Chapter 88

It was ten at night when Charlotte stepped out of the school gates, slinging her backpack over one shoulder. She paused on the curb, scanning the street. No sign of Anthony anywhere. Instead, she spotted the Main family’s car parked nearby.
Steven was outside by the window, holding a little cake box, talking to Olivia with a soft, doting smile. Whatever he said made Olivia light up and press closer to him. They looked exactly like those picture-perfect families you see in movies, all warmth and affection.
The driver, on his way to start the car, glanced up and spotted Charlotte standing alone in the glow of a streetlight. He looked surprised and leaned over to quietly let Steven know, “It’s Charlotte.”
Steven turned. The smile on his face vanished so fast it was almost funny. Charlotte stood under the streetlight, looking almost untouchable, her pale skin glowing, her features impossible to ignore. Even surrounded by people, she looked completely alone, like she had nowhere left to go.
Without the Main family, she was nothing, he thought.
“Dad Olivia handed the cake to the driver and slipped her arm through Steven’s, her voice sweet. “Charlotte’s right there. Should I go ask her to come home with us?”
She didn’t wait for his reply. She tugged Steven along and stopped in front of Charlotte, putting on her gentlest voice. “Charlotte, don’t be mad at Dad anymore. Come home, okay?”
Charlotte’s eyes went cold. She didn’t bother to hide her irritation. “You’ve got some nerve,” she said, sounding almost bored. “Cut the act.”
Olivia’s breath caught. Her eyes went a little red, but before she could say anything, Steven pulled her behind him and glared at Charlotte. “What did you say?”
He’d already heard about what Charlotte had done, flaunting her status and embarrassing Olivia at school in front of everyone. Now, Olivia was still trying to smooth things over and ask her to come home. She should be grateful.
But this girl… she just didn’t know her place.
“Dad, she’s not trying to upset you. Please, just let her come home,” Olivia pleaded, hugging Steven’s arm and giving it a gentle shake.
Steven looked down at her hopeful face. His anger faded a little. He couldn’t say no to her.
“She can come home,” he said, looking hard at Charlotte. “But she has to apologize to you first.”
“Dad
“Olivia, stop speaking up for her,” Steven cut her off, his voice sharp. He turned to Charlotte. “Did you hear me?”
Charlotte pulled her jacket around her shoulders and slowly lifted her gaze. She watched them for a few seconds then let out a laugh, pure, Sarcasm curting or her lips What is this, a soap opera?”
Steven’s jaw clenched. He could feel his temper boiling.
“Charlotte, Dad and I really want you to come home,” Olivia said softly, her voice trembling a little as she sniffed.
Really?
Charlotte stared right at her. “Last time I left, I said whoever tried to make me come back would be the fool. So, is it you, or is it your dad?”
“Charlotte!”
“I’m not deaf. No need to yell,” Charlotte shot back, her eyes icy. “Are you done? If you are, then get out of my sight.”
Steven’s fingers curled into fists. He barely held himself back from slapping her. If they weren’t standing in front of the school he would have shown this ungrateful brat what real discipline meant.
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“Charlotte you’ll come crawling back to me one day.” Steven grabbed
Olivia’s hand, fuming. “Olivia, let’s go Leave her to figure things out on her own.”.
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