Chapter 103

Imperial Heights.
Charlotte made her way home around eight, barely steady on her feet. The grand hall was awash in bright, golden light.
Anthony sat on the sofa, dressed in pale gray loungewear, posture straight and composed. One hand rested lazily on the armrest, his eyes focused on the papers spread across his lap.
The warm light barely touched the cool, sculpted lines of his face. He looked like he belonged in a different world, untouchable and distant, almost like a god sitting high above everyone else.
Charlotte stopped at the doorway, her gaze lingering on him, wide-eyed and silent.
Anthony was almost too handsome. Unfairly so.
“Woof, woof!”
Hearing her, 98K, the dog curled up at Anthony’s feet, barked twice, leaped up, and bounded over to Charlotte. He wove around her legs, tail wagging so hard his whole body wiggled.
The noise made Anthony look up. He caught sight of Charlotte standing frozen at the entrance, and a tiny smile tugged at his lips. Setting his papers aside, he crossed the room and reached for her hand.
“Did you have a good time?” His voice was low and gentle, almost teasing.
He didn’t ask where she’d been. Just whether she’d enjoyed herself.
Charlotte pressed her lips together, about to answer, when a sudden sting ran through her hand.
Anthony noticed right away. He lifted her hand, frowning as he saw the smear of dried blood.
It was bleeding, and had been for a while.
Charlotte’s expression tightened. She must have scraped herself climbing through that window.
Anthony’s calm features sharpened, just a hint of coldness in his eyes. He took her by the wrist and led her over to the sofa.
“I
“Don’t move.”
He brushed her hair gently, his voice low. “Bring me the first-aid kit.”
Helen hurried in with the kit, her eyes widening when she saw the blood. “Charlotte, how did you hurt your hand?”
Her voice was full of concern. Charlotte’s hands were always so soft and pretty. It would be such a pity if they scarred.
Helen’s face puckered with worry. “Sit still. Let me clean that up for you.”
“I’ll handle it.”
Anthony’s voice was cool and firm, stopping Helen in her tracks.
“Helen, go make her something to eat.”
Helen blinked, then nodded quickly under his serious gaze.
She was halfway to the kitchen when Anthony called after her, “No chili. No soy sauce.”
If the cut got irritated, it could scar.
“Yes, sir.” She made a careful note
stealing a nervous glance at
Anthony before heading out. Her
heart pounded. Was he angry? 7
Tooked absolutely terrifying.
In the quiet living room, Anthony knelt on one knee in front of Charlotte, carefully
cleaning the blood from her hand with a cotton swab and gauze.
He looked up at her, eyes deep and searching. “Did you get into a fight?”
Charlotte pressed her lips together and stared back at him for a long moment, her eyes shining. She blinked, then whispered “No. just scratched it by accident. It doesn’t hurt.”

Anthony studied her face, his dark eyes lingering on hers. He wasn’t sure whether to
be angry or laugh.
“You’re not lying to me, right?”
Charlotte held his gaze, lips still pressed together.
Anthony tossed the gauze aside and sprinkled antiseptic over her cut, his movements gentle. Watching her Rale face he let out a quiet scoff if you’re living here, I’m responsible for you. Whatever happens, you can tell me.”
Charlotte listened quietly, her heart softening with every word.