Chapter 48

“Anthony, long time no see.” Coulomb gave a respectful little bow as he greeted him.
“Let the lady order first,” Anthony replied.
“Of course.” Coulomb turned to Charlotte with the menu in hand, but as soon as he saw her, his smile froze. That face… he knew it far too well. Wasn’t this
Charlotte set her glass down and caught Coulomb’s stunned look, her voice calm and unhurried. “It’s my first time here. I’ve never tried anything on the menu. Anthony, you pick.”
Never been here before? Coulomb hesitated, glancing at her again. “Are you sure, miss? You really haven’t been here before?”
Was it possible for two people to look exactly the same, sound the same, and move in the same way? No way. Even after three months apart, he’d never mistake his boss for someone else. That face was unforgettable.
Charlotte pushed the menu back, laced her fingers under her chin, and smirked. “If I say I haven’t, then I haven’t.”
Coulomb got the message and handed the menu to Anthony.
Anthony scanned the menu, but his attention kept drifting to Charlotte. She looked bright and beautiful, her features delicate and lively. When it was just the two of them, she’d call him uncle and tease him about being old. In front of other people, she always called him Anthony, giving him some respect. She really knew how to take care of someone’s pride.
“We’ll have the tomato beef stew, pan-seared lamb chops, tuna ham salad, and a slice of cake.”
Coulomb shot another quick look at Charlotte. What exactly was going on between her and Anthony? She’d never mentioned him before, and they’d never come in together, but Anthony knew her favorites by heart. Every single dish.
“Right away, Anthony, Miss Charlotte.” Coulomb hurried off with the menu.
Dishes started coming out one after another.
“No need for any more service. You can all go,” Anthony said.
“Yes, sir!”
Once everyone left, the two of them had the whole floor to themselves.
“These dishes are all pretty good. Try them,” Anthony said, ladling soup into a bowl
for her and using serving chopsticks to fill her plate.
Charlotte took a sip, tasting it carefully. She looked up with a little smile. “It’s delicious.”
Anthony reached over with a napkin, gently wiping the corner of her mouth. “If you like it, I’ll bring you here again.” His voice was low and smooth, almost hypnotic.
Charlotte bit her spoon and didn’t answer. Was he already lining up an excuse for next time? She stayed quiet but Anthony didn’t mind. Being cautious was a good thing, less chance of being tricked.
…
Hans had left early. After lunch, Anthony drove Charlotte back to campus himself.
On the way, Anthony’s phone rang.
“Charlotte, can you answer that for me?”
Charlotte was busy typing out a
message: “Pretend you didn’t see et
me today. And don’t give Anthony any discounts.” As soon as she sent it, she picked up Anthony’s phone.
“It’s your grandmother.”
“Just put it on speaker,” Anthony said, giving her a soft, reassuring smile.
Charlotte felt a little awkward, but she did what he asked.
“Grandma, I just finished lunch. What’s up?” Anthony’s polite tone was immediately met with a burst of scolding from the other end.
“Lunch? At your age, you still have an appetite?” Patricia’s voice was strong and feisty.
“Why didn’t you show up for that blind date I arranged? Anthony, you’re almost thirty! Are you trying to drive me crazy?”
“Grandma, I’ve been busy.” Anthony listened quietly, his eyes lingering on Charlotte’s confused expression, a faint smile curving his lips. “Besides, just because I’m a little older doesn’t mean I don’t have anything to offer. I’m sure there’s a girl out there who like me.”