Chapter 805
Two hours later, the sports car glided to a stop in front of a stunning villa, its garden bursting with color. Hans hopped out first, walked around, and pulled open the door. He glanced at Charlotte, curled up in Anthony’s arms with her eyes squeezed shut, and lowered his voice. “Anthony, we’re here.”
Anthony gently held Charlotte, his touch so careful it was almost unreal. He brushed a strand of hair from her face, fingertips lingering on her cheek. “Lottie?”
She heard him and finally blinked awake, her lashes fluttering. Half asleep, she burrowed closer into his chest.
“Come on, sleepyhead. We’re here.”
“Mmm.” Her answer was soft, barely more than a hum.
They headed inside together.
The hall was crowded. A whole row of men in black suits stood at attention, their presence heavy and intimidating. Steven and Elizabeth sat huddled together on the couch, squeezed into the corner, looking terrified and confused.
At the sound of the door opening, both of them looked up. The second they saw Charlotte and Anthony walk in, they froze. Shock flickered across their faces.
“How is it…?”
They thought some old enemy had finally come to settle the score. The last thing they expected was Charlotte and Anthony.
“Charlotte?” Elizabeth’s voice was sharp, her eyes narrowing. “What are you doing here? Get out!”
She knew Charlotte was trouble, which was exactly why she’d warned Olivia over and over not to mess with her. Olivia had listened, too. Since starting at The Cabinda University, she’d made sure to steer clear of Charlotte.
Wasn’t it enough that Charlotte had already ruined them? Now she was back, with an entire squad of people, like she was here to finish the job.
Before Elizabeth could say anything else, the lead bodyguard stepped forward. His voice was cold, and the look in his eyes was even colder. “You think you can just say Mrs. Blair’s name? Try it again, and you’ll regret it.”
Mrs. Blair?
Elizabeth was still nursing the sting on her cheek from the slap she’d just received. She stared at the bodyguard, her bravado vanishing in an instant. She’d always assumed Anthony would have dumped
Charlotte by now.
e never
imagined… they were actually
getting married.
But then she remembered Charlotte’s so-called genetic curse, and a twisted satisfaction flashed through her eyes. How could a girl who was supposed to die before twenty ever make it to the altar?
Mrs. Blair…
Steven looked up at them. The way Anthony looked at Charlotte made his frown deepen. He’d thought the Gates family was already powerful enough. Now Charlotte was about to become Mrs. Blair.
“Charlotte. Anthony.” Hans was back, carrying over two chairs and setting them down with a sort of reverence.
Anthony nodded, took off his suit jacket, and spread it neatly over the chair for Charlotte. He spoke quietly, “Sit.”
“Okay.” Charlotte was still a little distracted, the words “Mrs. Blair” echoing in her mind. Anthony’s voice snapped her out of it, and some of the harshness faded from her face.
They sat down, side by side, both of them radiating a cold, intimidating energy. The whole room seemed to tense up, and nobody dared to even breathe too loudly.
A second later, two DNA reports landed right in front of Steven.
He stared at them for a long
moment, then seemed to
.n
understand: His face went pale. He squeezed his eyes shut, but his hands started to shake. He already knew why Charlotte was here. Hed always known this day would come.
“You knew, didn’t you? That we’re not actually blood-related.” Charlotte’s voice was
quiet but cutting, her gaze locked on Steven.
“Charlotte, I…”
“I don’t want to hear it. And don’t even try to blame my mom.” Charlotte’s eyes were sharp and clear her tone te cold A daughter my grandfather raised would never do something like that.”