Chapter 439

“Whatever you say.”
Charlotte shot Anthony a sideways glance but didn’t argue.
“It’s still early. Let’s head inside and relax for a while.”
Anthony held ‘Sunset’ in one hand and Charlotte’s hand in the other. He walked her through the entrance, earning a few surprised looks from the staff and security. The main hall was reserved just for the Blair family. Outsiders were never allowed in. Did Anthony bringing her here mean she was the future Mrs. Blair? But… she looked so young.
There was still an hour before the banquet would start. Patricia, Lavinia, and Matthew were stuck in traffic. The villa felt almost empty.
“Grandma’s car is caught up on the road, so there’s no one outside to greet the guests.” Anthony led Charlotte to a quiet lounge area and asked someone to bring over a pile of snacks. He leaned down a little, his voice gentle. “I need to handle a few things. You can just hang out here, okay?”
“Go ahead.”
Charlotte settled onto the sofa with her phone, her response soft and indifferent.
“Don’t wander off
11
Anthony gave her chin a gentle squeeze, coaxing her. “I called Andrew. He’ll come keep you company soon.”
“You talk a lot.”
Charlotte finally looked up from her phone, her eyes resting on Anthony’s handsome face. She couldn’t help herself-she reached out and brushed his cheek with her fingers.
Anthony’s eyes turned a shade darker. He bent down and pressed a quick kiss to the corner of her lips. A little smile tugged at his mouth. “Be good and wait for me.”
He left the hall, still looking a little flustered. Charlotte watched him go, a small smile curling at her lips. Was he really that easy to get flustered? All it took was a little touch?
Not long after Anthony left, hurried footsteps echoed at the entrance.
“Charlotte!”
Andrew’s loud voice bounced around the hall.
Charlotte glanced at him, her tone flat. “Keep it down. I’m not deaf.”
Andrew’s eyes lit up when he saw her in her simple long dress, no makeup at all. Today was Grandma’s birthday banquet. Every influential young woman in Cabinda had shown up, all dolled up, O desperate to catch Anthony’s eye. Some of them might as well have had “I want to marry Anthony” written on their faces.
But then there was Charlotte-with her pretty face and quiet confidence, she stood out without even trying When she stood next to Anthony later, she’d steal the spotlight
without breaking a sweat.
“Charlotte, want some fruit? I can wash it for you,” Andrew offered, eager to please.
Anthony had made it clear he needed to take good care of her.
“No, thanks.”
Charlotte stood near the tall windows, glancing at her phone, a hint of impatience in her eyes. She didn’t like being away from Anthony for too long, especially somewhere unfamiliar.
“Water?”
Andrew hovered close, ready to help.
Charlotte shook her head, looking around the empty hall. Her voice was low. “Come for a walk with me.”
“Sure!”
Andrew kept up with her right away.
After a few steps, he stopped as if remembering something. “Wait, I’ll grab you a coat!” He took off in a flash.
Not far away, Lavinia walked arm-in-arm with her husband toward the lounge. She caught sight of two figures coming out and her eyes widened.
“My goddaughter!”
Lavinia quickly recognized Charlotte and her voice brimmed with excitement. “What’s Charlotte doing here?” And she was with Andrew. Wait… were they—
Lavinia stared for a moment, then turned to Matthew, her voice bubbling with curiosity. “Charlotte and Andrew know each other?”
It looked like Andrew had brought Charlotte along. Were they dating? The thought made her smile as she pulled out her phone, typing a message for Anthony.
Anthony, come quick and see your sister-in-law (Andrew’s girlfriend)!