Chapter 18

He spoke with a teasing smile, his deep voice smooth and full of flirtation.
Charlotte took the milk, her cool expression softening just a little. “Thank you.”
Anthony watched as she unwrapped the straw and took tiny sips, the amusement in his eyes growing.
She really was just a kid.
“So, where do you live? I’ll take you home.”
Charlotte paused, digging through her bag. Her brows knitted in frustration.
Her rope was missing. She must have dropped it during the fight.
Now, she’d have to use the front door.
She went quiet, lips pressed together. “Could you take me to a hotel instead?”
Anthony noticed her hesitation, his usually cold gaze warming with interest. “You sneaked out, didn’t you? Afraid to go back?”
Charlotte’s long lashes dropped as she looked down, quietly drinking her milk.
“Hotels aren’t safe. Just stay at my place tonight.”
“Alright.”
He blinked, a little surprised. The tip of his tongue pressed against his cheek. “You’re pretty bold. Aren’t you worried I might be a bad guy?”
Charlotte met his eyes, her voice steady and innocent. “That’s okay. I’m not a good kid either.”
Anthony couldn’t help but laugh. She was interesting.
Half an hour later, the Bugatti glided to a stop in front of a luxurious villa.
Charlotte stood at the gate, slowly taking in the peaceful courtyard and the clean, elegant lines of the house.
It wasn’t the place she’d been to last time.
“This is my private place,” Anthony said, standing beside her, his gaze gentle as he watched her.
A middle-aged woman heard them arrive and hurried out, bowing politely. “Anthony, you’re home. And this is
Anthony knew she recognized him, but he couldn’t resist teasing. He bent down, his handsome face close to Charlotte’s and spoke in a low, playful voice What’s your name, little one?
Charlotte could tell he was doing it on purpose, treating her like a kid.
“Charlotte Main.”
“Charlotte Main Anthony repeated her name, tasting the sound, his lips curling into a mysterious smile. “Helen, please show Ms. Main to a guest room.”
Helen glanced at Charlotte and couldn’t help but look her up and down. The girl was tall and slender, fair-skinned, with a delicate beauty like a porcelain doll Clearly no ordinary
She just seemed… very young.
Anthony had never brought any woman home before. The first time, it was a girl like this.
“Yes, sir.” After more than twenty years working for Anthony, Helen knew when to keep quiet.
“Ms. Main, please come with me.”
Charlotte looked back at Anthony He raised an eyebrow, their eyes meeting for a moment. His gaze softened, as if something about her felt strangely familar, though he couldn’t figure out why.
“If you need anything, just let Helen know,” Anthony said, loosening his tie. His voice
was unexpectedly gentle.
Helen’s eyes widened a bit. Anthony was never like this with anyone.
“Okay,” Charlotte replied softly, then followed Helen upstairs.
The villa was mostly black and white, with hardly any decorations. The emptiness made it feel even colder.
“Ms. Main, this is your room,” Helen said, opening a door and stepping aside with a warm smile. “The bathroom has brand-new toiletries. If you need anything, just ask me.”
Charlotte looked at Helen, a trace of warmth flickering in her eyes. Her grandmother used to care for her just like this, with the same careful smile.
“Thank you, Helen.”
“You’re very welcome.” Helen’s smile grew, clearly pleased with how polite Charlotte
was.