Chapter 198
Kenneth wasn’t joking around. He knew Anthony better than anyone. The man was powerful, untouchable, and always kept his distance. Nobody in their right mind would mess with him. Lottie, on the other hand, was sweet and innocent, open- hearted and a little delicate. She just wasn’t in Anthony’s league.
“Playing games?” Anthony glanced over at Charlotte, who was in the car, head down, busy with her phone. A sly smile tugged at his lips. “Not just anyone gets my attention. I don’t waste my time or energy on girls I don’t actually like.”
At least that sounded honest for once.
Kenneth let out a cough, his face softening up. “My grandpa still doesn’t know Lottie’s living with you. If he finds out, you’re on your own, man.”
“Alright.”
Kenneth frowned, thrown off. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I’ll make some time to get on Robert’s good side. Cheer him up a bit.”
Typical. Kenneth couldn’t help thinking Anthony was a shrewd businessman through and through.
He knew Anthony was trustworthy, so he didn’t say much more. Still, that smug look on Anthony’s face was annoying. On his way out, Kenneth tossed one last jab over his shoulder.
“With all that free time, maybe you should focus on staying young. Watch out or some bright, good-looking guy at school might sweep Charlotte off her feet.”
He was gone before Anthony could even react.
Sweep her off her feet? Anthony’s expression went cold in an instant. He was both annoyed and kind of helpless. Like he’d ever let that happen. She could try all she wanted.
Inside the car, Charlotte was curled up with her tablet, scrolling through the news, her eyelids drooping with sleep. Suddenly, a new email popped up. The sender was just an L from Veridia.
She clicked it open. It was short and polite.
[I’ll be in Cabinda for a competition in two days. Would you have time to meet up? I have some things I’d like to discuss with you.]
Charlotte barely glanced at it, yawned, and typed back a simple reply. [Sure]
The moment she hit send, the car door opened and a blast of cold air rushed inside. Charlotte, with her collar sitting a little too low, shivered and pulled her shoulders in.
“Are you cold?” Anthony shut the
door right away. He slid into his seat, took off his coat, and wrapped it around her. Then, without warning, he lifted her up and settled her on his lap. Still cold? ‘
They were so close, she could feel his warmth Charlotte blinked and, as she lowered her eyes, she caught a glimpse of Anthony’s shirt, a few buttons undone showing off his sharp collarbones. The soft yellow light made everything look even more tempting.
Charlotte bit her lip. She tried to play it cool, lifting her head to meet Anthony’s eyes. “Honestly, I’m kind of hot.”
Anthony leaned in a little, his hands gentle on her waist, a playful smile on his lips. “The coat’s for you. I’m actually freezing.”
“So just let me hold you, okay?” He gave her cheek a soft squeeze, his voice warm and teasing. “Thanks for helping me stay warm.”
Charlotte’s eyes flickered. Fine. Since he was being ‘selfless,’ she’d let him hold her for now.
Anthony smiled at the sight of her
settling into his arms. “Get some
sleep. I’ll wake you when we’re
there.” With one arm around her
waist be reached over with the other
hand to move her backpack out of the way.
SV