Chapter 199

Right then, Anthony’s phone buzzed. He glanced down to see a message from an unknown number. It read, I like you.
Like her? Someone at school was trying to hit on her? Honestly, he couldn’t be surprised. Lottie was gorgeous and smart, and there was no way she didn’t have a line of admirers. This was just the one that got bold enough to text. Who knew how many others kept it to themselves?
Kenneth’s words replayed in his mind. Maybe you should take care of yourself. Don’t let some young, smooth-talking guy from school steal Charlotte away.
Was that really what girls her age liked? Young, handsome, full of sweet talk?
Anthony looked down at Charlotte, who was curled up in his arms. She was fast asleep, her cheek resting against his chest, her breathing soft and steady. She had kissed him, and now she was just sleeping like nothing had happened?
A wave of irritation crept over him. He tugged at his tie, his pale fingers twisting the fabric. Was he really so much older than her? Was he being left behind?
Up front, Hans caught sight of the scene in the rearview mirror. He saw Anthony’s stormy expression and felt a chill run through him. Ms. Main must be insanely popular at school. He wondered if there was someone she actually liked.
Anthony was in trouble.
The sports car jerked slightly as it rolled to a stop. The movement woke Charlotte. She frowned, annoyed, and opened her eyes slowly, only to meet Anthony’s sharp, handsome face. He had one arm around her waist, his eyes dark and unreadable, watching her closely.
He looked like he was in a bad mood. Was he mad at her? Charlotte pursed her lips, puzzled.
“Anthony. Ms. Main. We’re here.” Hans carefully opened the back door, taking in their close position and speaking extra gently.
“I didn’t need you to remind me.” Anthony’s voice was icy as he shot Hans a glare. He was clearly looking for someone to take out his frustration on.
Hans blinked, completely at a loss, and backed up quickly. He really knew how to pick the wrong moment.
Charlotte glanced between the two, raising a brow. “Did Hans do something to upset you?”
“Yeah. I’m not happy at all,” Anthony muttered, lowering his gaze. He took her hand, squeezing her slender fingers and tried to force a smile Are you going to walk, or Should I carry you?”
“Huh?” Charlotte blinked in confusion. Before she could answer, Anthony scooped her up into his arms, not giving her a chance to protest.
“Don’t move. I’m not in a good mood, so don’t blame me if you fall.” He tucked her
coat around her securely, holding her close as he strode toward the villa.
“Grab her bag,” he ordered.
“Yes, Anthony Hans rushed to pick up Charlotte’s backpack, jogging to catch up with them. He sighed to himself. That backpack might as well be a live grenade with all the drama packed inside. Ms. Main was definitely Anthony’s biggest weakness.
Upstairs, in the bedroom, Anthony carefully set Charlotte down on the sofa. He knelt in front of her gently tapped her nose with ars
an
finger, his voice soft. “So, how did it go with your grandpa and uncle?”