a sip thinking it was just
to water. Instead, whiskey bürned down her throat and settled hot in her stomach.
Great. Just perfect.